Marvel enthusiasts have eagerly awaited each new episode of What If...? Season 2, and there has been a lot of curiosity about the character Kahhaori. Here's what you need to know.
Marvel Studios gifted their fans with the second season of their popular animated series What If...? over a span of nine consecutive days, just in time for Christmas.
The show offers fans a glimpse into how various important events from the Marvel Cinematic Universe would play out in alternate timelines.
The latest episode (What If… Kahhori Reshaped the World?) introduced fans to the new hero Kahhori, sparking curiosity about her backstory and her role in the MCU. Here's what we know so far.
Who is Kahhori in What If…? Season 2?
Kahhori is a young Mohawk woman and member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy in pre-colonial America who gains superhero ability from the Infinity Stones.
Upon venturing into the "forbidden lake" to elude Spanish conquistadors, Kahhori awakens in an alternate realm where she and her Mohawk companions are endowed with the power of the Tesseract, also known as the Space Infinity Stone.
Voiced by Canadian Mohawk actress Devery Jacobs (Reservation Dogs), Kahhori has made studio history as the first entirely original MCU hero with no connections to the comics.
Doug George, Mohawk Nation historian, believes that including Kahhori in the MCU provides important Indigenous representation. He states that it was a wise choice to feature her in a world where her people were not subjected to brutal colonization, offering viewers a new and captivating perspective on the land's first peoples. According to George, the episode shares a remarkable and historically unique story from a Native-Mohawk point of view.
The story is gripping, the characters are well-developed, and the action scenes are stunning. What makes this episode truly outstanding is the full collaboration of the Mohawk people, from dialogue to costumes.
In addition, writer Ryan Little discussed his writing process, mentioning that he worked closely with a mentor who has extensive experience working with the Indigenous community in upstate New York.
"I am thrilled to use my experience to create a completely unique part of the MCU, with storylines featuring new Indigenous heroes that are written with respect for past generations and hope for the future," Little stated. "Kahhori, pronounced 'KAH-HORTI,' is an authentic Wolf Clan name, meaning 'she stirs the forest' or signifies someone who inspires those around her."
"In her first adventure, Kahhori must live up to her name as she works to enlist strong allies in the battle to protect her people and alter the course of history forever."
What If Season 2 is streaming on Disney Plus now. Check out our breakdown of the cast here, and the show’s Christmas release schedule here.
Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of Marvel, I am thrilled to see the introduction of Kahhori, the newest superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Kahhori is a young Mohawk woman who gains superhero abilities from the Infinity Stones, and her story is both unique and captivating. I appreciate that Marvel Studios has taken the time to create an entirely original character with no connections to the comics, and I am excited to see how her story unfolds in future episodes of What If...?
I am also impressed by the level of collaboration between Marvel Studios and the Mohawk people in the creation of Kahhori. From the dialogue to the costumes, everything about Kahhori's character has been carefully crafted with respect for Mohawk culture and history. This level of collaboration is not only commendable, but it also ensures that Kahhori is a truly authentic and well-rounded character.
