“What If…?” (2021) is Marvel’s foray into exploring established Marvel characters in different multiverses. The animated series consists of nine episodes over thirty minutes long, and even though it is described as an anthology series, you should watch it in the order intended because the stories are connected. Unlike the other Disney+ series, if you are unfamiliar with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it may be a little confusing, but you could still join in the fun. If you are current on the MCU, you will find it delightful and engrossing. If it sounds overwhelming, and you are already having trouble keeping everything straight in one timeline, do not worry. You will be able to follow along. No time travel necessary.
Unlike “Loki” (2021), “What If…?” did not feel as if it was covering old ground. By returning to its illustrated roots and not having human bodies’ physical limits, the series could explore fantastic concepts and convey emotion without any dialogue using an intuitive visual shorthand. Even though it has been decades since I watched an animated series, I was able to keep up. I hope that “Loki” creators take a page from this series. Loki is only a supporting character in a handful of episodes, but Hiddleston was able to explore different sides to his character that we have not seen before—successful, with his birth family, no sibling rivalry, always belonging and accepted. Every Marvel concept does not have to focus on guilt and angst. A multiverse needs variety, not homogeneity, and humor does not hurt. When it is not tickling our funny bone, the series also goes darker than the movies ever dared to tread. We are covering new ground, and it is audacious.
“What If…?” succeeds where “Loki” fails. Instead of belaboring the point by explicitly asking what makes these characters who they are in any universe, it shows us. The series is so moving that I was brought close to tears a few times, especially getting another pass at Peggy Carter after her series was abruptly cancelled or hearing the final performances of the gone-too-soon Chadwick Boseman. The writers for Episode 9 and Chris Hemsworth had perfect synergy and conveyed that “Thor: Ragnarok” (2017) hilarity in a different apocalyptic context. Because a lot of the original actors provide the voices for the characters, and the writers are so creative and familiar with the MCU’s mythology, they can make these stories feel fresh and familiar.
When the original actors are not available, some of the substitutes, like Lake Bell as Black Widow, sound so convincing that I was surprised that Scarlett Johansson did not resume the role. It was strange when the original actors did not sound like themselves such as Michael Douglas as Hank Pym. It was also easier to like some characters such as Hope Van Dyne when they did not look like the actor who played the character on screen even if they provided the vocals. Yes, I meant what I just wrote. Voice actors such as Mick Wingert evoke, but cannot nail their more iconic counterparts. There is a reason that Robert Downey Jr. gets such a big paycheck. Some actors wisely decide not to attempt to remind viewers of the original such as The Walking Dead’s Ross Marquand, who provides vocals for a superior Ultron whom James Spader originally played in the underwhelming movie counterpart. Ultron has the most hilarious moment in the series, “Wait, what?”
Some characters get an upgrade in “What If…?” The Collector is drawn more buff than Benicio Del Toro ever was onscreen. No disrespect to Del Toro, whom I think is perfect the way that he is. Nebula gets imagined as more of a femme fatale type complete with blonde wig. Bucky Barnes is more gorgeous-more muscular and flowing hair. Not all the physical changes follow gender norms. Most of the women in this series appear more muscular than they do onscreen.
If I must complain about “What If…?,” Gamora, who plays a pivotal role in a crossover episode, was the only member of her team that was never a focal point in any of the standalone episodes. While Zoe Saldana did not provide the vocals, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams was pitch perfect. Gamora was the only one correctly suspicious of another character. Her multiverse sounded intriguing if they found a mechanical way to deal with an immense problem. It was the only time that I felt short-changed. I have read rumors that the second season will have the episode that was supposed to appear in Season 1, but it is on the same level of lack of judgment as FOX airing “Firefly” episodes out of order. Unlike “Firefly,” the omission does not ruin the Disney+ series, but it feels like a crucial misstep.
“What If…?” gives us one new character, The Watcher, whom Jeffrey Wright plays. He is a solitary figure who has front row seats to every multiverse and acts as a Rod Serling type narrator. Wright is one of the best American actors alive so he is able to make The Watcher relatable as an audience surrogate without any tedious backstory exposition. Wright does not play him dispassionately, but as someone vested in the outcome and doubts whether he should remain removed from the action that he watches unfold. He is also funny in how he is dismissive of Stark.
If you know the answer, please tell me, but was the tentacled creature in Episode 1 “What If… Captain Carter Were the First Avenger?” the same as Episode 4 “What If…Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?”? Though you can watch “What If…?” in one sitting, if you are in a rush to prepare for “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” (2022), then watch Episode 4, 8 “What If…Ultron Won?” and 9 “What If…the Watcher Broke His Oath?”. To truly appreciate the latter two, watching the entire season is essential. I watched Episode 4 two times. Initially I was dispassionate about it because I never bought that Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams) and Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) had any chemistry, but twelve minutes into the thirty-seven-minute episode, the show takes us on a bleak ride to the worst-case scenario, and I loved it. It was one of the few episodes that confused me because I could not believe how desolate this multiverse became. I would not be surprised if it is the best of the standalone Doctor Strange projects.
If Boseman had lived, he would have been awarded an animated series based on playing Star-Lord T’Challa. At this point, “What If…?” is getting a second season, and there will be one spin-off based on the multiverse featured in Episode 5, “What If… Zombies?!” I love zombies, but even I tapped out of The Walking Dead because I’m getting a little weary. Leave it to Marvel to make it fresh again with Spider-Man’s humor, making them fast and retaining the qualities that they had before they turned. It is a terrifying concept, but instead of feeling nihilistic, it is one of the lighter episodes in the series.
I highly recommend “What If…?” to anyone interested in the Marvel universe, but especially if you are unfamiliar with it and are daunted at the prospect of watching content dating back to 2008!