The Exciting Fusion of the MCU and a Legendary Sci-Fi Franchise in What If…? Season 2
What If? Season 2 introduces an exciting fusion of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and a beloved sci-fi franchise, delivering a mind-bending experience Brace yourself for an even wilder Season 3, as the director promises more offbeat and eccentric narratives
The debut episode of Season 2 of What If…? was just released, combining the MCU with a popular science fiction franchise. This aligns with the show's concept of exploring alternate timelines, giving the animated series the freedom to explore various genres and styles.
Season 1 showcased a free-spirited approach with episodes like the horror-comedy "What If...Zombies?!" and the tragic love story "What If...Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?" In Season 2, the show is going even further, with the third entry drawing inspiration from the classic Christmas action film Die Hard.
What If…? Season 2 blends the MCU with an iconic sci-fi franchise
Fans have already had a taste of Season 2’s willingness to ape famous films in Episode 1, “What If… Nebula Joined the Nova Corps?”
In the second season premiere of "What If...?", Nebula, played by Karen Gillan, is freed from Thanos' control early on and recruited by the Nova Corps. She embarks on an investigation on the Corps' homeworld, Xandar, after a major character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is found dead. The resulting story has a strong resemblance to a neo-noir tale, drawing inspiration from the iconic film Blade Runner, with its flying police cars, neon-lit streets, and rain-soaked atmosphere. The opening episode of "What If...?" Season 2 heavily borrows from Ridley Scott's 1982 classic and its 2017 sequel, Blade Runner 2049.
What If…? director teases “wackier” Season 3
Blade Runner-inspired variations are only a small part of the extensive vision that the creative team behind What If…? has for the show's future. In a 2022 interview, director Bryan Andrews confirmed that Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has now granted the What If…? team the freedom to fully unleash their creativity.
"In the initial season, Kevin aimed to maintain a more subtle approach, incorporating a unique element that set the series apart while still remaining closely linked to the movies or a specific film moment," Andrews explained. "With a wider range of films and concepts to draw from, we no longer need to rely on just a small moment. We can expand our ideas and get more imaginative. Season 2 takes things up a notch, and in Season 3, we go even further with our creativity."
What If…? Season 2 Episode 1 is now streaming on Disney+, with further episodes dropping daily until December 30. Find out more about What If…? Season 2 here.
Editor's P/S
As an enthusiastic fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and science fiction, I am thrilled about the fusion of these two worlds in What If…? Season 2. The concept of exploring alternate timelines and incorporating elements from beloved sci-fi franchises is incredibly exciting. The debut episode, which draws inspiration from Blade Runner, has set a high standard for the season. The neo-noir atmosphere, flying police cars, and rain-soaked streets perfectly capture the essence of the iconic film. I can't wait to see how the show continues to blend the MCU with other sci-fi franchises and explore even more offbeat and eccentric narratives in future episodes.
The creative freedom granted to the What If…? team by Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige is a game-changer. It allows the show to fully unleash its potential and go beyond subtle references to specific film moments. With a wider range of films and concepts to draw from, the possibilities are endless. I am particularly looking forward to Season 3, which promises to push the boundaries of creativity even further. The What If…? series has proven to be a refreshing and innovative addition to the MCU, and I can't wait to see what other surprises it has in store for fans.
