When Marvel’s What If? first premiered, fans were thrilled at the aspect of exploring the infinite possibilities of the multiverse. The animated show was created by A.C. Bradley and was based on the Marvel comics series.
The show initially delivered on its promise of fresh plotlines and intriguing characters, but it soon took a disappointing turn. Fans were not happy with the second season of the show, which appeared to be lacking in creativity. What could have been Marvel’s masterstroke turned into yet another what-if?
The multiverse misstep: what went wrong?
Fans were excited when What if? first released in 2021, it was a show with unlimited possibilities and a ready-made fanbase. Season 1, with its anthology-like storytelling, allowed for innovative episodes, each different from the other.
From T’Challa’s Star-Lord adventure to Doctor Strange‘s plotline and finally a zombie-infested universe, everything was going great. Fans were buzzing, and it seemed like the series would be a start for Marvel‘s future small-screen endeavors.
Nah fr this could have been the best thing the mcu has ever done but they were too afraid of creativity
— Yarin Isakov (@Kdotlover445) August 10, 2024
They went wrong by making Peggy Carter the center of this show, when each episode should have just been a standalone one and done story.
— grim 🏴☠️ (@notcastrogrim) August 10, 2024
1st season was great.
— Philip (@Abh3rr1t1on) August 11, 2024
2nd season centered around agent carter. A remarkablimg boring character
It sucks cause they're so many different stories you could tell with the MCU. I would love to have a "What if Quicksilver lived" episode
— PedantiCat (@Pedanti_Cat) August 10, 2024
But season 2 changed it all, the decision to focus primarily on the character of Agent Peggy Carter was not well received. The sudden shift to a character-centric narrative felt stale and lackluster for the viewers. The plotlines also became boring and mundane; boundaries were not tested, and it seemed like Marvel stopped taking risks.
Unfortunately, by playing it safe, Marvel missed the chance to showcase their creativity through unique stories. Fans expressed their discontent, thinking of the endless storylines the show could have explored. What If? should have delved further into uncharted territories of the multiverse, instead of safer options.
From bold to boring: the creative decline of What If?
Earlier, the show was praised for its unique plots, interesting characters, and, most importantly, its creativity. Fans loved how each episode explored a different aspect of the multiverse. But season 2 took all of that away to give absolutely nothing in return.
This disparity between both seasons is a stark reminder of the necessity of creative risk-taking. The first season kept viewers engaged due to the diverse range of characters and storylines. Whereas the second season’s formulaic and boring episodes led to a decline in interest. This calls for a balance between familiarity and innovation.
They could literally do anything but decided to do “What if Happy Hogan saved Christmas”💀
— . (@HoodsOnly_) August 11, 2024
They were overthinking with some of them. If they just did something like "what if the other half got snapped by Thanos" or sth like that ppl would immidiatly be interested. But they wanted Epsiodes that connect to each other
— 🇩🇪Mia San Mia🇩🇪 (@DaToby98) August 10, 2024
A third season for the series was already renewed by Disney+ in July 2022, but there is no official date for the premiere yet. DiscussingFilm posted on X that this will be the final season in the series, so fans are hopeful. Marvel may take this opportunity to course-correct and reclaim the show’s former glory.
The introduction of new characters, the exploration of unknown storylines, and embracing the unpredictability of the multiverse might save this show. Fans hope Marvel can revitalize the series by taking a leap for the best. Catch all episodes of What If? on Disney+.
