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Since the Marvel superhero comics have been around for decades, there are plenty of stories, universes and heroes they have introduced. Often, though, the comics follow a certain direction and rarely ever differ from it. That's where the What If...? series comes in. It brings to life various scenarios that, for the most part, simply couldn't happen in the main comic book universe.
As the first season of the animated Disney+ show What If...? proved, this concept is thrilling for many MCU fans. However, the first season only managed to offer nine such scenarios, and there are plenty more it could work with in the future. From different versions of well-known characters to changes in superhero teams, some of these stories would be great to see in the second season of the show.
9 The Civil War, With A Twist
The first Civil War was a result of the conflict between Iron Man and Captain America, or so the MCU put it. Things were a bit more complicated in the comics, where almost all major (and plenty of minor) Marvel superheroes influenced the war, not just the Avengers.
An interesting What If? works with the notion that things could be very different if Stark and Rogers managed to overcome their differences. Instead of fighting things out, they could solve the problem by talking. As a result, it's possible the Infinity War wouldn't have happened, since the Avengers would still be together and could take on Thanos as a team instead of dividing their forces.
8 Spider-Man Becomes Venom
It's unlikely the audience gets to see Tom Holland's Spider-Man put on the iconic black symbiote suit anytime soon. So it would be interesting if Peter Parker did so in What If...? instead. After the portrayal of Venom in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 3 (2007) wasn't well-received by fans, there's a chance to redo the iconic story in a better way.
There are two directions the story could take. Either Peter could reject the symbiote as he did in the comics, or he could get absorbed by it as he did in a recent miniseries by Chip Zdarsky and Pasqual Ferry. Either way, the story would be fascinating to see.
7 Spider-Man Never Becomes A Superhero
Spider-Man is one of the most popular Marvel heroes; thus, there are plenty of What If? storylines about him. In addition to becoming Venom, another story asks the question: what would happen if Spider-Man wasn't a superhero?
Instead of helping other people and saving lives, Peter becomes a celebrity and it goes to his head. Transforming this idea into an episode of the show could offer audiences a brand new version of their favorite superhero. The story also makes sense from a logical point of view. Peter was very young and inexperienced when he got his powers, and he did initially want to use them for his personal gain, rather than the benefit of others.
6 Spider-Man Joins The Fantastic Four
One final Spider-Man centered potential episode has Spider-Man join the iconic team the Fantastic Four. Including this story in What If...? would be an excellent way to introduce the Fantastic Four into the MCU, something that fans have long hoped for. It would also allow to showcase the iconic friendship between Peter Parker and another young superhero, Johnny Storm.
As for the story itself, in the comics in which Spider-Man joined the team, they became known as the Fantastic Five. Even the Daily Bugle acknowledged Spider-Man as a hero instead of constantly besmirching his reputation.
5 Somebody Else Is Spider-Man
Finally, it's time to move away from Peter Parker. The zombie What If...? showed that Parker's optimism even in the face of danger, and demonstrated that death is important. However, not every Spider-Man could be like this. One What If? story plays with the idea of other people getting bitten by the radioactive spider instead — specifically, either Flash Thompson, Betty Brant, or John Jameson.
Both Flash Thompson and Betty Brant have appeared in the MCU, so it would be possible to bring their actors back to voice the animated version of either Flash or Betty. It would also show that there can only be one Peter Parker. When Flash Thompson attempted to be Spider-Man, he failed miserably and died, and Betty wasn't the right person for the job either.
4 Vision Conquers The World
Vision is ultimately a hero, but he doesn't think or feel the way people do. He would do anything for Wanda, as he demonstrated multiple times. Thus, if he deemed it necessary to save Wanda, it's possible that he could take over the world.
In one What If?, Vision comes to the decision that he can stop all evil and injustice. He does accomplish this goal, but also starts controlling the world in the process, and all freedom is gone. It's a chilling story that would fit in well with some of the darker episodes of the show. What's more, it would give Paul Bettany another chance to shine as Vision, since his character is already dead in the main timeline of the MCU.
3 Iron Man Joins The Knights Of The Round Table
A different superhero show, the DC's Legends of Tomorrow, has already toyed with a similar idea. However, it would be both intriguing and amusing to see What If...? offer its own spin of the comic book story. In this scenario, Tony Stark ends up in the past after Doctor Doom betrays him. Since Doctor Doom isn't currently in the MCU, it may have to be someone else who sends him into the past — or What If…? could use this opportunity to bring the character in.
Either way, Tony would end up in the times of the legendary king Arthur, join the knights of the Round Table, and even become Arthur's successor. The story could make for a nice relaxed episode that would offer an alternative to all the darker, more dramatic stories.
2 Punisher Joins The Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Frank Castle is one of the most morally complex antiheroes in the MCU. He respects other superheroes (such as Captain America) in the comics but he has no qualms about killing people — a lot of people. Many fans enjoyed his solo TV show, and were disappointed when it was cancelled.
Bringing Castle back into What If...? would be a welcomed move. Theoretically, this episode could be a sequel to the one where almost all of the original Avengers died because of Hank Pym. Punisher could join the S.H.I.E.L.D. at Nick Fury's request, and then take the organization on once they would betray him, which is what happened in the comics.
1 Jessica Jones Joins The Avengers
Another comic book What If? Jessica Jones join the Avengers. Jessica hasn't had it easy, but after joining the Avengers in this story, she becomes a more open, optimistic person.
She helps the Avengers stop Scarlet Witch from getting rid of almost all mutants' powers, and also finds love with none other than Captain America. It would be nice to see a story end on an optimistic note, especially for a character who's been through so much. What's more, this episode would allow Krysten Ritter to show a different aspect of Jessica's personality that the audience didn't get to see in the Netflix show Jessica Jones.