Marvel fans can gear up for an exciting December as the third and final season of What If…?, Marvel’s longest-running series on Disney+, has officially set its release date. The multiverse-focused show is confirmed to premiere on Disney+ on December 22, marking a much-anticipated return.
This announcement arrived through a promotional video showcasing upcoming releases on Disney+, covering new Marvel series, original films, and more content that will debut in 2024 and 2025. However, Marvel has yet to confirm if What If…? Season 3 will follow the unique daily episode release approach of Season 2 or if it will return to the weekly format used in Season 1.
What If…? Season 3 won’t be alone in wrapping up Disney+’s Marvel offerings for the year. Joining it will be Deadpool & Wolverine, the highly anticipated, R-rated Marvel film starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman.
This blockbuster hit, which has already grossed over $1.3 billion, is scheduled for release on November 12. Together, What If…? and Deadpool & Wolverine mark an exciting closing to 2024’s Marvel releases, providing fans with both a series and a major film to finish the year on a high note.
What ‘What If…?’ Brings to Marvel’s Multiverse Storyline
Marvel’s What If…? series began as Marvel’s first major venture into the multiverse, helping kickstart the Multiverse Saga in 2021. Unlike other Marvel shows that focus on expanding stories from the main Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) storyline, What If…? offers a unique twist on classic Marvel tales by imagining alternate possibilities and outcomes.
The series is narrated by The Watcher, voiced by Jeffrey Wright, who is a mysterious being dedicated to observing the vast Marvel multiverse. Through The Watcher, viewers travel to different realities, each presenting a different take on key moments from the MCU.
Each episode of What If…? showcases what might have happened if crucial moments had gone differently in the MCU. For example, in Season 1, one episode envisions what would have happened if Doctor Strange had lost Christine Palmer, his love interest, instead of injuring his hands in the car accident that led him to discover the mystical arts.
Another episode considers an alternate ending to Avengers: Age of Ultron, where Ultron wins, seizing the Infinity Stones and wreaking havoc across the multiverse instead of Thanos. The second season continued these unique scenarios, providing fans with endless possibilities within the MCU’s expanding multiverse.
The release of What If…? Season 3 comes at a time when Marvel’s interest in multiverse themes is at an all-time high. By taking a fresh look at these “what if” scenarios, the show enables Marvel to develop new and complex storylines while showing fan-favorite characters in unexpected situations.
Upcoming Marvel Releases on Disney+ for 2024 and 2025
Alongside What If…? Season 3, Disney+ has officially scheduled several Marvel projects for release in 2024 and 2025. These projects include animated series, live-action shows, and new entries in established franchises, each bringing its own unique style and storyline to the MCU. Here are the key releases Marvel fans can look forward to:
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man – January 29, 2024
The animated series Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man will focus on the early life of Peter Parker and his origins as Spider-Man within the MCU.
The series aims to introduce a fresh perspective on Peter’s journey, emphasizing his relationships, struggles, and early challenges. Marvel has not revealed much about the series, but given Spider-Man’s popularity, it is expected to be a hit among fans of all ages.
Daredevil: Born Again – March 4, 2024
Following the Spider-Man series, Daredevil: Born Again is set for a March 4 release. Announced at New York Comic-Con, this live-action series will bring back Daredevil, the blind lawyer from Hell’s Kitchen with incredible fighting skills and heightened senses.
Fans are particularly excited to see Daredevil return, as his character has been a fan favorite since the Netflix series. Although the new release date was revealed at Comic-Con, Marvel did not share new footage, leaving fans curious about what the series will cover.
Ironheart – June 24, 2024
Starring Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams and Anthony Ramos, Ironheart will debut on Disney+ on June 24. The series will follow Riri, a young genius and inventor who creates a suit of armor comparable to Iron Man’s technology. Fans can expect an action-packed story as Ironheart shows her new identity as a hero, finding her place in the MCU after the loss of Tony Stark.
