The air is thick with anticipation as Marvel Studios’ animated anthology series, What If…? gears up for its second season of historical speculation, promising a whole array of rumored returns and surprising scenarios that are bound to excite the series’ ardent fan base.
The episode titles for the upcoming season have allegedly been leaked, courtesy of a tweet from industry insider @CanWeGetToast. These titles not only confirm some whispers that have been circulating in the fan community but also hint at unexpected narratives that are poised to unfold on the small screen – if they pan out.
Here is the complete list of all the upcoming Season 2 episodes:
- Episode 201: What If… Nebula Joined the Nova Corps?
- Episode 202: What If… Peter Quill Attacked Earth’s Mightiest Heroes?
- Episode 203: What If… Kahhori Reshaped the World?
- Episode 204: What If… Hela found the Ten Rings?
- Episode 205: What If… lron Man Crashed into the Grandmaster?
- Episode 206: What If… Happy Hogan Saved Christmas?
- Episode 208: What If… Captain Carter Fought the Hydra Stomper?
- Episode 209: What If… The Avengers Assembled in 1602?
- Episode 210 : What If… Strange Supreme Intervened?
Leaker @MyTimeToShineH also revealed that Season 2 of What If…? will comprise 9 episodes, but episode 7 has been cut and is slated for a release in Season 3. This move is reminiscent of the shuffle with the Iron Man and Grandmaster episode, which, though intended for Season 1, has found its way into Season 2.
Among the episodes that have garnered attention is one featuring Happy Hogan in a Christmas story, an episode that has been the subject of speculation for some time. Another episode that has sparked interest among fans sees Thor: Ragnarok’s formidable villain, Hela, wielding the mighty Ten Rings from Shang-Chi, suggesting a convergence of power that could have cataclysmic implications.
The series is also set to introduce a new character to its animated canvas: Kahhori, a Native American superhero created exclusively for the show. Her debut episode explores a scenario where the Tesseract lands in the sovereign Haudenosaunee Confederacy before America’s colonization, giving rise to a new mythology and setting Kahhori on a quest to unearth her latent powers.
The episode titles also tease a scenario where Peter Quill takes on Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, and another where the Avengers assemble in the year 1602, offering viewers a glimpse into a reality where history and superhero lore intertwine in unexpected ways (isn’t that what’s happening with Victor Timely in Loki Season 2?).
What If…? was envisioned as Marvel Studios’ license to embrace unparalleled creativity. It promised wild, untamed stories based on beloved characters. In a content climate dominated by the multiverse, it’s right at home.
Yet, aside from a few standout episodes like “What If… Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?”, the series has felt like a series of missed opportunities. The vast multiverse offers limitless potential, and many argue that Marvel hasn’t even scratched the surface.
A radical suggestion? Perhaps Marvel Studios could take a leaf out of LEGO Ideas’ book. Imagine a world where Marvel polls the internet for the most outlandish, captivating What If…? scenarios and then brings the best of these ideas to life. Such a move could reinvigorate the series, making it the groundbreaking show it was always meant to be.
As Season 2 approaches, one can only hope that Marvel takes some of this feedback to heart and truly explores the infinite potential of the multiverse (at least in later seasons). After all, in a universe where anything is possible, why limit the imagination?
No official release date has been scheduled for What If…? Season 2, but the Disney+ show is reportedly being delayed to early next year.
