Very like the comedian guide run that impressed the present, Marvel’s What If…? has supplied a captivating have a look at how the MCU timeline may have branched out in a number of instructions. Making a sequence like this could actually assist the world really feel extra alive, giving an introspective have a look at a number of the protagonists to indicate how the occasions of the MCU have formed their characters. In addition to permitting some much-needed time to flesh out characters who’ve been relegated to supporting roles to date however who nonetheless might have a big function to play within the sequence’ future.

For essentially the most half, Marvel bought the stability proper and supplied some alternate options so tempting that followers might nearly lament that they aren’t precise canon. At occasions, although, season considered one of What If…? performed it a bit of too secure and caught a bit of too near the supply materials of their very own films. Particularly contemplating the premise basically gave the writers a free cross to do no matter with these iconic characters. The lately launched second season was an unlimited enchancment on the sequence with extra distinctive tales and higher animation, with the present lastly beginning to reside as much as its full potential. With that in thoughts, listed below are all of the episodes from the sequence ranked from worst to greatest. Spoilers forward.

Replace January 6, 2024: Now that What If…? season two has concluded, this text has been up to date to incorporate each episode of the sequence up so far.

19

What If… Captain Carter Had been the First Avenger?

Sadly, the opening of the sequence was additionally the weakest, with the aforementioned difficulty of staying too loyal to the movie that impressed it. On this episode Heinz Kruger shoots Steve Rodgers, stopping him from being was a super-soldier while trying to steal a vial of the serum. With time of the essence, agent Peggy Carter steps in to take the serum, being remodeled into the primary super-soldier in opposition to the needs of her commanding officer John Flynn.

The present makes an effort to empower Captain Carter as she defies Flynn to affix the motion however in reality, the sequence is simply as hackneyed and nonsensical because it was the primary time round in Captain America: The First Avenger to elucidate away his costume. This units the tone for the rest of the episode, which largely follows the identical plot from right here on out, with a couple of minor tweaks for good measure. Whereas Captin Carter is a superb character and any probability to get extra Hayley Atwell is all the time good, as a premiere episode for the sequence it did not quiet give a daring sufficient take to start out the sequence as the reply is: the story would have mainly gone the identical approach.

18

What If… Completely satisfied Hogan Saved Christmas?

The bottom rated episode from season two on this record follows Tony Stark’s Head of Safety, Completely satisfied Hogan, as he is tasked with ensuring the Avengers’ Christmas occasion runs easily. Issues rapidly start to crumble when Justin Hammer and his employed weapons break in and take over the tower whereas the Avengers are out. It is an episode closely impressed by Die Arduous, with Completely satisfied even parodying the vent scene at one level, and is a enjoyable episode that reunites the unique six Avengers.

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The most important difficulty with this episode is that it may’ve taken place within the MCU’s sacred timeline. The change is not drastic sufficient to happen exterior the universe, with essentially the most unique factor being Completely satisfied getting Hulk powers, and so they tease it being undone on the finish of the episode. The motion is enjoyable, and Sam Rockwell’s MCU return is lengthy overdue; the story is simply within the fallacious sequence. It’s miles from a nasty episode and truly fairly gratifying, however it would not make the most of the potential of What If in addition to it may.

17

What If… Killmonger Rescued Tony Stark?

Killmonger is already established as some of the grounded and best-crafted villains in your complete MCU, and he is arguably even higher right here. Granted, he carries what’s in any other case merely an honest story, however the villain is actually cerebral and, extra importantly, plausible. Going proper again to the inception of the MCU, Killmonger reveals as much as save Tony Stark in Afghanistan, which prevents him from changing into Iron Man. Tony stays a self-centered arms vendor and Killmonger positions himself as his guiding right-hand. Taking part in off all sides, Killmonger efficiently kills Stark, T’Challa, and Rhodes earlier than rising to develop into the brand new Black Panther.

