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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!