The MCU Darkens Its Biggest Wars by Breaking a 60-Year-Old Rule

Warning! This article contains spoilers for What If…? season 3 episodes 5 and 6.

Exploring Uatu the Watcher’s Evolution in What If…? Season 3

What If…? delves deep into Uatu the Watcher’s experiences while observing the vast multiverse, stirring up interesting questions regarding the evolution of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and its most significant conflicts. Although the MCU began its storytelling odyssey in 2008, the superhero narrative has roots stretching back decades, with comic book giants like DC and Marvel rising to popularity during the mid-20th century. Today, the immense popularity of superheroes has paved the way for adaptations across various media platforms, where contemporary audiences enjoy these thrilling tales.

However, translating these iconic stories from page to screen has necessitated certain changes to engage modern viewers effectively. In the latest installment, What If…? season 3 introduces a remarkable turning point as Uatu, a Watcher, breaks a fundamental Marvel rule established since the character’s inception in 1964.

Uatu’s Disruption of Cosmic Order in Season 3

Uatu Defies the Watcher Code Yet Again

Uatu the Watcher in What If...? Season 3

Throughout the series, Uatu serves as a narrative lens, guiding audiences through alternate realities that diverge from the Sacred Timeline. His role is crucial to a comprehensive exploration of the multiverse, as he provides context that the MCU’s films and other shows only skim. Traditionally, Uatu’s mandate is clear: he must observe without interference. Yet, What If…? reveals a burgeoning dissatisfaction with this passive existence.

As he witnesses tragedies unfold, Uatu’s emotional vulnerabilities become pronounced. His passivity becomes increasingly untenable, prompting him to intervene. In episode 5 of season 3, he intervenes on behalf of Riri Williams, also known as Ironheart, saving her from an imminent encounter with Mysterio. In episode 6, Uatu’s actions directly impact the fate of young Kwai Jun-Fan, highlighting his exhaustion from merely watching chaos ensue.

The Consequences of Uatu’s Actions on the Story and MCU Continuity

Uatu’s Timely Rule-Breaking

Thanos vs Scarlet Witch in Avengers: Endgame

Uatu recently made the decision to abandon his observer role, an intriguing pivot considering his historical reluctance to intervene. Until now, his existence was characterized by passivity, where he bore witness to the tragedies afflicting countless beings across the multiverse. His choice to act becomes critical when one reflects on significant events such as the cataclysmic devastation caused by the Thanos snap or the broader implications of the Multiverse’s chaos. The fact that Uatu chose this specific time to engage raises fundamental questions about his motivations.

His encounters with individuals like Riri and Kwai Jun-Fan prompt core inquiries: Why wait to act in seemingly minor situations while neglecting grander conflicts? It seems contradictory for Uatu to become emotionally invested at this stage of this narrative when he had previously observed horrors unfolding at a much larger scale. This apparent shift in Uatu’s character arc not only underlines the emotional resonance for viewers but also sets the stage for potential future storylines in the MCU. His change of heart may lead to appearances in upcoming live-action films, blurring the lines between his established role and new possibilities.

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