Offering a glimpse into the alternate timelines that shape the multiverse of madness, Marvel’s What If…? is a creative exploration of chaos and fantasy that gives heroes the chance to act totally out of character. The series includes some spectacular visuals and presents audiences with varying genres, ranging from lighthearted fun to downright creepiness.
Although the idea behind the series is unique, What If…? hasn't quite lived up to other MCU projects. Each episode is pretty self-contained and the consequences of the characters’ actions didn’t have any massive influence on the universe as a whole, lessening the impact of each storyline. If season 2 focuses on the dark side of its heroes, the What If…? series might finally start carrying more weight.
What If... Bucky Stayed The Winter Soldier?
Bucky Barnes is one of the most popular characters amongst Marvel fans, capturing audiences in both the comics and the MCU with his heartbreaking story. He’s undergone a lot of character development in Phase 4, thanks to The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, but what if he stayed the Winter Soldier?
If Bucky were to remain as the Winter Soldier, he’d create a massive domino effect that would totally reshape the MCU. For starters, if he never got in touch with the “old Bucky” during Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Hydra probably would have succeeded in creating a new world order. Bucky’s ties to his old life and the person he used to be are what allowed Steve to stop him from completing Project Insight and killing thousands of people with Zola’s Algorithm.
Doctor Strange was actually on the list of names targeted by Zola’s Algorithm, so if Bucky stayed the Winter Soldier, Doctor Strange would have been killed before he became a sorcerer. Not to mention, if Doctor Strange wasn’t around to help the Avengers defeat Thanos, the world would still be suffering from the aftermath of the snap. If Bucky stayed the Winter Soldier, the impact he’d have on the MCU would be catastrophic. However, it would certainly be a compelling storyline for What If…? season 2.
What If... Wanda Kept Westview?
Wanda’s time in Westview was a major turning point for her character. By holding the small town hostage, she became one of Marvel’s many antiheroes, putting her in the ranks with other fan-favorite characters like Loki. Turning her into a villain in What If...? season 2 would definitely give audiences a more impactful storyline.
If Wanda decided to keep Westview, perhaps she would expand the borders of the Hex and take more innocent people hostage. Maybe she would finally fulfill the prophecy Agatha Harkness told her about and destroy the world. Regardless, given how powerful Wanda is, going full dark side would mean major trouble for the rest of the characters in the MCU.
What If... Clint Died On Vormir?
A lot of Marvel fans have sadly accepted that Natasha’s death served a great purpose in the MCU, but it’s hard not to wonder what would’ve happened if Clint had been the one to sacrifice himself instead. Perhaps Natasha could have done more to help save Tony’s life in the final battle against Thanos. Maybe she and Yelena could have created a new program that aids the young women who were forced to be trained as Widows in the Red Room. Either way, it would definitely be interesting for fans to see what else Natasha could have accomplished if she made it off Vormir.
What If... Nebula Was The Favorite Daughter?
Although Nebula has already appeared in season 1 of What If…? with Thanos at her side, revisiting the old dynamic between her, Gamora and Thanos would make for an interesting twist. Since Nebula grew up in Gamora’s shadow, she became obsessed with the idea of being the best. Nebula was originally motivated by revenge and power in the MCU, so what would happen if she’d always been Thanos’ number 1? Also, what would that mean for Gamora? Even as the favorite daughter of Thanos, Gamora has quite a reputation. She’s often referred to as the most feared woman in the galaxy, so just how brutal could she be if Nebula was always put first?
What If... Loki Won The Battle Of New York?
Loki’s losses are part of what made him realize he wanted to be a better person. If he were to have won the Battle of New York, what would that mean for the Avengers? Would Loki have killed them? Would he have taken Thor prisoner and become the new ruler of Asgard?
If Loki were to have won the battle, he would never have reached the level of development he did in the Loki series. Beating the Avengers and taking over Earth would’ve allowed Loki to keep pretending that power and glory are the only things he truly desires, without ever changing. Plus, the Battle of New York took place in the original Avengers movie in Phase 1. If Loki came into power so early on in the franchise, the entire MCU would be going down a totally different path.