Menu

Update: After Massive MCU Recast, Marvel Has Canceled Acclaimed Show

Tom Holland as Spider-Man
Credit: Marvel Studios

Marvel Studios recently unveiled exciting updates at the D23 Brazil event, showcasing what’s next for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Among the highlights was a new trailer confirming that What If…? Season 3 will be the series’ final chapter. This comes after a successful second season that captivated fans with its unique Multiverse stories.

A cosmic background with stars features the text

Credit: Marvel Studios

D23 Brazil: A Showcase of What’s to Come

Following Disney’s ultimate fan gathering in Southern California, the magic continued with D23 Brazil, where Marvel Studios shared exclusive sneak peeks and updates. Kevin Feige, the mastermind behind the MCU, alongside key actors, thrilled fans with footage from upcoming projects like Captain America: Brave New World (2025), set for a February 2025 release, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Live-action news was abundant, but attention also shifted to Marvel’s growing animated universe. Brad Winderbaum, Marvel’s Head of Television, Streaming, and Animation, took center stage, presenting what’s on the horizon for Disney+. Notably, fans got a glimpse into What If…? Season 3 and Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, which promises to expand the Marvel television landscape.

Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America using his shield

Credit: Marvel Studios

A Quiet Hit: What If…? Makes Its Mark

Nestled among major live-action releases like WandaVision, Loki, and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Marvel’s What If… series made a quieter yet profound impact. Debuting on Disney+ in 2021, the show explored alternate realities within the Marvel Universe, providing new spins on beloved characters and storylines. For instance, fans witnessed Chadwick Boseman’s final performance as T’Challa, reimagined as this universe’s Star-Lord rather than the Black Panther. Meanwhile, Peggy Carter transformed into Captain Carter in the premiere episode, with voice acting by Hayley Atwell.

The series showcased both returning and new talent voicing familiar characters. However, some big-screen actors like Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Tom Holland (Spider-Man), and Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow) were replaced by Mick Wingert, Hudson Thames, and Lake Bell, respectively, lending fresh voices to the animated series.

Hayley Atwell as Captain Carter in 'What If...?'

Credit: Marvel Studios

Season 3: The End of the Journey

Marvel Studios confirmed earlier this year that What If…? will conclude with Season 3, premiering on Disney+ this December. The third season promises to be an epic conclusion, releasing episodes daily starting December 22, just in time for the holidays. The newly released trailer introduces several fan-favorite characters who will appear in their Multiverse versions, including the iconic mutant Storm. In a nod to nostalgia, Alison Sealy-Smith, who originally voiced Storm in X-Men: The Animated Series and this year’s X-Men ’97, reprises her role.

The upcoming season will explore new storylines featuring characters like Shang-Chi, Sam Wilson (Captain America), Moon Knight, and Agatha Harkness. Fans of WandaVision will be particularly excited to see Agatha’s return after her spinoff series, Agatha All Along, became a sensation earlier this year.

Title card for 'What If...?' season 2 with Uatu

Credit: Marvel Studios

2024: A Year of Restraint and Triumph

After facing criticism for oversaturating the market with content, Marvel Studios scaled back significantly in 2024. The year saw fewer releases, with only Deadpool & Wolverine in theaters and Echo and Agatha All Along on Disney+. However, this more focused approach proved successful. Deadpool & Wolverine smashed box office records, becoming the highest-grossing R-rated film ever, while Agatha All Along became a social media phenomenon, keeping fans engaged.

Despite the excitement surrounding Marvel’s upcoming releases, the ending of What If…? is bittersweet. The series has been a unique experiment for Marvel, allowing it to explore alternate storylines and characters outside the main MCU continuity. As the final season approaches, fans are hopeful it will end on a high note, bringing the Multiverse journey to a spectacular close.

Kevin Feige at Comic-Con

Credit: Gage Skidmore, Flickr

With the MCU’s 20th anniversary on the horizon and new films slated for Phase Seven in 2028, it’s clear that Marvel is far from finished.

So, how do you feel about What If…? ending this year? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned for more updates on your favorite Marvel projects!

About Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his favorite TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer except when it's One Tree Hill. He loves sandy beach walks, forest hikes, and foodie days out in the Big City. Thomas lives in England, UK, with his fiancée, baby, and their dog, a Border Collie called Luna.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.