What If…? Season 2 Update: Latest News & Rumors
I’m excited to share the latest updates on Marvel Studios’ highly anticipated animated series, What If…?. The second installment is finally here, bringing with it new alternate timeline stories from the Marvel multiverse.
The new season is set to premiere on December 22, 2023, with the finale airing on December 30, 2023. This season continues the anthology format, focusing on character stories and alternate narratives from Phase 4 of the MCU.
With Marvel Studios confirming a third season, there’s potential for more multiverse stories in the future. I’ll be covering everything you need to know about the release schedule, episode count, returning characters, and new additions to the series.
The Latest What If Season 2 News
What If…? Season 2 is just around the corner, and the latest news is all about its unique release strategy. Fans are eagerly awaiting the new season, and Marvel hasn’t disappointed with its plans.
Release Date and Schedule Confirmed
The series is coming back with a release strategy that’s different from the norm. Instead of the usual weekly episode drops, What If…? Season 2 will be releasing one episode daily until the finale on December 30, 2023.
This means that the season will unfold over nine days, keeping fans engaged throughout the holiday season.
Daily Episode Release Strategy
This daily release format is an interesting move by Marvel. Here are some key points about the strategy:
- The season will consist of nine episodes in total, similar to the first season.
- The daily release will run from December 22 to December 30, 2023, creating a nine-day event.
- This approach differs from Marvel’s typical weekly episode drops for their Disney+ shows.
- Executive producer Brad Winderbaum has expressed hope for annual season releases, though he acknowledged the challenges of animation production timelines.
By releasing one episode a day, Marvel aims to keep the momentum going and maintain fan interest throughout the holiday season.
This strategy is a testament to the studio’s willingness to experiment and innovate.
What If…? Season 2 Trailer Breakdown
With the release of the What If…? Season 2 trailer, fans are getting a glimpse into the exciting new stories and characters that await us.
The trailer, which was preceded by footage revealed at San Diego Comic-Con 2022, has generated significant excitement among fans.
Key Moments and Easter Eggs
The trailer is packed with key moments and Easter eggs that hint at the new season’s storyline. One of the most striking aspects is the return of Captain Carter, who appears to have a significant role in the new season, continuing her story from Season 1.
The trailer also features several unexpected character combinations that wouldn’t be possible in the main MCU timeline, such as Tony Stark in the Hulkbuster suit alongside Valkyrie and Korg on Sakaar.
| Character | Season 1 | Season 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Captain Carter | Featured | Returning |
| Tony Stark | Not Featured | Hulkbuster Suit |
| Bucky Barnes | Minor Role | Head of SHIELD |
Character Reveals and Storyline Hints
I’m particularly intrigued by the character reveals in the Season 2 trailer, which shows both returning favorites and surprising new variants from across the multiverse.
The inclusion of villains like Hela and Thanos suggests that Season 2 will explore some darker alternate timelines and “what if” scenarios involving major antagonists.
The trailer confirms that the new season will continue to explore the vast possibilities of the MCU universe, introducing new stories and heroes along the way.
As a fan, I’m excited to see how these new storylines unfold and how they connect to the larger MCU.
Confirmed Episodes and Stories for Season 2
The Marvel universe is about to get a lot more interesting with the arrival of What If…? Season2. Fans have been eagerly waiting for the continuation of this anthology series, and now we have more details on what to expect.
What If…? Season2 is shaping up to be an exciting ride, with new storylines and characters being introduced. The anthology format allows for a diverse range of narratives, keeping the show fresh and engaging.
Nine Episodes Anthology Format
Season2 will consist of nine episodes, each with its unique storyline. This anthology format has been a hit with fans, allowing the show to explore different genres and themes within the Marvel universe.
The decision to stick with the anthology format for Season2 indicates the show’s success and the creators’ confidence in its ability to captivate audiences. With nine episodes, fans can expect a rich and varied viewing experience.
Episode Titles and Premises
While specific details about each episode are still under wraps, we know that the season will include a mix of action, drama, and adventure.
Some episodes will delve into the backstories of beloved characters, while others will explore alternate realities.
- The season promises to deliver more thrilling adventures, with a focus on character development and unexpected twists.
- Episodes will range from light-hearted, humorous storylines to darker, more intense narratives.
- Fans can expect to see some of their favorite characters in new and unexpected situations.
