Disney+ - Marvel’s What If…? Season 3 : The Epic Conclusion to a Multiverse of Possibilities

By Mulder, 22 december 2024

Marvel Studios Animation’s What If...?, the groundbreaking animated anthology series that opened the doors to the vast multiverse of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), returns with its third and final season on Disney+ this December. Premiering December 22, 2024, and releasing daily episodes until December 29, this concluding chapter promises to elevate the show’s legacy with some of its most ambitious, genre-bending storytelling yet. With eight episodes packed full of alternate realities, beloved characters, and creative twists, the final season seeks to answer fan questions while leaving a lasting impression on Marvel’s animated landscape.

What If...? has always been a celebration of imagination, delving into the tantalizing “what if” scenarios that alter the events of Marvel’s iconic films. Season 3 continues to play with this concept, providing unique spins on key MCU moments and offering entirely new takes on established characters. From Captain America donning a colossal mech suit to battle a rampaging Hulk, to Agatha Harkness dazzling audiences in a Bollywood-inspired Hollywood adventure, the season showcases Marvel’s ability to push creative boundaries. The episodes explore a diverse range of genres, from Westerns to screwball comedies, presenting a rich tapestry of storytelling that allows fans to experience the multiverse in a truly innovative way.

Executive producer Brad Winderbaum describes the season as a fitting conclusion to the series, emphasizing its role as both a companion to the MCU and an outlet for bold experimentation. “This is a show that encourages fans to imagine alongside us,” says Winderbaum. “We’ve always aimed to break the rules, exploring ideas and genres that live-action projects simply couldn’t tackle. With Season 3, we’ve gone further than ever before—offering stories that are wilder, more adventurous, and more emotionally resonant than anything we’ve done.”

The heart of the series remains Jeffrey Wright’s portrayal of The Watcher, whose narration bridges the multiverse and offers a perspective akin to the audience’s own. Wright’s performance, praised as one of the series’ standout elements, reflects the wonder and curiosity that defines What If...?. “Jeffrey Wright is simply extraordinary,” notes director Bryan Andrews. “His voice is magnetic, and his portrayal of The Watcher perfectly encapsulates what this show is about—a love for storytelling and an insatiable curiosity about the unknown.”

Season 3 brings together over 35 MCU actors, reprising their roles in animated form. Fan-favorites like Anthony Mackie, Hayley Atwell, Kathryn Hahn, and Chris Hemsworth return, providing continuity between the live-action films and the multiverse stories told here. Additionally, the season introduces new voices such as Natasha Lyonne and America Ferrera, who add fresh perspectives to the multiverse’s ever-expanding cast of characters. The inclusion of these stars underscores Marvel’s commitment to crafting stories that feel both familiar and entirely new. Winderbaum explains, “The original actors help bridge the gap between the animated and live-action worlds, ensuring that these alternate realities feel interconnected while still allowing for creative freedom.”

Each episode offers its own unique flavor, crafted by a talented team led by head writer Matthew Chauncey and directors Bryan Andrews and Stephan Franck. Highlights of the season include “What If…1872?”, a Western-inspired adventure featuring Shang-Chi and Kate Bishop, and “What If…The Emergence Destroyed the Earth?”, which explores a dystopian world ruled by Quentin Beck. Meanwhile, comedic episodes like “What If…Howard the Duck Got Hitched?” showcase the series’ ability to inject humor and charm into its multiverse explorations. Andrews, who has been a creative force behind the series since its inception, reveals that this season allowed him to finally bring his vision for a Western episode to life. “It’s been a dream since Season 1,” he says. “This season gave us the chance to go all out with genres we hadn’t yet tackled, and the result is some of our most exciting work.”

Since its debut in August 2021, What If...? has held a special place in the Marvel Studios lineup as the first animated series to be developed under the studio’s banner. Its success paved the way for other animated projects like I Am Groot and X-Men ’97, proving that Marvel’s storytelling could thrive in any medium. This third season cements the show’s legacy, serving as both a culmination of the stories seeded throughout previous seasons and a final exploration of the multiverse’s endless possibilities. Executive producer Dana Vasquez-Eberhardt reflects on the show’s impact, calling it “the perfect companion for the MCU, giving fans a playground to explore the infinite potential of their favorite characters.”

The season’s animation is another standout element, blending traditional and modern techniques to create visually stunning episodes. From 1970s-inspired anime styles to dynamic 3D sequences, the artistry behind What If...? Season 3 pushes the boundaries of what animated storytelling can achieve. Stephan Franck, who directed several episodes, collaborated closely with animation teams to ensure that each episode delivered both spectacle and substance. “Animation gives us the freedom to go places live-action can’t,” Franck explains. “This season, we’ve truly embraced that freedom to its fullest.”

As What If...? concludes with its third season, it leaves behind a legacy of daring creativity and boundless imagination. For Marvel fans, the series has been more than just a collection of alternate realities—it has been an exploration of the MCU’s heart and soul, reexamining its characters and stories in ways that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. With its final eight episodes, What If...? invites viewers to take one last journey into the multiverse, asking the ultimate question: What happens next?

itw Bryan Andrews

itw Brad Winderbaum

Episodes
301 - What If... the Hulk Fought the Mech Avengers ? (Directed by Stephan Franck) (December 22, 2024)
302 - What If... Agatha Went to Hollywood ? (Directed by Bryan Andrews) (December 23, 2024)
303 - What If... the Red Guardian Stopped the Winter Soldier ? (Directed by Bryan Andrews) (December 24, 2024)
304 - What If... Howard the Duck Got Hitched ? (Directed by Stephan Franck) (December 25, 2024)
305 - What If... the Emergence Destroyed the Earth ? (Directed by Stephan Franck) (December 26, 2024)
306 - What If... 1872 ? (Directed by Stephan Franck and Bryan Andrews) (December 27, 2024)
307 - What If... the Watcher Disappeared ? - (Directed by Stephan Franck) (December 28, 2024)
308 - What If... What If ? (Directed by Bryan Andrews) (December 29, 2024)

Synopsis :
A fascinating animated series that, by changing key events in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films, opens up a myriad of possibilities. “What If...?” features iconic characters from the MCU, including Peggy Carter, T'Challa, Doctor Strange, Killmonger and Thor.

What If...?
Created by A. C. Bradley
Based on Marvel Comics
Directed by Bryan Andrews, Stephan Franck
Voices of Jeffrey Wright
Music by Laura Karpman, Nora Kroll-Rosenbaum
Executive producers : A. C. Bradley, Bryan Andrews, Victoria Alonso, Louis D'Esposito, Kevin Feige, Brad Winderbaum, Dana Vasquez-Eberhardt
Producers : Carrie Wassenaar, Danielle Costa, Dana Vasquez-Eberhardt, Alex Scharf
Animators : Stephan Franck, Scott Wright
Editors : Graham Fisher, Joel Fisher, Anton Capaldo-Smith
Running time : 30–37 minutes
Production company : Marvel Studios Animation
Network : Disney+
Release August 11, 2021 – present