Marvel Studios’ first animated series What If…? created by A.C. Bradley is making buzz on the internet following the riveting episodes and storyline that reimagines major events in the MCU with infinite possibilities. Recently, after the release of season 2, a particular episode sparked discussion on social media.
With A.C. Bradley taking to her X account to explain the Battle of New York in season 2 episode 5 of What If…?, the creator noted Hope Pym’s presence in the show. Explaining how the character from Ant-Man appeared in the particular episode, Bradley revealed a shocking detail about Tony Stark and his father’s relationship.
Tony Stark’s Estranged Relationship With His Father
As Marvel fans we have all come across certain events where we felt like Robert Downey Jr‘s character Tony Stark shaped his personality in such a way that Iron Man often came across as a brilliant yet mildly narcissistic man-child. Although he had a heart of gold, no one can deny that Iron Man at times acted like a spoiled brat.
Well, many fans believe that Tony Stark’s personality can be attributed to his distant relationship with his father, Howard Stark. While Iron Man 2 gave a peek into the father-son relationship, it wasn’t until Captain America: Civil War, that the true nature of the relationship was revealed.
According to Marvel, Howard Stark was indeed a hard father to be around, as he was almost impossible to please. This somehow caused an estranged relationship between the father and son, as Tony always tried to prove himself. Further, in Civil War which featured a last interaction between them, Howard was seen calling Tony “immature” which eventually became his default personality.
Nonetheless, this hard-to-please and always criticizing personality of his father impacted Tony Stark’s relationship with him, which eventually ended with Howard and his wife’s death.
What If…? Redeems the Spoiled Father-Son Relationship
Meanwhile, while Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War gave a peek into Tony Stark and his father’s estranged relationship, the new animated series What If…? reimagined the very scenario in a positive way. Addressing fans’ questions about how Hope Pym appeared in the Battle of New York featured in season 2 episode 5, show creator A.C. Bradley shared a SPOILER via X.
Also read: Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson Officially Replaced in New MCU Series
“Since Captain Carter — a woman — ended WW2, the feminist movement occurred immediately after the war. This had a ripple effect across society leading to more female SHIELD agents, heroes, & women in positions of authority. (Check out the Strike Team at min 12).”
“Since Peggy Carter wasn’t around to found SHIELD, that responsibility fell to Hope’s parents, Hank and Janet, and also Bucky, and his good friend, Howard Stark. All this lead to Hope taking on the Wasp mantle earlier.”
Narrating how Hope Pym appeared in the show, A.C. Bradley then shared the tidbit about how Howard Stark didn’t die in 1991, unlike the story shown in MCU’s Civil War. Further, Bradley noted that, in her mind, she reimagines Howard as a better father, having a close relationship with his son, as he should.
Other tidbits:
Bucky survived the war, and became a Jimmy Carter-esque elder statesman.Howard didn’t die in 1991. In my mind, Howard was a better father and had a closer relationship with his son.
— A.C. Bradley (@TheAshBradley) December 26, 2023
Giving an alternate reality like closure to Tony Stark and his father, A.C. Bradley stated how one What If…? universe redeemed the father-son relationship.
