Here are our predictions for different storylines Marvel's Jane Foster becoming Thor, and much more.
For the What If...? series, the show will tell stories that are similar to what the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies have explored, but with voiced by Jeffrey Wright), who is able to see events across infinite realities. Uatu will narrate and introduce the different stories, but the main characters of them will be familiar MCU characters voiced by the same actors.
The series is set to debut in 2021 and has fans excited over the possibilities of what it will include. So far, details on the stories that What If...? will tell have been selective, but some details on a few episodes have been confirmed at this point. For instance, the first episode will explore Peggy Carter becoming Captain Carter. But, there will be many more episodes that weave together elements from across the MCU. With the batch of episodes arriving in 2021, here are our predictions for storylines that What If can cover by twisting one moment from each of the MCU's films.
Iron Man
With the freedom of the What If premise, one of the most significant changes that could come to the MCU story comes at the very beginning of Ten Rings organization kidnap Tony Stark and force him to create a Jericho missile for him. But, they were initially hired by Obadiah Stane to kill the eventual hero instead. The Ten Rings fulfilling their duties would result in a massive ripple effect that would see Stane take control of Stark Industries and the Iron Man suits never created. This would result in a drastically different universe and one that is ripe for exploring in this format.
The Incredible Hulk
The Incredible Hulk doesn't have that many ties to the MCU at this point, but Thunderbolt Ross has returned as a ing character in recent years. He has yet to transform into Red Hulk as many have hoped, but maybe What If can put a spin on this idea by doing "What If Thunderbolt Ross Became Abomination?" Emil Blonsky filled this role in the movie, but it wouldn't be too difficult to make this switch happen. After repeated failures to stop Hulk, Ross could decide to inject himself with a version of the super-soldier serum. He could then seek more power and use himself as test subject zero for a militarized version of the Hulk and forces Samuel Sterns to turn him into Abomination. The result would give Ross the power he's desperately craved and change the dynamics of the final fight.
Iron Man 2
The story of Iron Man 2 is heavily tied to Tony Stark's relationship with his father Howard Stark, so What If...? should explore "What If Tony Stark's Parents Weren't Assassinated?" This would completely alter Tony's life, as he would not have been thrust into a position of power when he was 21. Howard could be the head of Stark Industries still but tells Tony that he will soon take over as he is ready to retire. Whiplash could still be a villain of the story, possibly wanting to kill Tony for achieving the success that he believes he and his father should have. His use of the arc reactor tech could be what inspires Tony to create the Iron Man armor with it, but this time Howard could help him build it with his palladium element.
Thor
Loki has long been one of the MCU's most complicated characters, teetering between villain and anti-hero, but maybe wield Mjolnir. It is unlikely that he would still turn against Odin and Asgard in this scenario and used his power for the betterment of the Nine Realms. It could even end up with Loki rightfully sitting on the Asgardian throne and becoming king. If Loki was always good, would Thor then lash out instead? That's possible, and this switch could provide audiences with a version of Loki they've genuinely never seen before.
Captain America: The First Avenger
One of the only confirmed storylines that What If...? will tackle is something along the lines of "What if Peggy Carter Got the Super Soldier Serum?" This change will result in an incredibly different tale for Peggy will get superpowers and become Captain Carter, with her suit drawing similarities with Captain Britain. Meanwhile, it appears that Steve Rogers will lose his muscles and America-themed suit and instead suit up in a giant Iron Man-like suit created by Howard Stark. After mostly sitting on the sidelines, this What If story will allow Peggy to be the superhero and fight Red Skull herself.
The Avengers
Since first wave of the Avengers potentially, which would be a drastic change to make.
Iron Man 3
Since Tony Leung playing the part. After establishing him in the real continuity, this episode could explore how the universe would be different if he emerged sooner. And since Iron Man and Mandarin won't ever fight in the MCU, this would be one way for Marvel Studios to have Tony Stark face-off with his arch-nemesis in the comics. It would even be a simple switch to make, with the real Mandarin taking the place of Trevor Slattery and removing the connections to AIM.
Thor: The Dark World
Thor is a central figure in stopping Malekith in Thor: The Dark World, but this event could be quite different if the story was changed to be "What If The Aether Possessed Thor?" Jane Foster is originally the one who becomes the host for the Reality Stone, but the What If series could switch this up to have it be ed to Thor at some point. This would effectively take him out of the bigger picture as it weakens him; he would also be the MacGuffin. Without Thor trying to stop Malekith, the fate of the Nine Realms could be put in the hands of Loki, Odin, Lady Sif, and the Warriors Three. The story could be an excellent opportunity for the latter characters to finally receive a decent sized role.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
The Bucky Barnes and Steve Rogers relationship is crucial to without years of Hydra brainwashing in his system, but later be haunted when Hydra's plans are revealed. Instead of having a super-assassin for all these years, their plan could be to bring Captain America back to life. But, they can't do it flawlessly, which would result in Bucky having to fight zombie Cap.
Guardians of the Galaxy
For the What If version of T'Challa as Star-Lord. This would be quite the switch for T'Challa, as he likely would grow up in space and among the Ravagers instead of as royalty in the secret nation of Wakanda. The possibility of this scenario could come down to Yondu picking up the wrong kid back in 1988, and would keep Peter Quill on Earth, see Wakanda lose its heir to the throne, and much more. However, it would also be a fascinating turn if T'Challa decided to venture into space on his own and leave Wakanda behind.