Eyes of Wakanda – August 6, 2024
The Eyes of Wakanda, another Marvel animated series, is scheduled to premiere on August 6. Set in the technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda, this series promises to expand on the rich world introduced in the Black Panther films. While there is limited information about the storyline, fans can look forward to learning more about Wakanda’s warriors, culture, and traditions in this series.
Marvel Zombies – October 2025
Marvel Zombies, a highly anticipated animated series, is set for an October 2025 release. This series will showcase a unique and darker side of the Marvel Universe, where beloved characters transform into zombies due to a virus outbreak. The story will blend horror with superhero action, appealing to fans who enjoy Marvel’s grittier storylines.
Wonder Man – December 2025
Finally, Marvel’s live-action series Wonder Man, starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen and Ben Kingsley, is expected to debut in December 2025. Although Marvel has not disclosed much about the storyline, Wonder Man will likely add a new hero to the MCU with unique powers and a distinct background.
What to Expect from ‘What If…?’ Season 3
The upcoming third season of What If…? will continue Marvel’s focus on alternate realities and the multiverse, creating new and unique stories with beloved Marvel characters.
Although the exact episode format remains unclear, fans are excited about the possibilities Season 3 holds. The first two seasons of What If…? received positive reviews, with the series holding an 89% score from critics and a 79% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
In Season 1, What If…? focused on stories like Peggy Carter becoming Captain Carter instead of Steve Rogers, and T’Challa, instead of Peter Quill, becoming Star-Lord.
The success of these episodes led to even bolder and more creative narratives in Season 2, leaving fans eager for the next chapter. Season 3 will likely continue this trend by showing new “what if” scenarios and taking even bigger risks with the storytelling.
The show’s narrator, The Watcher, has become an iconic character since What If…? premiered. As a cosmic being who observes without interfering, The Watcher guides viewers through the Marvel multiverse while remaining apart from it.
This unique storytelling technique allows What If…? to go into the multiverse while maintaining consistency with the MCU’s overarching storyline. Season 3 will likely feature The Watcher in a similar role, continuing to bring audiences along for the ride as they witness alternate realities of the MCU.
Marvel’s Approach to Expanding the MCU on Disney+
Since the launch of Disney+, Marvel has used the streaming platform to introduce new characters, show alternate dimensions, and offer deeper stories that wouldn’t fit into a typical two-hour movie. Shows like Loki, WandaVision, and Ms. Marvel have introduced new heroes and expanded existing storylines, allowing fans to connect with characters in a more profound way.
What If…? plays a key role in this strategy, giving fans a chance to show the MCU’s “what could have been” scenarios. These episodes build on fan curiosity, allowing Marvel to examine how different choices might have impacted the characters and their universe.
By creating these alternate stories, Marvel keeps its audience engaged with fresh content that feels connected to the MCU while offering something completely different.
Other series like Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Daredevil: Born Again, and Ironheart will continue expanding the MCU in 2024. Each show brings unique elements to the Marvel universe, helping to build new worlds, heroes, and story arcs. Disney+ has enabled Marvel to grow in ways that weren’t possible with only film releases, giving fans more content to enjoy throughout the year.
Final Thoughts on Marvel’s Upcoming Releases
Marvel has an exciting lineup for fans, with What If…? Season 3 leading the charge. As Marvel continues its scheme of the multiverse and alternate realities, the upcoming season promises fresh perspectives on classic stories and beloved characters. What If…? has already established itself as
a unique and essential part of the Marvel universe and the anticipation surrounding its third season reflects the show’s impact on fans and the broader MCU narrative.
With the release of What If…? Season 3 on December 22, fans can expect to see some beloved characters and scenarios reimagined. The series has given viewers a chance to reflect on their favorite moments in the MCU and wonder how different choices could have led to vastly different outcomes. This engaging premise has resonated with audiences, encouraging them to think critically about character development and the consequences of actions.
