The following article contains spoilers for What If…?.
The premise seems rather straightforward, right? Have Tony Stark be saved in Afghanistan by US Navy Seal Erik Killmonger, thus signaling a turning point for the latter that changes his character completely. However, What If…?’s sixth episode plays its cards brilliantly to deliver a different Black Panther experience from the eyes of one of the MCU’s most beloved villains.
Despite not being the longest so far, “What If… Killmonger Rescued Tony Stark?” possibly delivers the series’ most movie-like story arc, including a few surprising twists from what its trailer had teased, and even provides a brief emotional moment that foreshadows what Black Panther: Wakanda Forever could be like. That it manages to do all in 34 minutes is a testament to the sort of things Marvel Studios can pull off in this animated format.
While the very first moments of the episode were practically given away in What If…?’s earliest trailers, they still serve a clear purpose as they establish that had Tony Stark not been kidnapped by terrorists, he would have not gone on to become half the man he was in Avengers: Endgame. The Watcher himself tells the audience that when What If…? treats everyone to animated versions of a couple of epic Iron Man moments, warning that heroes are not born from darkness, battles, and sacrifice.
Thus, by saving Stark, Killmonger altogether prevents the birth of Iron Man and also Stark’s own personal growth since he leaves Afghanistan pretty much unchanged from who he was when his convoy was attacked. This is precisely what keeps Tony from seeing that his new decorated war hero, and Chief Security Officer, is simply not all that he seems to be as Killmonger climbs Stark Industries’ corporate ranks in a matter of seconds to take over Obadiah Stane’s Chief Operating Officer role.
Like in Black Panther, Killmonger is an overachiever, putting his MIT degree to good use and instantly striking a solid partnership with Stark to work on yet another Iron Man mecha prototype, just like his father’s Hydra Stomper in What If…?’s first episode. The episode even pays off Michael B. Jordan’s known love for anime, as Stark jokes that they’re basically working on the world's most expensive Gundam action figure.
Speaking of which, What If…? again manages to bring back most of the MCU cast to reprise their roles this time around, although this might be the show’s first instance in which a single character stands out from the first line they speak. Gwyneth Paltrow did not return as Pepper Potts, and it shows quite easily before getting used Beth Hoyt’s simply different, albeit just as capable voice; Mick Wingert returns as Stark, nevertheless, the fact that he’s playing such a different version of this non-Iron Man actually boosts his performance.
It quickly becomes clear that Killmonger took advantage of Tony’s drive for innovation to trick him into bargaining for vibranium from the tainted hands of Ulysses Klaue and it's here where his plan goes into full effect. The deal goes wrong and results in the deaths of James Rhoades and Black Panther himself, even if the latter isn’t that evident due to Killmonger’s usage of the word “stun”, but it's perfectly conceivable that this scene could have been altered in post-production to respect Chadwick Boseman’s memory for the better.
Killmonger finishes his killing spree by spearing his short-lived mentor, just after he finished their Gundam invention, which really drives home the point that Iron Man cannot catch a break in the show. As the United States declares war on Wakanda, Thaddeus Ross comes out to play by invoking the Patriot Act and seizing control of Stark Industries with Killmonger leading the charge.
It’s here that What If…? Goes full-on Black Panther but with a twist, as much of the same paths are repeated, but now fully through the eyes of Killmonger. Klaue is gunned down and Killmonger presents himself as an ally for Wakanda to counter the American Gundam attack with only Shuri left to suspect his true motives.
As Killmonger activates the Vibranium-powered robot he and Stark designed, his descent into the battlefield as the Wakandans cruise to victory in perfectly styled animation, the moment comes accompanied by Queen Ramonda’s tears as they scream "Wakanda Forever” for the fallen T’Challa. This will hit a note for many, and whatever the Black Panther sequel has in store can only be even more gripping to remind viewers of Boseman’s death.
With Killmonger recognized as Wakanda’s new savior, he is chosen as the new Black Panther, however, Boseman shows up in the Ancestral Plane one last time to ask Killmonger a familiar question: “Was it worth it?”. Just like in Black Panther, Killmonger’s rise to power is motivated by a form of social vengeance rather than any conceivable form of equality, and although now defeated, T’Challa still warns him of the many dangers behind his decisions.
Like almost any What If…? story, this one ends with the villain being victorious and the nature of Killmonger’s future reign over Wakanda being left up to one’s imagination. Regardless of that, the decision to pick a villain’s journey as the main focus of an entire episode is still incredibly refreshing for entertainment purposes.
Even in this What If…?’s twisted world, Shuri and Pepper are left as some sort of silver lining to uncover Killmonger’s geopolitical ruse, and though the former is not voice by Letitia Wright, this younger version (these events are closer to the first Iron Man movie) is just as brave.
Six episodes down and three to go, plus a booked slot for Party Thor means that the series might be leaving too little room for its grand crossover to fit all its pieces together. Suffice to say, if this golden Black Panther joins the team of alternate Avengers, it’s clear What If…?’s writers gave Killmonger plenty of sins to atone for.