Marvel Studios has officially closed the chapter on one of the most ambitious explorations of its Multiverse Saga, marking the end of What If…?.
Premiering on December 22, 2024, and concluding with a rapid-fire rollout of episodes through December 29, the third and final season of Marvel Studios’ What If…? delivered a thrilling finale to the animated anthology series. Created by A.C. Bradley and directed by Bryan Andrews, the show has reimagined the Marvel Cinematic Universe through alternate realities that twist key moments into unpredictable, fascinating outcomes.
Guiding viewers through this kaleidoscopic Multiverse has been Jeffrey Wright’s Uatu the Watcher. With his omniscient presence and powerful voice, Wright has provided a steady anchor for fans diving into the uncharted dimensions of the MCU.
Throughout its run, What If…? has celebrated Marvel’s cinematic legacy, bringing back cherished stars to reprise their roles in animated form. Hayley Atwell thrilled audiences as Captain Carter, the late Chadwick Boseman gave his final performance as T’Challa/Star-Lord, and Tom Hiddleston reprised his fan-favorite role as Loki. Iconic turns from Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange), and Josh Brolin (Thanos) further elevated the series.
But not all MCU heavyweights returned. Contract disputes and scheduling conflicts meant notable absences, including Brie Larson, Tom Holland, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, and Dave Bautista. These gaps led to significant recastings, a trend that carried into the third season.
Season 3 kept things fresh with new voices for familiar roles. Episode five, “What If…the Emergence Destroyed the Earth?”, introduced Kenna Ramsey as Okoye, taking over from Danai Gurira, and David Chen stepping in as Wong, previously voiced by Benedict Wong. Meanwhile, Alejandro Saab replaced Jake Gyllenhaal as Quentin Beck/Mysterio, showcasing the series’ flexibility in adapting to change.
Marvel Studios has consistently used What If…? to push the boundaries of imagination, turning the MCU into a vibrant playground where anything—and anyone—is possible.
In November, Marvel confirmed that Season 3 would “end it all,” wrapping up this chapter of the Multiverse Saga. Marvel’s Head of Streaming, Television, and Animation, Brad Winderbaum, detailed the reasoning behind this conclusion during an appearance on The Geekcentric Podcast:
“We always looked at it as it’s an anthology first and foremost, but that it would have an overarching narrative, especially when it comes to Uatu and his story as the Watcher and his struggle. Even though all three seasons culminate by the finish line, it is a slow burn and kind of keeps that anthological element of the story throughout, but if you look at the final episodes of each season as kind of a Watcher Act 1, Act 2, Act 3, I think it does stand alone as a Watcher story.”
Winderbaum added that the show is deeply connected to the MCU’s larger mythology:
“And in terms of tying to the MCU, we do follow very closely the mythology that’s being set up for the Multiverse as the MCU unfolds. Whether it’s kind of the revelation that the Multiverse exists or the idea that it’s all now harnessed by Loki sitting in the center of the Multiversal tree of stories, or, you know, as will be revealed over time why this was the perfect moment to culminate What If…? in its third season.”
While Loki initially introduced the concept of the Sacred Timeline, it was What If…? that truly unleashed the Multiverse’s infinite possibilities. Its conclusion marks the end of an era and sets the stage for the MCU’s future.
With all episodes now streaming, What If…?’s finale is the beginning of the end for the Multiverse Saga. As 2025 approaches, Phase Five will conclude with Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts*, while Phase Six kicks off with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The Russo Brothers will close out the Multiverse Saga with Avengers: Doomsday in 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027.
What are your thoughts on this monumental chapter of the MCU coming to a close? Share your opinions in the comments below!
