What If Season 3 Episode 2 Recap: Breakdown, Ending Explained, and Hidden Easter Eggs

Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for What If…? Season 3, episode 2

The latest installment of What If…?, Season 3, episode 2, takes viewers on a compelling journey into an alternate timeline where Kathryn Hahn’s character, Agatha Harkness, allies with an unexpected hero from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Set against the backdrop of Hollywood’s golden age, Agatha schemes for more than just the powers of fellow witches, diverging from her recent narratives depicted in her live-action series. Her plans unfold alongside Kumail Nanjiani’s Kingo, celebrated Bollywood star and secret member of the Eternals.

In this episode, directed by Howard Stark, Agatha and Kingo appear in a film that serves as a façade for her more ambitious agenda — harnessing the powers of a mighty Celestial, Tiamut, concealed deep within the Earth’s core. Below, we delve into a comprehensive analysis of the episode, highlighting key takeaways, the captivating ending, and notable Easter eggs that enhanced the viewing experience.

Highlights from What If…? Season 3 Episode 2

Title: “What If…Agatha Went To Hollywood?”

The Watcher reveals that Agatha rises as an actress during the golden age of Hollywood in this alternate universe.
Her collaboration with Howard Stark on a film is a cover for a magical ritual aimed at siphoning the powers of Tiamut, the Celestial.
Agatha manipulates Howard into casting Kingo, the last Eternal whose energy she requires to complete her spell.
Following an elaborate dance number, Kingo, realizing Agatha’s true intentions, eventually agrees to assist her under the guise of her self-proclaimed altruism, which includes promises to free the other Eternals after the ritual and secure a three-picture deal.
As Arishem witnesses this betrayal and heads toward Earth for retribution, it propels Agatha and Kingo to hasten their ritual.
Agatha successfully drains Kingo’s power, enabling her to tap into Tiamut’s energy and transform into a new Celestial entity.
In a twist, after overcoming Arishem, Agatha is persuaded by Kingo to relinquish her newfound powers to pursue a genuine partnership in filmmaking.

Agatha’s Transformation and Future Collaboration with Kingo

Embracing Film Magic (and Celestial Foreshadowing)

Utilizing Kingo as the final piece for her magical ritual, Agatha teams up with Howard and Jarvis to decorate Hollywood’s Griffith Observatory with mystical inscriptions. Once she depletes Kingo’s powers, Agatha gains the ability to claim Tiamut’s essence, effectively transforming into a stunning, planet-sized Celestial.

By merging her magical prowess with cosmic power, Agatha subdues Arishem and saves Earth. However, in a surprising turn, she ultimately chooses to abandon her quest for Celestial supremacy in favor of collaborating with Kingo in the film industry, seeking genuine affection and acceptance. This marks the beginning of a promising new duo in Hollywood, although the episode concludes with a tantalizing cliffhanger suggesting that more Celestial threats will emerge to challenge them.

Discovering Easter Eggs and References in What If…? Season 3 Episode 2

Enchanting References to Hollywood and the Eternals

Eternals facing Arishem in What If...? season 3

In this episode, viewers are treated to a plethora of delightful Easter eggs and nods to both the MCU and the radiant era of Hollywood. Here are the most notable highlights:

Stark Pictures’ Howard Stark and Edwin Jarvis: Voiced by their respective actors, Dominic Cooper and James D’Arcy, the duo runs a movie studio, enhancing the authenticity of the narrative.
Hollywood Legends: The episode includes references to legendary figures such as Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable, Cary Grant, and Cecil B. DeMille, connecting the story with cinematic history.
The Hollywoodland Sign: This iconic landmark appears, harkening back to its original name before being shortened in 1949.
Cam S. Dunsdon: The name on the clapperboard is that of a real-life CG cinematographer known for his work with Marvel Studios and the What If…? series.
“They’re Very Cool Powers”: Kingo’s playful defense of his powers serves as a tongue-in-cheek reference to the fan debates stemming from his portrayal in the Eternals.
Agatha’s Power Heist: Agatha’s nature of borrowing the Eternals’ powers mirrors her past exploits seen in the series Agatha All Along, where she similarly took strength from numerous witches.
Kingo Movie Posters: The episode showcases yet more of Kingo’s fictional film posters, adding to the lore established since the release of Eternals.
“Movies Are Magic”: Kingo’s words echo the famous advertisements by Nicole Kidman for AMC Theaters, emphasizing the enchanting quality of cinema.
“Look Out For The Sequel!”: Agatha’s quip hints at the mounting tension regarding future Celestial appearances, teasing potential storylines that might unfold, even as a sequel to Eternals seems uncertain.