Marvel Studios’ What If…? series has captivated audiences with its unique spin on classic Marvel storylines, imagining alternate scenarios that twist familiar characters into unexpected roles. The highly anticipated What If… Season 3 will mark the conclusion of the series, premiering on December 22, 2024, on Disney+, with eight episodes packed with fresh takes and new character arcs. The trailer, released on November 11, teases a lineup of fan-favorite heroes and villains, alongside new characters poised to add depth to Marvel’s multiverse. As with previous seasons, Jeffrey Wright returns as The Watcher, narrating these alternate realities with his omniscient insights.
New Characters Joining the MCU’s What If…? Universe
Several characters debuting in What If…? season 3 have not been animated in this series before, enhancing the excitement for the upcoming season. White Vision, known for his sleek appearance introduced in WandaVision, joins the series with a villainous twist, commanding an army of Iron Legion drones. Additionally, Monica Rambeau appears as a member of a Mech-suited Avengers lineup, alongside Sam Wilson’s Captain America and Moon Knight. Her storyline follows a variant of Monica that fans haven’t yet seen in the MCU, adding another dimension to her already established character.
Other intriguing inclusions are Ying-Nan from Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, teaming up with Wong, Valkyrie, and Okoye. Her return suggests that the mystical world of Ta Lo will once again play a crucial role in Marvel’s multiverse. Red Guardian is also confirmed to make an appearance in an episode focused on Russian super-soldiers, featuring connections with Winter Soldier/Bucky Barnes. This episode was originally slated for season 2 but promises to delve deeper into Red Guardian’s storied past.
Fan-Favorite Characters and Exciting Variants
Returning characters include Captain Carter and Kahhori, who team up with the series’ newly created character, Byrdie—a Falcon-inspired hero sporting organic wings. Marvel’s heroes in What If…? are evolving into diverse versions of themselves, including the new Storm variant, who is depicted as the “Goddess of Thunder” in this season. This thrilling reimagining of Storm, voiced by Alison Sealy-Smith, brings in a powerful mutant perspective to the MCU, hinting at potential future developments for the character in live-action.
Season 3 will also feature Agatha Harkness, the fan-favorite witch from WandaVision, partnering with the Eternals in a storyline involving magical power struggles. Agatha, voiced by Kathryn Hahn, will be performing a musical number in her episode, following up on the popularity of her previous songs in WandaVision. She appears to be wielding new powers, possibly involving energy absorption from the Eternals, which adds an intriguing supernatural dimension to her storyline.
Expanding the Roster of Heroes and Villains
Kingo from Eternals will appear, adding a celestial layer to the series alongside Agatha’s new alliances. As a Bollywood star and Eternal warrior, Kingo’s role may explore deeper connections between humanity and cosmic forces. The Celestial Arishem is also confirmed to make an appearance, bringing an epic, god-like presence to What If…? season 3 and continuing to build on the unexplored storyline from Eternals.
Shang-Chi, the martial artist introduced in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, also returns in season 3. He is set to feature in a Western-themed episode alongside Kate Bishop’s Hawkeye, as well as appear in a Mech-suit episode. These unique episodes offer Shang-Chi new opportunities to demonstrate his powers and test his fighting skills in fresh scenarios that will develop his character further before his anticipated return to the live-action MCU.
Marc Spector’s Moon Knight will return, this time in the context of the Avengers Mech-suit adventure. Known for his complex character arc and struggle with dissociative identities, Moon Knight’s appearance adds grit and dimension to the superhero lineup in What If…? as he strategizes alongside the Avengers in their fight across the multiverse.
Technologically Advanced and New Villains
Riri Williams’ Ironheart brings her intelligence and armor-building prowess to season 3, appearing in an updated version of her iconic suit. This time, she faces off against White Vision and collaborates with the Avengers in a high-stakes storyline. Dormammu, the Dark Dimension ruler, also appears in season 3, alongside Doctor Strange villain Kaecilius. The latter has been a fan-favorite villain, and his return will allow for more exploration of his mystical ambitions.
Another intriguing character debuting in What If…? season 3 is Ranger Morales, an original creation for the series voiced by America Ferrera. She is a young hero who will play a crucial role in the backstory involving Red Guardian and the Winter Soldier, adding fresh, diverse perspectives to Marvel’s animated series.
The Team Behind the Animated Marvel Journey
Directed by Bryan Andrews and Stephan Franck, with writers Matthew Chauncey, Ryan Little, and A.C. Bradley at the helm, the series brings back beloved cast members from previous seasons, including Hayley Atwell as Captain Carter, Mark Ruffalo as Hulk, and Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes. The production team, featuring producers Danielle Costa, Carrie Wassenaar, and Alex Scharf, has crafted season 3 to emphasize unique genres and alternate paths, maintaining Marvel’s high standards for quality and intrigue.
Viewing Details and Exclusive Streaming on Disney+
The eight episodes of What If…? season 3 will be available to stream exclusively on Disney+ starting December 22, 2024, wrapping up Marvel’s animation slate for the year. For those invested in Marvel’s multiverse storytelling, this season promises the twists, epic showdowns, and character revelations that have defined the series since its inception.
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