One of the most anticipated episodes is a Tony Stark-centric story featuring Gamora, which was originally planned for Season1 but was delayed due to production issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The “Lost Episode” from Season1
This Tony Stark-centric episode, often referred to as the “lost episode,” was moved to Season2. According to head writer A.C. Bradley, it was “a fun, light-hearted, living, breathing Tony Stark-centric episode with Gamora.”
The inclusion of this episode in Season2 will provide context to some of the events in Season1, such as Gamora’s appearance in Sakaar armor. It promises to be a tonal contrast to some of the darker episodes, offering a more light-hearted viewing experience.
New and Returning Cast Members
The voice cast for What If…? Season 2 includes a mix of returning actors and newcomers, promising an exciting new season. As we explore the cast, it’s clear that the show is continuing to bring together a talented group of voice actors.
MCU Actors Reprising Their Roles
Laurence Fishburne is confirmed to reprise his role as Bill Foster/Giant-Man from Ant-Man and the Wasp, bringing this character into the multiverse scenarios.
This move is significant as it expands the character’s presence within the MCU. According to the head writer, A.C. Bradley,
“That episode came from Karen being the most talented and brilliant actress around,”
highlighting the impact of Karen Gillan’s performance as Nebula in Season 1, which led to her character being featured in an episode in Season 2.
New Voice Talent Joining the Series
The season will introduce new voice actors for characters from Phase 4 of the MCU, though not all casting has been announced yet. Some roles have been recast with voice acting professionals when the original MCU actors weren’t available, maintaining the show’s commitment to quality performances.
For more insights into the casting process and the people behind the show, you can visit Hero and Villain World.
As the cast is finalized, fans can expect a fresh yet familiar lineup, blending the old with the new. The introduction of Kahhori, a character created specifically for the show, adds a new layer of excitement.
Kahhori, a member of the Mohawk Nation, gains abilities after interacting with the Tesseract, offering a compelling narrative.
The mix of returning and new cast members is a testament to the show’s ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. With many actors reprising their roles and new talent joining, the anticipation for Season 2 is building up.
Introducing Kahhori: The First Original MCU Character
The MCU has welcomed its first original character, Kahhori, a figure that embodies the rich cultural heritage of the Mohawk Nation.
This character represents a significant milestone in the MCU, marking a new era of diverse storytelling and cultural representation.
Character Background and Creation Process
Kahhori’s creation is a result of meticulous research and collaboration. The development process involved exploring indigenous narratives in North America, deliberately avoiding overlap with other storylines such as Namor’s Talokan civilization from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Head writer A.C. Bradley and her team drew inspiration from their own backgrounds and the history of the Mohawk Territory.
The idea for Kahhori was pitched by Ryan, who conducted preliminary research during Christmas 2019. This research led to the concept of “The Sky World, the Fountain of youth, and the Tesseract,” which became the foundation for Kahhori’s story.
Cultural Significance and Collaboration with the Mohawk Nation
The creation of Kahhori is particularly significant due to Marvel Studios’ close collaboration with the Mohawk Nation. The creative team worked with historian Doug George and numerous other Mohawk consultants to ensure authentic representation in the character’s development.
This collaboration extended to various aspects, including music, design, costumes, and translations of the script to capture authentic historical Mohawk language.
| Aspect | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Character Development | Collaboration with Mohawk consultants | Authentic representation |
| Storyline | Exploration of indigenous narratives | Diverse storytelling |
| Cultural Elements | Inclusion of Mohawk language and traditions | Cultural significance |
As Head writer A.C. Bradley has expressed, there is hope that Kahhori will not be a one-off character but will continue to appear in future Marvel projects, representing an ongoing commitment to diverse storytelling in the Marvel Studios universe.
How Season 2 Connects to Season 1
Season2 of What If…? expands on the universe established in Season1, offering new insights and storylines. The narrative thread that connects the two seasons is woven through the characters and their experiences.
Captain Carter’s Continuing Story
One of the primary connections between the two seasons is the continued story of Captain Carter. Her character development and interactions, particularly with The Watcher (Jeffrey Wright), remain a focal point.
As head writer A.C. Bradley notes, “I just love this friendship between Peggy and The Watcher.” This unique bond between Captain Carter and The Watcher continues to evolve, showcasing their mutual respect and understanding.
