When Marvel announced the return of the X-Men ’97 animated series, almost every single fan was skeptical about its success. The MCU had recently seen a slew of flops, and the 90s fans who grew up with the series were worried that their fond memories would be tainted by “wokeness” as well, but Beau DeMayo’s series proved everyone wrong.
And it seems like Marvel is trying to ride the high tide generated by the fan-favorite mutant mayhem, as the studio is once again betting its money on animation. This time, their focus is on the third season of What If…?, which has been quite popular in its own right.
For those who are looking forward to What If…? Season 3, hold your horses, we have some good and bad news for you!
What If…? might be ending with Season 3
Created by A. C. Bradley, What If…? was one of the most glorious Marvel experiments that dabbled into the multiverse and different timelines. The animated show first premiered in 2021 and picked up several pages straight from Marvel comics, which attracted both new and old viewers.
However, the wild universe hopping ride might be at its end, as hinted by Brad Winderbaum, Marvel Studios’ Head of TV, Streaming, and Animation. He told ComicBook:
What If…? Season Three is — that might be the one that comes out next, in terms of animation. That is the culmination of a trilogy. We’re actually close to completing that one.
While the series’ ending is sad news for a lot of Marvel fans, there’s still light at the end of the tunnel, as the last season will see a lot of action from The Watcher himself.
Uatu The Watcher will have a bigger role in What If…? Season 3
The Watchers have predominantly played a neutral role in both comics and animation. They mostly do what their name suggests – they are cosmic beings who observe the happenings of the multiverse. Jeffrey Wright‘s Uatu, The Watcher, who is the narrator and occasional guide in What If..? will actually do something more than just watch this season.
Brad Winderbaum continued in his interview with ComicBook:
And it really feels like you’ve gone through this amazing emotional experience with Uatu, in a way that’s… What’s great about The Watcher is that he presents himself as uncaring, and cold, and just an observer, but he cares more than everybody [and] anybody. That is on full display in that third season.
Just as every cloud has its silver lining, it looks like there is something for the Marvel fans to rejoice after all! Though the beloved Marvel series is going to come to an end, it will do so with a loud bang, with The Watcher finally joining in on the fun.
With several interesting teases already revealed from Season 3, we have a lot to look forward to in What If…?‘s swansong.
What If…? Seasons 1 & 2 are streaming on Disney+.
