Important Note: This article contains spoilers for What If…? Season 3.
What Lies Ahead for What If…? After Season 3
What If…? stands out as a pivotal addition to Marvel’s Multiverse Saga. Following the conclusion of the Infinity Saga, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) began to broaden its horizons by introducing various storytelling formats, including shows like WandaVision and Loki on Disney+. These series provided an in-depth exploration of beloved characters. In contrast, What If…? takes a creative leap by being an anthology series that embraces the potential of the Multiverse. Each episode presents a distinct narrative featuring existing characters alongside original heroes, allowing for a wide range of experimental storylines — all thriving within the animated format. However, following three successful seasons, uncertainty looms over the future of this innovative show.
Marvel’s Perspective on Season 4
Shifting Focus to New Projects
According to Marvel’s executives, What If…? has reached its conclusion, and Season 3 will be its final chapter. Brad Winderbaum, the Head of Streaming, Television, and Animation at Marvel Studios, recently shared insights with The Geekcentric Podcast. He explained that the series unfolded in three acts, focusing on Uatu, the Watcher, while incorporating an anthology structure.
We always looked at it as, it’s an anthology first and foremost, but that it would have an overarching narrative, especially when it comes to Uatu and his story as the Watcher and his struggle. Even though all three seasons culminate by the finish line, it is a slow burn and kind of keeps that anthological element of the story throughout, but if you look at the final episodes of each season as kind of a Watcher Act 1, Act 2, Act 3, I think it does stand alone as a Watcher story. And in terms of tying to the MCU, we do follow very closely the mythology that’s being set up for the multiverse as the MCU unfolds. Whether it’s kind of the revelation that the multiverse exists or the idea that it’s all now harnessed by Loki sitting in the center of the multiversal tree of stories, or, you know, as will be revealed over time why this was the perfect moment to culminate ‘What If…?’ in its third season.
This statement appears to clarify that Marvel currently has no plans for further seasons. While the show’s thematic relevance within the Multiverse Saga is clear, its place beyond this narrative remains uncertain.
The Future of What If… Season 4
Season 4 Renewal Looks Unlikely
As it stands, What If…? has not been designated for a fourth season. Following the conclusion of its narrative, Marvel is poised to shift its focus to upcoming projects. Nonetheless, the absence of a renewal does not eliminate the possibility of future installments.
Potential Cast for Season 4: Who Could Return?
Exploring New Characters in Future Episodes
Speculation surrounds which characters might appear if What If…? were to return. Should the anthology choose to move past Uatu and the established Multiverse storyline, it could delve into innovative tales and characters, especially with the inclusion of the X-Men into the MCU. The presence of Storm in Season 3 hints at the tantalizing possibilities of new narratives.
Director Bryan Andrews highlighted the timing of acquiring rights for X-Men characters during the production of Season 3, suggesting potential future collaborations. If What If…? does come back, fan-favorite characters like Wolverine might take center stage, alongside recurring characters such as Captain Carter and Uatu, with newly expanded crossover capabilities.
How Might Season 4 Further the Marvel Narrative?
Opportunities for New Stories in the MCU
The nature of anthology storytelling presents limitless opportunities for future seasons. The existing Marvel comics under the “What If” banner offer a treasure trove of alternate timelines and reimagined narratives that could serve as a springboard for Season 4.
Additionally, there are still compelling “what if” scenarios to investigate within the MCU. For example, the show could tackle the unconventional outcome of the snap affecting the original Avengers differently. Alternatively, it might continue to develop Uatu’s character arc, allowing for deeper storytelling as he assumes a leadership position among the Watchers. The series could also branch out to explore unique alternate realities within the expansive MCU landscape.
Upcoming Marvel Spinoff: Marvel Zombies
A New Direction Beyond What If…?
Even as What If…? seemingly wraps up with Season 3, a spin-off titled Marvel Zombies is on the horizon. Inspired by one of the popular episodes from the first season, “What If… Zombies?!”, this miniseries is set for release on October 3, 2025, comprising four episodes.
Marvel Zombies will feature a host of notable actors, including Elizabeth Olsen, David Harbour, Simu Liu, Iman Vellani, and Randall Park, reprising their roles. The response to this spin-off could significantly influence discussions about reviving What If…?, if only to explore more of the MCU’s vast narrative while considering intriguing scenarios that remain unaddressed.
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