MCU Borrows 7-Year-Old Storyline From TV Show Not Considered Canon

Warning: This article contains spoilers for What If…? season 3, episode 5, “What If… the Emergence Destroyed the Earth?”

Marvel’s Multiverse Encounters Previous Storylines

Despite Marvel Studios’ ongoing reluctance to officially incorporate Agents of SHIELD into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, What If…? season 3 boldly revisits pivotal narratives from the ABC series that began intriguing viewers back in December 2017. The third season skillfully wraps up the animated Multiverse Saga, diving into some of the most bizarre and imaginative universes within the MCU, including a devastated Earth governed by Spider-Man’s foe, Mysterio—a scenario reminiscent of classic Agents of SHIELD plots.

Delving into Celestial Theories

This season explores alternate angles on the contentious Eternals storyline from 2021. It first introduces a Celestial version of Agatha Harkness and later speculates on the outcome had Tiamut emerged successfully from the Earth. The narrative explored in episode 5, “What If… the Emergence Destroyed the Earth?”is innovative, yet it noticeably echoes earlier Marvel Television arcs. In fact, the concept of emergence might have been pioneered by Agents of SHIELD seven years prior.

What If…? Season 3’s Resonance with Agents Of SHIELD

Agents Of SHIELD’s Vision of a Ruined Earth

In May 2017, the season finale of Agents of SHIELD concluded intriguingly with Phil Coulson aboard a mysterious space station. When season 5 premiered that December, it unveiled this station orbiting a shattered Earth—setting the stage for much of that season’s plot. The devastated planet was marked by significant Kree activity, with the destruction initially blamed on Daisy Johnson but later attributed to Glenn Talbot’s misuse of Gravitonium.

Both series leverage the unsettling idea that a shattered Earth could still harbor survivors. While Agents of SHIELD depicted Kree and True Believers inhabiting the bleak landscape, in What If…?, Earth’s surviving heroes, including Riri Williams and an emerging Mysterio, navigate the remnants of their fractured home. Although parallels exist, What If…? delivers a far more impactful and entertaining rendition of this chaotic scenario.

Why What If…? Outperforms Agents Of SHIELD’s Narrative

A More Engaging Depiction of Destruction

Mysterio overlooking a ruined Earth in What If...?

While Agents of SHIELD season 5 focused heavily on a ruined Earth, the action largely took place in space, detracting from the dramatic tension. In contrast, “What If… the Emergence Destroyed the Earth?”is set entirely among the planet’s shattered fragments. This creates a more immersive and personal atmosphere, amplifying the emotional stakes of Riri Williams’ quest.

Dominique Thorne’s introduction as Riri Williams in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hints at her reprisal in the upcoming Ironheart series, further enriching her character’s journey. Additionally, What If…? excels in character development, featuring a compelling villain in the form of an evil Vision and a transformative Mysterio, voiced by Alejandro Saab. In contrast, the Kree leader Kasius from Agents of SHIELD fell short of capturing audience interest. Saab’s grizzled Mysterio emerges as a significant threat in this narrative, engaging Riri Williams amid the chaos of a devastated Earth.

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