The Final Season of What If…?
As the acclaimed animated series What If…? gears up for its third and final season, director Bryan Andrews shares insights into the captivating universe of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). With this last run of eight episodes set to premiere on December 22, audiences can expect new explorations through the multiverse, culminating in a daily release across the holiday season, finishing on December 29, 2024. This season not only wraps up storylines initiated from previous seasons but also serves as the concluding Marvel television offering for 2024. Notably, What If…? has been pivotal in establishing animated storytelling within Marvel Studios.
Exploring the Multiverse: New and Returning Characters in Season 3
Season 3 promises an exciting journey through alternate realities, featuring unexpected interpretations of iconic MCU heroes and villains. Among the highly anticipated introductions is Storm, voiced by Alison Sealy-Smith of X-Men ’97 fame. Additionally, this season allows for the return of characters like Moon Knight and Shang-Chi, who have been absent since Phase 4, and will reignite their stories within the multiverse narrative.
Bryan Andrews Discusses Episode Development and Creative Freedom
In a recent discussion with Screen Rant, Andrews elaborated on the creative process behind What If…? season 3, highlighting how discarded ideas from season 2 found new life. He shared the concept surrounding Howard the Duck and Darcy’s episode, which was inspired by their humorous marriage in a previous season. Describing the storyline, Andrews referred to it as reminiscent of the film True Romance, emphasizing its comedic yet heartfelt elements.
Bryan Andrews: “It would be funny to follow up on that… Just the idea of them gallivanting around the universe, pissing a lot of people off, and it all comes to a head.”Additionally, he noted that creative teamwork helped transform a simple premise into an engaging comedic episode.
Highlighting New Characters and Overarching Themes in Season 3
When questioned about character development, Andrews hinted at a new character named Byrdie, voiced by Natasha Lyonne. While he remained tight-lipped regarding her specifics to preserve surprises for viewers, he underscored the continuity of engaging old favorites like Kahhori, ensuring a balance between nostalgia and novelty throughout the episodes.
Bryan Andrews: “It’s fun being able to do that. We… found a way to bring her back. But I can’t wait for people to revisit some old friends.”
Diverse Genres and Innovative Storytelling in What If…? Season 3
This season also ventures into unique genres, allowing each episode to explore different cinematic styles. For example, a Western-inspired episode featuring Shang-Chi is set to delight viewers. Andrews described how brainstorming sessions during development emphasized creative exploration beyond traditional storylines, resulting in fresh, genre-bending narratives.
Bryan Andrews: “If the character is enough, let’s just do whatever the hell we want… we have a bit more freedom, and I like the fact that we’re able to do that.”
Thunderbolts-like Episodes and Fan-Favorite Characters
Andrews further elaborated on an exciting episode with characters Alexei and Bucky, describing their comedic dynamic as a buddy cop adventure. This follows in the spirit of the upcoming Thunderbolts film, creating a sense of serendipity as audiences witness these characters together in new adventures.
Bryan Andrews: “That script was awesome. It was fricking hilarious and so much fun… Those guys are just really great together.”
Unexplored Ideas: What’s Next for What If…?
With several stories left untold, including a fantastical Dungeons & Dragons-themed episode featuring lesser-known Marvel heroes, Andrews expressed hope for the future. Despite some concepts involving the rock band KISS not making it into season 3, he remains optimistic about the potential for these unique narratives to be explored in upcoming projects.
Bryan Andrews: “I think some of them would’ve been fricking hilarious… In the future, maybe we’ll do it. Who knows?”
A Glimpse into Marvel Zombies: Anticipating the Sequel
As for another highly anticipated entry, Marvel Zombies, Andrews confirmed it will be a continuation from the initial episode, comprising a four-part arc that will delve into the aftermath of prior events. Viewers can expect a thrilling mix of horror, comedy, and unexpected twists.
Bryan Andrews: “It’s a big, big, big sequence, and it will hopefully blow people away.”
Insights into What If…? Season 3
The upcoming season features returning characters such as The Watcher and Captain Carter, alongside an array of beloved ones in unexpected scenarios. Notable episodes include “What If… Agatha Went to Hollywood?”and “What If… Howard the Duck Got Hitched?”A diverse roster underscores the creative possibilities within the multiverse.
What If…? season 3 launches on December 22, available exclusively on Disney+.