Top 9 'What If...?' Marvel Storylines Ready for the MCU Multiverse

9. The Rise of Emperor Hulk - 'What If The Hulk Had Evolved Into The Maestro?'

At number nine, let's reimagine the MCU's Hulk narrative with the 1995 tale 'What If The Hulk Evolved Into The Maestro?' This storyline transforms the gentle giant into a tyrannical ruler in an apocalyptic future. Fans have longed to see Hulk's savage side return, and this could be the perfect way to reintegrate that aspect of his character, especially after witnessing his evolution into Smart Hulk. A 'What If...?' adaptation could explore a reality where Bruce Banner's attempts to cure or control his Hulk persona go terribly awry, leading to the rise of the Maestro—a Hulk with both brains and brawn determined to dominate.

Marvel Comics cover for What If the Hulk Evolved into the Maestro

8. A Land-Dwelling King - 'What If Namor Grew Up On Land?'

Eighth on the list is the 2005 'What If Namor Grew Up On Land?' which explores the possibilities of Namor's life away from his marine kingdom. With Namor's recent introduction in 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever', and his unique vibranium-based Talokan heritage, a 'What If...?' episode could delve into a reality where Namor's disdain for the surface world is a consequence of his upbringing on land. It would be a stark contrast to his MCU origin, potentially showcasing a Namor who never became the ruler of Talokan but perhaps a different kind of leader—or even a villain—on Earth.

Namor underwater in Talokan in Black Panther Wakanda Forever

7. The Path of Loyalty - 'What If Shang-Chi, Master Of Kung Fu, Had Remained Loyal?'

Seventh spot is seized by the narrative 'What If Shang-Chi, Master Of Kung Fu, Had Remained Loyal?' from 1979. Shang-Chi's entrance into the MCU was met with acclaim, and his appearance in 'What If...?' could offer a captivating twist. This story would twist Shang-Chi's path to heroism by having him embrace the legacy of his father, Xu Wenwu, and the Ten Rings. As a loyal son, Shang-Chi might inherit the Ten Rings and the organization's dark dealings, providing a glimpse into a universe where he never becomes a hero, but instead, a formidable antagonist with the power of the rings at his disposal.

Shang-Chi fighting his father in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

6. Doom's Iron Legacy - 'What If Tony Stark Had Become Doctor Doom?'

Claiming the sixth position is the 2010 storyline 'What If Tony Stark Had Become Doctor Doom?' As one of the most anticipated characters yet to debut in the MCU, Doctor Doom's introduction could be heralded through this 'What If...?' adaptation. Imagine Tony Stark's genius trapped in the body of Victor Von Doom, deported to Latveria, and living a twisted destiny. This reversal of fortunes would not only introduce Doctor Doom into the MCU but also resurrect the spirit of Tony Stark in a darkly fascinating new role, paving the way for intricate storytelling and character development.

Tony Stark as Doctor Doom in Marvel Comics' What If

5. The Punisher's Justice - 'What If The Punisher Killed Daredevil?'

At the halfway mark is the dark and gritty 1991 tale 'What If The Punisher Killed Daredevil?'. With the integration of Marvel Television's Defenders Saga into the MCU, this storyline could pick up where Daredevil season 2 left off, only this time, Frank Castle doesn't miss. The death of Daredevil could spark a war among superheroes, with characters like Spider-Man being dragged into a vendetta against the Punisher. This narrative would be a thrilling and emotionally charged episode of 'What If...?' that explores the consequences of vigilantism and the fragile line between hero and anti-hero.

Daredevil tied up with the Punisher in Netflix's Daredevil

4. The Sorcerer of Asgard - 'What If Loki Wielded Mjolnir?'

Occupying the fourth spot is the 2023 'What If Loki Wielded Mjolnir?' storyline. Loki's character has been one of the most versatile in the MCU, with Tom Hiddleston portraying countless variants. This 'What If...?' tale could see an evil Loki variant achieving what he always desired—ruling Asgard with the power of Mjolnir in his grasp. It's a storyline ripe for dramatic twists, as Loki's cunning and ambition combined with the might of Thor's hammer would make for a formidable and potentially unstoppable ruler of the Nine Realms.

Loki trapped by Mjolnir in Thor

3. Skrull World Order - 'What If The Skrulls Succeeded In Their Secret Invasion?'

The third most riveting storyline to adapt would be 2009's 'What If The Skrulls Succeeded In Their Secret Invasion?'. This could be a direct response to the lukewarm reception of Marvel Studios' Secret Invasion series. By exploring a universe where the Skrull invasion was successful, viewers could be treated to a harrowing narrative where Earth falls under Skrull control. This 'What If...?' episode would not only provide redemption for the Secret Invasion storyline but also offer a chilling look at a world where humanity is subjugated, and heroes are on the brink of extinction.

Gravik yelling after being betrayed in Secret Invasion

2. Banner's Sakaarian Struggle - 'What If Bruce Banner Had Landed On Sakaar Instead Of The Hulk?'

Runner-up is the 2007 'What If Bruce Banner Had Landed On Sakaar Instead Of The Hulk?'. This story would offer a tragic twist on the 'Thor: Ragnarok' narrative, with Bruce Banner landing on the alien planet without the protection of the Hulk. His intellect alone might not save him in the gladiatorial pits, leading to a grim fate. This would create a 'What If...?' episode that examines the vulnerability and humanity of Bruce Banner, potentially changing the course of events in the MCU, including the absence of the Hulk in the fight against Thanos.

Thor and the Hulk in a gladiator battle in Thor Ragnarok

1. A Fantastic Alliance - 'What If Spider-Man Had Joined The Fantastic Four?'

Taking the top spot is the first ever 'What If...?' tale from Marvel Comics, released in 1976, 'What If Spider-Man Had Joined The Fantastic Four?'. With the Fantastic Four set to make their MCU debut in Phase 6, this storyline could not be more timely. It would be thrilling to see how Peter Parker's Spider-Man could influence the dynamics of the already iconic team, potentially forming the Fantastic Five. The story could explore the ramifications of such an alliance, including the potential friction it causes within the group and how it shapes their battles against villains. This episode would be a nostalgic nod to the origins of 'What If...?' while also paving the way for fresh storytelling in the MCU.

Peter Parker's Spider-Man with Captain America's shield in Captain America Civil War