Marvel's What If...? Season 2 Reveals Unkillable MCU Characters

The Elders of the Universe: Near-Invulnerability and Marvel Comics Lore

Marvel's What If...? season 2 has brought to light the near-invulnerability of two Marvel Cinematic Universe characters, adding a fascinating layer to their existence within the MCU. The revelation not only answers lingering questions about their survival but also delves into the lore of the Elders of the Universe from Marvel's comics.

The Grandmaster winks in What if Season 2

In the main Marvel Comics universe (Earth-616), the Elders of the Universe are among the universe’s first sapient species after the Celestials. They are known for their immunity to aging and possess powerful superhuman abilities granted by the Power Primordial, which is comparable to the energy that created the Infinity Stones in the MCU. This unique power is a defining trait of the Elders, making them almost impossible to kill.

The Elders of the MCU, as depicted in Marvel's What If...? season 2, appear to share this near-invulnerability, as evidenced by a revealing episode. This suggests that their exceptional resilience is a key aspect of their existence within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, shedding light on their enigmatic nature and abilities.

The Unkillable Elders: What If...? Season 2 Revelation

The fourth episode of Marvel’s What If…? season 2 – “What If... Iron Man Crashed into the Grandmaster?” – presents a thought-provoking scenario that unveils the near-invulnerability of the Elders of the Universe in the MCU. The episode brings back the MCU's iteration of the Grandmaster in an alternate ending to 2012’s The Avengers, showcasing an unexpected turn of events that highlights the Elders' unique resilience.

During the episode, Grandmaster is seemingly killed when his Melt Stick accidentally liquifies him, leading viewers to believe in the finality of his demise. However, the post-credits scene humorously reveals that Grandmaster is still alive despite his liquidation, firmly establishing the unkillable nature of the MCU's Elders. This revelation not only adds depth to the Elders' portrayal but also suggests the resilience of another MCU Elder, the Collector, in the main timeline.

Resolving Infinity War's Collector Mystery

The Collector, a mysterious and enigmatic character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has left fans pondering his fate following the events of Infinity War. The revelation in Marvel’s What If…? season 2 sheds light on the Collector's survival, resolving the lingering mystery surrounding his encounter with Thanos and the Reality Stone.

A split image of the MCU's Collector and Thanos

In Infinity War, the Collector's fate remains uncertain after Thanos travels to Knowhere to steal the Reality Stone from his collection. The Collector is revealed to be an illusion generated by the Infinity Stone, leaving his true fate shrouded in mystery. However, the confirmation of the Elders' near-invulnerability in Marvel’s What If…? season 2 offers insights into the Collector's survival, presenting a compelling explanation for his enduring existence despite the perceived threat of Thanos and the Infinity Stones.

The episode's revelation suggests that the Collector's enhanced physiology and near-invulnerability, akin to the other Elders of the Universe, allowed him to withstand the immense power of Thanos and the Infinity Stones. This intriguing revelation not only resolves the mystery of the Collector's survival but also adds a new layer of depth to his character within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, offering a compelling insight into the enigmatic Elders and their exceptional resilience.