Well before the dawn of the Internet and the rise of fan fiction, Marvel Comics had a line of comic books that would answer the age-old questions that lingered in the minds of superhero fans – “What If?” The simple concept was popular enough to keep going to decades, with one-off stories that would posit what if Loki had Thor’s hammer? What if Spider-Man joined the Fantastic Four? What if Daredevil was an Agent of SHIELD? You get the idea. Now, Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige is bringing this series to life over on Disney+.
SlashFilm is reporting that Feige and Marvel Studios will produce a new animated series based on the “What If?” comic book series. Unlike every other Marvel Studios production, this series will firmly take place outside of continuity and allow for the creators to have a little bit of fun with some of the most basic of concepts. And since this is animated, and not live-action, there’s also the chance that some of your favorite MCU actors can step in to provide voices.
One of the issues that is reportedly getting adapted is “What If? #47,” which as mentioned above, asked the question what if Loki had Thor’s hammer? Obviously, this is the type of story that would hugely benefit from the inclusion of Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston (who is already attached to his very own live-action Disney+ TV series).
As you would expect, the animated series will be an anthology, with each episode tackling a new, interesting premise. The concept for “What If?” began in 1977, with a new series from Marvel, which ran until 1984. Since then, Marvel has relaunched the franchise numerous times in the comic book universe and produced various one-off issues with some of the most insane concepts imaginable.
Not only is there plenty of source material to pull from, but with Marvel Studios’ 21 film history (that is always growing), Feige and Co. have plenty from their own universe to pull from. What if Bucky got the super soldier serum instead of Steve Rogers? What if Captain Marvel didn’t leave Earth in 1995? The series writes itself.
No release date is announced, but this is yet another example of Marvel Studios taking chances on the TV side of things now that Disney+ is an option.