Marvel’s What If…? Producer Reflects on Show’s “Heartbreaking” Conclusion

As a long-time Marvel fan who has witnessed the evolution of their animated series, I must say that the conclusion of “Marvel’s What If…?” feels like a bittersweet goodbye. The show, which played a pivotal role in launching Marvel Studios Animation, has been a delightful journey through the multiverse, offering fresh perspectives on familiar stories and introducing fascinating variants of beloved characters.

The third season’s finale was both satisfying and heartbreaking, not just for the on-screen events but also from behind the scenes. The show that sparked it all – without which we wouldn’t have seen the likes of “X-Men ’97,” “Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man,” or even “I Am Groot” – is now riding off into the sunset, leaving a hefty weight behind.

However, as Bryan Andrews hinted, I believe this isn’t truly goodbye but more of a temporary pause. The potential for further tales within the “What If…?” format seems abundant as the MCU continues to expand. After all, in the multiverse, who knows what strange and wonderful stories might still be waiting to unfold?

In jest, I can’t help but wonder if the Watcher decided to take a well-deserved vacation after all those years of observing and maybe he’s just watching reruns of “Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” on his off days. Fingers crossed for more cosmic adventures soon!

Marvel’s groundbreaking animated series, “What If…?”, which kicked off Marvel Studios Animation, has reached its final chapter after three captivating seasons. Over these years, it delved into the multiverse, reimagining stories from the MCU and presenting variants of beloved characters that left fans in awe. The airing of the third season marked the end of this era, playing a significant role in setting the stage for Marvel Studios Animation’s continued success.

Brad Winderbaum, executive producer of ‘What If…?’ and head of TV, animation, and streaming at Marvel Studios, recently discussed the show’s unexpected finale with ComicBook. He mentioned that wrapping up ‘What If…?’ was a mix of fulfillment and sadness for reasons beyond what’s depicted on screen.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming mix of joy and sorrow when it comes to the ending. It’s incredibly fulfilling, yet incredibly bittersweet. The emotions are raw, not just for the characters we’ve grown to love, but also from a personal standpoint. This series was the spark that ignited Marvel Studios Animation, the fire that birthed classics like X-Men ’97 and Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. Without What If, there would be no I Am Groot, no Marvel Zombies, and so much more. It’s heartbreaking to imagine a world without it.

As I bid farewell to this cinematic gem, I can’t help but feel the weight of its departure as it rides off towards the setting sun. The narrative, in its final act, is nothing short of a breathtaking conclusion to the lives we’ve grown so fond of, particularly the enigmatic figure known as the Watcher.

Is Marvel’s What If…? Really Over?

As a longtime fan of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), I have eagerly watched each new installment, and Season 3 of Loki has left me captivated by the storyline of the Watcher. Though it seems to be the final chapter in this series, I am optimistic that there is still potential for further exploration within the What If…? format as the MCU expands. Drawing from my years of Marvel fandom, I believe that the creators will continue to surprise and delight us with innovative and engaging storytelling.

According to Bryan Andrews, the series director, it’s his belief that the current ending of “What If…?” might not be permanent. He hinted that the show could potentially return in the future.

Andrews suggested that although this isn’t confirmed, his intuition indicates a temporary halt rather than an end, as it seems there are other aspects to discuss. Regarding the series, they’ve been developing a growing relationship or subplot for quite some time, with occasional standalone episodes and connections to The Watcher’s storyline. This ongoing element will reach its climax in the current story arc that spans across all three seasons. However, this resolution doesn’t necessarily mean the overall concept has come to an end.

All three seasons of Marvel’s What If…? are streaming on Disney+.

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2025-01-01 20:09