The Watcher’s Evolving Role
The Watcher’s character development is another significant aspect that connects Season1 and Season2. In the Season1 finale, The Watcher broke his oath of non-interference to assemble the Guardians of the Multiverse.
This decision has consequences that are explored in Season2. The Watcher’s role is evolving from a passive observer to an active participant, reflecting the broader MCU’s increasing focus on multiverse stories.
This evolution positions The Watcher as a potential key figure in connecting various alternate realities within the MCU universe.
The connection between the seasons is further emphasized by the consequences of The Watcher’s actions in Season1.
As the series progresses, we see how his decision to intervene affects the multiverse and sets the stage for future episodes.
This narrative thread not only deepens our understanding of The Watcher’s character but also enriches the overall story arc of What If…?.
Behind the Scenes: Development During the Pandemic
As the pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, the team behind What If…? Season 2 demonstrated remarkable resilience and creativity.
The head writer, A.C. Bradley, played a crucial role in navigating these challenges while developing the second season.
Writing and Production Challenges
The writing team faced significant hurdles while working on What If…? Season 2, particularly because they were simultaneously involved in other Marvel projects.
Bradley was producing Ms. Marvel in Atlanta while collaborating remotely on the What If…? season finale.
This required an action-packed approach to storytelling, ensuring that the anthology series maintained its distinct tone and visual style.
- The team drew inspiration from various sources, including classic literature, films, and comic storylines, to create engaging narratives.
- Creative decisions about character arcs were carefully considered, such as the determination not to redeem Strange Supreme, viewing him through a Shakespearean tragic lens.
- Each episode was approached with specific genre inspirations, ranging from noir detective stories to holiday action films like Die Hard.
Creative Decisions and Inspirations
The development of What If…? Season 2 involved exploring alternate timelines, a key element that added depth to the series.
The team’s ability to work under the constraints of the pandemic while maintaining the quality of the season was commendable.
The diverse creative influences helped ensure that each episode in the anthology series maintained a distinct tone and visual style while still feeling cohesive within the What If…? framework.
This was particularly evident in the second season, where the storytelling was both engaging and innovative.
Conclusion: The Future of What If…? and Season 3 Confirmation
With the official announcement of What If…? Season 3 at Comic-Con 2022, fans are more eager than ever to dive into the multiverse.
The Marvel animated series has been confirmed for a second season even before the first had premiered, and now, the same pattern has repeated with Season 3.
The anthology format of What If…? provides virtually limitless storytelling potential, allowing the creative team to explore any corner of the Marvel multiverse in future seasons.
While Season 2’s finale will likely include hints or setups for Season 3 storylines, the episodic nature means they don’t necessarily need to create direct continuity.
Fans can expect Season 3 to potentially incorporate characters and concepts from upcoming MCU films and series, continuing the show’s tradition of reimagining established stories. The success of What If…? has established animation as a valuable medium for Marvel storytelling.
FAQ
Q: When is the release date for What If…? Season 2?
A: The release date for What If…? Season 2 has been confirmed, and the show is now available to stream on Disney+.
Q: How many episodes are in What If…? Season 2?
A: What If…? Season 2 consists of nine episodes, following the anthology format of the first season.
Q: Will Captain Carter be in What If…? Season 2?
A: Yes, Captain Carter will be back in What If…? Season 2, continuing her story from the first season.
Q: Are there any new characters introduced in What If…? Season 2?
A: Yes, Kahhori is a new original MCU character introduced in What If…? Season 2, bringing a fresh storyline to the series.
Q: Who is the head writer of What If…? Season 2?
A: The head writer of What If…? is A.C. Bradley, who has been instrumental in shaping the stories and characters of the series.
Q: How does What If…? Season 2 connect to the MCU?
A: What If…? Season 2 explores alternate timelines and character stories within the MCU, offering a unique perspective on the Marvel universe.
Q: Can I expect to see other MCU characters in What If…? Season 2?
A: Yes, many MCU characters, including Tony Stark and Black Widow, make appearances in What If…? Season 2, voiced by the same actors from the MCU films.
Q: Is Jeffrey Wright back as the Watcher in What If…? Season 2?
A: Yes, Jeffrey Wright reprises his role as the Watcher in What If…? Season 2, continuing to narrate and guide the audience through the alternate timelines.