The villain’s actions have a big impression on well-established MCU characters and the world round him, making him really feel consequential. It actually felt like an entire new universe, a possibility missed by different episodes. The issue with this episode is that it may’ve used extra time. Proper as Killmonger’s plan is coming to fruition and Wakanda is waging warfare on the US, it abruptly ends. With just a bit extra time to see the story totally realized, it may’ve been one of many sequence’ greatest episodes.

16

What If… Captain Carter Fought the Hydra Stomper?

Studying from the teachings of the primary Captain Carter episode, this one is an unlimited enchancment as a result of it places the character in a brand new atmosphere that the viewers hasn’t seen earlier than. It picks up proper after season 1’s finale when Captain Carter discovers that Steve Rogers survived because the Hydra Stomper, solely he went on to be considered one of historical past’s deadliest assassins. Peggy groups up with Black Widow to tackle Melina Vostokoff and the Crimson Room, all whereas making an attempt to avoid wasting the person she loves.

The episode works as a merger between Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Black Widow because it replaces Hydra with the Crimson Room and is a reasonably thrilling authentic story. It has the good thing about being within the universe that season one arrange, however now that we get to see Captain Carter in a brand new atmosphere, it is so much simpler to understand her character. She stands out on her personal and feels totally fleshed out, now not standing in Steve’s shadow. Its placement on the record is not a knock on the episode, it simply occurred to be that others have been stronger.

15

What If… The World Misplaced its Mightiest Heroes?

Going down throughout “Fury’s Huge Week” when Iron Man 2, The Unimaginable Hulk and Thor all happen within the span of some days earlier than a homicide thriller units in. A promising premise that retreads acquainted floor, however provides within the apparent wrinkle of the Avengers dying. Black Widow is initially framed because the individual behind the murders earlier than uncovering the true assailant to be Hank Pym in microscopic type because the Yellowjacket. On this universe, he let his daughter Hope be part of SHIELD, and he or she is tragically killed on a mission. That despatched Hank spiraling down a path of revenge in opposition to Fury for letting it occur.

It is a stunning reveal with a couple of hints about who the killer is right here and there, and seeing the Avengers die this manner reveals simply how harmful a personality like Yellowjacket is. The episode well picks the best moments to kill every hero once they’re at their weakest, like when Thor is mortal, and Iron Man is already dying from blood poisoning. All of it comes collectively when Loki and Fury workforce up in an thrilling finale that ends with Loki profitable in taking on an Earth with no Avengers to cease him. The most important draw back of the episode is that it ends on an enormous cliffhanger that’ll by no means be paid off, however in any other case, it is a very stable episode within the sequence.

14

What If… T’Challa Turned a Star-Lord?

A significantly better instance of an episode that takes a well-known story and swaps in a distinct character could be this one. T’Challa changing into Star-Lord as a substitute of Peter Quill has rippling penalties all through this universe, permitting for contemporary takes on numerous established MCU characters and a narrative that feels extra of its personal. T’Challa’s superior the Aristocracy and sense of accountability information this universe in an total extra constructive route, even changing Thanos at one level to affix his Ravengers.

The second act of T’Challa trying to find his homeworld was humble however much less thrilling than the sequence that preceded it, which damage it just a bit. The episode actually wanted an extended runtime to do justice to the extra emotionally related plotline, however total, it was displaying. Seeing The Collector step in to fill the void that Thanos left can be fascinating as a result of it reveals a distinct aspect of that character at his full potential. In considered one of his ultimate performances, Chadwick Boseman does an awesome job voice performing the character and brings a lot life to him.

13

What If… The Avengers Assembled in 1602?

What If…? is at its greatest when the sequence embraces concepts that drastically differ from the sacred timeline, and nothing represents that greater than this episode. On the finish of season two’s Captain Carter episode, she is mysteriously transported into a distinct universe to the yr 1602 by the Scarlet Witch as she begs her to assist save their dying actuality. The episode rapidly turns into a thriller that Peggy is making an attempt to unravel as she figures out what prompted all these heroes to develop into time-displaced by 400 years. As she’s placed on the run away from the Asgardian Royal Household, she is taken in by Rogers Hood and his Merry Males.