The Role of Multiverse in Modern Storytelling
The multiverse concept has been a vital part of storytelling in comics for decades, and its introduction into the MCU allows for endless creative possibilities. Marvel has skillfully utilized the multiverse to breathe new life into classic stories and introduce new characters, all while maintaining the essence of the heroes fans have come to love.
With the multiverse now a central theme in the MCU, What If…? has become an important platform for showing these ideas. It allows Marvel to experiment with character arcs, leading to stories that may not fit within the main continuity but provide fresh perspectives nonetheless.
Fans have seen how Loki introduced the concept of variants, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness expanded the possibilities even further.
The success of the multiverse has sparked interest across various forms of media, with other franchises also looking to incorporate similar concepts. However, Marvel remains at the forefront, effectively blending humor, action, and emotional storytelling within its multiverse Schemes.
Anticipation for Season 3
As fans prepare for What If…? Season 3, there are numerous questions and speculations about the potential storylines. Will the season address significant events from recent Marvel films, like Thor: Love and Thunder or Black Panther: Wakanda Forever?
How will characters like Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, and the Eternals be reimagined? The possibilities are vast, and fans are excited to see what the writers will bring to the table.
Another element that has fans buzzing is the return of familiar voice actors. Many characters from the MCU will be portrayed by the original actors, which adds authenticity and a deeper connection for viewers. This approach not only honors the source material but also provides a continuity that fans appreciate, linking the animated series to the live-action films and series they adore.
Marvel’s Strategic Release Plan
Marvel’s strategy for releasing content on Disney+ reflects a keen understanding of its audience and the changing view of entertainment consumption. By providing a steady stream of content, Marvel keeps its audience engaged year-round, ensuring that fans remain invested in the characters and storylines.
This approach contrasts with traditional film release models, which often leave long gaps between installments. With the rise of streaming services, viewers now expect more frequent content, and Marvel has adeptly adapted to this demand. The combination of new series, films, and animated projects gives fans a rich scheme of storytelling to enjoy.
The Impact of ‘What If…?’ on Future Marvel Projects
What If…? has not only been successful in its own right, but it has also influenced other Marvel projects. By showcasing the multiverse, it opens the door for new storytelling opportunities across the MCU.
Future films and series can draw from the rich narratives established in What If…?, allowing for crossover events and character interactions that might not have been possible in a more linear storytelling approach.
As Marvel continues to expand its universe, the lessons learned from What If…? will likely play a role in shaping upcoming projects. Characters introduced in the series may find their way into live-action films, creating exciting possibilities for fans to see their favorite heroes in new light and circumstances.
Looking Ahead
As we await the arrival of What If…? Season 3, it’s clear that Marvel’s strategy of embracing the multiverse will continue to define its future. The series has successfully created a space where creativity thrives, allowing writers to push boundaries and show unconventional storylines.
Marvel’s storytelling has always thrived on change and evolution, and the multiverse serves as the perfect canvas for these schemes. By embracing the “what if” scenarios, Marvel keeps its universe dynamic and open to new ideas. The audience’s investment in these characters ensures that every twist and turn will keep them on the edge of their seats.
As December 22 approaches, fans are not only looking forward to the return of What If…?, but they are also excited to see how this series will fit into the larger Marvel narrative. With the anticipation building for both new and returning projects, the Marvel Universe is set to captivate audiences for years to come.
Conclusion
Marvel’s What If…? has carved out a unique place within the Disney+ lineup, allowing fans to experience their favorite characters in fresh and unexpected ways. As the third season nears its release, viewers can expect a blend of nostalgia, creativity, and thrilling storytelling.
Alongside What If…?, the lineup of upcoming Marvel shows and films is sure to provide plenty of content for fans to go into, ensuring that the Marvel Universe remains as vibrant and engaging as ever.
As Marvel continues to show the multiverse, fans can look forward to a future filled with imaginative stories and unforgettable characters. With December just around the corner, it’s time for fans to mark their calendars and prepare for an exciting new chapter in the Marvel saga!
