Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for What If…? Season 3
In an unexpected twist, an actor from The Fantastic Four: First Steps is making their Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) debut in the latest season of What If…?. As season 3 concludes the animated anthology series, fans are eager to see how various alternate universes intersect and how existing character arcs come to a satisfactory end, particularly for figures like Captain Carter and Infinity Ultron. While it’s uncertain if these characters will eventually be featured in live-action, episode 8 is set to bring significant closure to their animated storylines.
What If…? has a history of presenting adventurous reinterpretations of well-known characters, showcasing variants like T’Challa as Star-Lord in season 1 and the 1602 Avengers in season 2. Season 3 continues this trend, introducing original personalities alongside established ones. Notably, we see a new powerhouse character poised to challenge several MCU villains before they even appear on screen, underscored in episode 4 titled “What If… Howard the Duck Got Hitched?”.
Natasha Lyonne’s Unconfirmed Role in The Fantastic Four
Mystery Surrounding Natasha Lyonne’s Character Sparks Speculation
The casting news for The Fantastic Four: First Steps has initiated excitement within the fan community, especially regarding its storyline elements such as Reed Richards’ recasting—following John Krasinski’s alternate-universe cameo as Mister Fantastic—and the introduction of key figures like Ralph Ineson as Galactus and Julia Garner as Silver Surfer. While Lyonne’s specific character remains under wraps, the anticipation surrounding her role is palpable.
Speculation abounds regarding Natasha Lyonne’s character, with theories suggesting she could embody various roles from the comics, including potential adversaries like Mad Thinker or Puppet Master, or allies such as She-Thing or Alicia Masters. Given the film’s alternate-timeline premise, it’s plausible for the character roster to diverge from traditional expectations, especially after the recent announcement of Robert Downey Jr.’s return as Doctor Doom at San Diego Comic-Con 2024.
Lyonne’s Surprising Appearance in What If…? Season 3
Natasha Lyonne Introduces a New Hero in What If…? Season 3
In episode 4 of What If…? season 3, titled “What If… Howard the Duck Got Hitched?”, the narrative revolves around Howard the Duck and Darcy Lewis as they navigate threats from a host of supervillains intent on capturing their extraordinary baby egg. This egg turns out to be incredibly powerful, obliterating foes upon hatching to reveal a fusion of human and duckling lineage. Intriguingly, this baby possesses such immense strength that its inception poses a lethal challenge to some of the MCU’s most formidable villains.
With assistance from powerful beings like the Watchers, Byrdie and her companions become formidable defenders in the Marvel multiverse. A grown-up Byrdie makes her debut in subsequent episodes, equipped with majestic wings and striking orange hair. This evolution positions her within a team comprised of Captain Carter, Kahhori, and the Goddess of Thunder Storm as they embark on a quest to locate Uatu, currently captured for his uncharacteristic meddling in the timelines.
Could Byrdie Appear in The Fantastic Four?
Natasha Lyonne Potentially Playing Dual Roles in the MCU
Natasha Lyonne’s role in What If…? season 3 could hint at the broader narrative scope of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Theoretically, characters like Byrdie, Captain Carter, and the TVA might interact with the Fantastic Four, linking their realities before transitioning to the primary MCU continuity. If an event such as Galactus consuming the Fantastic Four’s Earth occurs, it could pave the way for Mister Fantastic to explore multiversal travel and connect with the Avengers’ universe.
However, given Byrdie’s complex origins stemming from an alternate universe, it may be challenging to integrate her into The Fantastic Four: First Steps without alienating viewers unfamiliar with her backstory from What If…? season 3. Since Natasha Lyonne’s casting announcement has generated significant buzz, it seems more likely that her role will resonate with traditional comic book narratives relevant to the Fantastic Four’s storyline.