Steve and Peggy’s relationship is on the core of this episode and is the first purpose it really works in addition to it does. It is constructing off of their misplaced love in not simply the sacred timeline, but additionally that of which What If…? has established. The 1602 backdrop provides an entire new period that hasn’t been proven but within the MCU, however enhances the story being instructed in a extremely entertaining approach. In the long run it is revealed that through the occasions of Infinity Struggle, Steve by accident smashed the time stone whereas combating Thanos and despatched these heroes to 1602 with none reminiscence of what occurred. His goodbye with Peggy is emotional and grounds the heightened actuality the story is ready in because the episode instantly cements itself as one of many sequence’ greatest. The most important draw back to the episode is that it’s not fairly as much as par with the unique 1602 comedian, which really takes some extra fascinating swings with the character than the episode did.

12

What If… Zombies?

The flagship episode for the sequence’ advertising and marketing that many followers would have been wanting ahead to, paying homage to the cult favourite comedian run Marvel Zombies. Taking part in out as extra of a zombie film, specializing in the survivors, quite than an outright superhero flick, was completely the best alternative. This was the most effective the MCU has proven of Evangeline Lilly’s Hope Van Dyne, who serves as the guts of this episode, feeling the burden of the zombie outbreak falling on her shoulders.

The despair and angst all through are incredible, though the episode does slip into a couple of clichés, and it will have been good to see extra of the uniquely super-powered zombie variants to set it apart from conventional fiction. The unique comedian has it in order that the heroes can nonetheless discuss whereas they’ve the virus, and that would’ve added a extra authentic layer to Marvel’s zombies. Once more, run time needed to be thought of, however absolutely many followers have been left hoping to return to this universe in some medium, and so they bought their want when a derivative was introduced, so a rousing success.

11

What If… Thor Had been an Solely Youngster?

Season considered one of What If…? was full of grim, darkish alternate realities the place heroes died in numerous numbers. The seventh episode of the season determined to have a little bit of enjoyable with and minimize unfastened in a pleasant riff on Ferris Bueller’s Day Off meets and lots of 80’s teen comedy romps, with a spoilt model of Thor trying to at first throw a ‘wild rager’ after which disguise it from his mom. Thor has develop into the “humorous” Avenger due to his depiction in Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder, and this episode finds a solution to do a run remake of his first movie however with the comedy audiences know from later Thor.

What If…? will be many issues, and this episode confirmed the creators they might mess around with the components and have some enjoyable with the multiverse. Not everybody needs to be a significant tragedy or a significant pivot, typically you may simply have snicker, and this episode was a pleasant light-hearted good time till the epic and tragic two-part finale.

10

What If… Unusual Supreme Intervened?

After how well-received the primary episode with Unusual Supreme was, it was solely a matter of time till he was again within the sequence in a giant approach. Serving because the finale for season two, this episode brings collectively Captain Carter and Kahhori because the duo look to cease a grief-ridden Unusual from one other try at bringing again his universe. Unusual’s plan includes utilizing highly effective heroes and villains from all through the multiverse to gasoline his forge to convey again Christine, with Kahhori being considered one of them.

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All of it culminates in an insane ultimate battle the place Kahhori and an infinity stone-wielding Captain Carter are gifted weapons from different characters to try to defeat Unusual, who’s being possessed and affected by a demon manipulating him into doing this stuff. It really works effectively as a follow-up to Unusual’s first episode and embraces the absurdity of the sequence. Unusual’s sacrifice to rebuild his world the right approach turns the tragic character right into a hero in his ultimate moments, taking out the most important menace to Christine: himself.

9

What If… The Watcher Broke His Oath?

The season one finale was a giant, rousing epic that MCU followers have come to count on, but the character of taking what had been a standalone sequence and turning it right into a crossover occasion would possibly knock it down a couple of factors. With Ultron having transitioned to a multiverse-level menace, The Watcher throws collectively a motley crew of heroes as one final hope for survival, dubbed the Guardians of the Multiverse.

The place some earlier episodes could not fairly ship on the climax, this episode is predominantly pulse-pounding motion. It serves as a pleasant send-off to the sequence to tie the universes collectively and supply a bit of extra character to The Watcher. Showcasing every of the newly established heroes at their best, the episode efficiently replicates The Avengers components to actually make the sequence really feel epic.

8

What If… Iron Man Crashed into the Grandmaster?

Initially deliberate to launch within the first season, explaining that random scene within the finale with Gamora and Stark working collectively, the episode is lastly launched in season two. It follows a model of Tony Stark, who did not make it via the wormhole on the finish of The Avengers as he finally ends up being transported to Sakaar from Thor: Ragnarok, the place he seems to be to overthrow the Grandmaster and return residence. He groups up with Valkyrie, Korg, and a model of Gamora, who hadn’t betrayed Thanos but however was despatched to kill him.

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It’s totally straightforward to see the inspiration from Mad Max on this episode, as the principle motion occurs in a grand-prix demolition derby with a post-apocalyptic aesthetic, however it makes for one of many higher episodes within the sequence. The racing scenes are extremely thrilling, and it is all the time a pleasure to have Jeff Goldblum again because the Grandmaster. Tony and Gamora make for an unlikely duo, however the extra they work their particular person issues out collectively, the better it is to see how they relate, with each of them having a troubling relationship with their dad and mom.

7

What If… Peter Quill Attacked Earth’s Mightiest Heroes?

On the floor, the idea would not appear to be essentially the most thrilling, however the actual draw of the episode is the model of the Avengers they determined to make use of. On this universe, Yondu delivers Quill on to Ego in hopes of his growth taking place almost thirty years earlier, in 1988. Six months go by and Quill crash lands on Earth, inflicting chaos along with his new celestial skills. The world unites a workforce of their strongest individuals, consisting of Hank Pym (Ant-Man), King T’Chaka (Black Panther), Invoice Foster (Goliath), Wendy Lawson (Mar-Vell), Bucky Barnes (nonetheless a brainwashed Winter Soldier) and naturally, the God of Thunder himself, Thor.

The 80s is an period that the MCU has hardly touched on, so seeing an early model of the Avengers assembled then is a extremely thrilling concept. It is a group of people that in any other case would by no means be interacting, and their dynamics work very effectively collectively. Having a younger Peter Quill because the menace provides a layer of ethical ambiguity to it since no one desires to hurt a baby who simply misses his residence. Ego’s inevitable arrival on Earth brings ahead an thrilling ultimate battle in one of many higher episodes of the sequence. Mixing story components from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, The Avengers, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Black Panther, Captain Marvel, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier makes this some of the thrilling What If…?’s when it comes to enjoying round with the historical past of the franchise.

6

What If… Physician Unusual Misplaced His Coronary heart As a substitute of His Fingers?

On this universe, Steven Unusual had arrange a life along with his beguiling love, Christine. One night time, the pair are concerned in a automobile crash, and Christine dies, sending Unusual right into a spiral of grief. Unusual nonetheless travels to Kamar Taj and obtains the Eye of Agamotto, solely this time he makes an attempt to make use of it to convey again Christine. What follows is a macabre Groundhog Day with Christine dying, time and again, it doesn’t matter what Unusual tries. His actions convey him to odds with the Historic One as Unusual delves into the Darkish Dimension to attract energy, which in the end shatters the universe round him and brings him head to head with The Watcher.

This was the primary time within the sequence The Watcher had served as greater than a framing system and the primary trace at a bigger narrative. Equal components distressing and fascinating, this additionally laid the groundwork for what was to return. To at the present time, it is the bleakest and most miserable factor Marvel Studios has launched and stands out among the many different episodes. The theme of loss and grief is strongly felt and each make you sympathize and develop annoyed with a model of Physician Unusual who cannot see the monster he is changing into.

5

What If… Nebula Joined the Nova Corps?

At first, this episode did not sound essentially the most thrilling, however the season two premiere takes the thought and turns it right into a cyberpunk homicide thriller that exceeded all expectations. On this universe, Ronan the Accuser betrays Thanos and Nebula, inflicting the latter to be left with out function in life. The Nova Corps take her in and assist her discover new which means in a world stuffed with darkness as Xandar shuts itself off from the remainder of the galaxy amidst Ronan’s takeover. The episode kicks off with Nebula investigating the case of Yondu’s homicide as she quickly realizes the very group she devoted her life to was corrupt.

A lot of season two’s episodes are impressed by different items of popular culture, however none greater than this one. The Blade Runner influences are apparent to see, with Nebula even narrating the episode. Xandar’s aesthetic is dripping with stunning neon colours to suit the noir detective vibe it is going for. The episode is not frightened about universe ending penalties or contributing to a giant multiversal team-up, it is solely targeted on a whole arc about one of many MCU’s most advanced characters.

4

What If… Ultron Received?

The penultimate episode set the requirements just a bit too excessive for the follow-up finale to match. Epic, although the ultimate battle was watching Ultron tear down the final of his world and transition into the universe-level menace he grew to become made for a greater total story. Regardless that the ramifications of Ultron killing the Avengers have been large, the story scaled again to an intimate one which was extra human and poignant.

Natasha and Clint’s battle simply to go on within the universe was deeper than the MCU is commonly snug to go. Dialling again a variety of the MCU’s trademark humor that typically lands misplaced let the nihilism uncomfortably dangle, significantly in Clint who by this level, had misplaced all sight of something price combating. Underpinning the thrilling penalties of Ultron gathering the Infinity Stones, shattering the multiverse and establishing the finale, the episode mixed the most effective concepts of the bigger sequence into one packed episode.

3

What If… Hela Discovered the Ten Rings?

In contrast to different episodes that retread previous floor, this one does it proper by including a number of layers to the story that it modifications. As a substitute of Odin banishing Hela to Hel when her thirst for conquest outgrew his personal, he stripped her of her powers and despatched her to Earth, like he did to Thor. As a substitute of touchdown in New Mexico, Hela lands in China and finds herself on the mercy of Wenwu and the Ten Rings. She finally escapes and finds her solution to the magical realm of Ta Lo, the place she is taught aerokinetic martial arts. All of it involves a head in an epic battle as Hela and Wenwu defeat Odin, with Hela changing into the Goddess of Life by the top of it.

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Hela’s story performs out equally to that of Thor’s from the primary Thor film, however it’s instructed via the lens of the Shang-Chi mythology. Having these individuals from vastly completely different worlds and life work together works very effectively as a result of, at their core, each Wenwu and Hela are conquerors. Each of them get to develop and alter past the characters they have been within the movies, using the potential of the sequence extraordinarily effectively. It is an awesome story with the most effective motion within the present and precisely the type of high quality every episode may try for.

2

1

What If… Kahhori Reshaped the World?

By far, the most effective episode of your complete sequence is predicated solely on an authentic idea, as this was Kahhori’s first-ever look. On this universe, Asgard’s destruction in Ragnarok occurs sooner than anticipated and causes the Tesseract to land within the sovereign Haudenosaunee Confederacy earlier than the colonization of America. Taking up a brand new type as a part of the “Forbidden Lake”, those that enter are taken to the “Sky World” and given otherworldly skills. One such individual is Kahhori who falls in when defending her youthful brother Wahta from the invading Conquistadores. After spending time within the Sky World mastering her new skills, Kahhori rallies the opposite tribespeople who ended up there to return residence and take again their land. She takes this all the best way as much as the highest with Queen Isabella herself and makes peace for her tribe and shortly the world itself.

There is no higher episode that makes use of the What If…? concept than this one. One second spun off into a wholly new universe that could not exist in the usual MCU and would not depend on any present characters to inform the story. Kahhori herself is a incredible character who’s straightforward to root for with a number of the coolest powers within the style. The selection to inform the episode within the Mohawk langage of Kanien’kéha is a superb transfer that honors the tradition they’re showcasing to the viewers. Marvel ought to be taught from the success of this episode and the season altogether and make extra episodes like this. It is all the time enjoyable to see characters work together in ways in which they would not normally earlier than, however a very authentic story in a style that is missing them is a gem, and now What If…? has theirs.

Stream all episodes of What If…? on Disney+.