Marvel Studios unveiled some extremely exciting upcoming projects at this year's San Diego Comic-Con. Their Phase 4 plans will be seeing the return of some favorite heroes, the introduction of new ones and the MCU's first Disney+ shows. One of the most exciting projects in the What If? show.
Based on the Marvel comics storyline, What If? is the MCU's first animated project which will explore some of the alternate possibilities of the cinematic universe. With so many of the MCU's biggest stars returning to reprise their roles, there are so many fun stories the series could explore. Here are some of the What If? stories we want to see in the MCU.
10 Captain America and Bucky Had Both Survived World War II
One of the most notable absences from the What If? cast list was Chris Evans as Captain America. There are so many interesting stories that could have been told with him, but given we just saw his story come to an emotional close, the character probably needs to stay retired for now.
However, this story could still work without Cap and could instead focus on Bucky surviving WWII which would theoretically mean he never becomes the Winter Soldier. It could be a bittersweet story seeing him have a normal life but without his best friend.
9 The Gamma Bomb Spawned A Thousand Hulks
The Hulk seems to be a major star of the "What If?" stories as you'll see throughout this list. This particular story imagines a world with thousands of Hulks. It tells the story of a gamma bomb being dropped on Japan, creating a nation of Hulk monsters who eventually take over America.
While the details of the story could definitely use some updating, it is an interesting concept. The comic story examines the destruction that would be caused but it might be even more interesting to see who their civilization functions and how Bruce Banner would react to it all.
8 The Avengers Had Never Been
Though missing a few key members, the cast list confirms some of the MCU's biggest heroes will appear in this new show. That means there is a possibility of doing a team-up story about the Avengers. However, one of the most interesting concepts is this story in which the Avengers didn't exist.
It could be really interesting or perhaps funny to see various heroes like Thor, Ant-Man and Black Panther living regular lives. It could show the impact these heroes have had, as well as what they would do if they didn't have to save the world.
7 Bruce Banner Was Savage And The Hulk Intelligent
Here is another Hulk storyline with a lot of potentials, although one that might need for reworking. The alternate take explores Bruce Banner's transformation from the gamma radiation. However, this time, his Hulk persona is an intelligent and gentle creature while Banner himself is violent and abusive.
While the story as shown in the comics is probably too dark and disturbing for a fun animated show, it could be reworked into a zany comedy. Seeing Hulk as a thoughtful soul while Banner goes on rampages could be hilarious.
6 Sgt. Fury Had Fought World War II In Outer Space
Given how iconic Samuel L. Jackson has been as Nick Fury in the MCU, it's easy to forget that the character has been around for a long time, initially leading the Howling Commandos in World War II. In this particularly crazy "What If?" technological advancements mean that WWII is fought in space.
Jackson is confirmed for the series, but it would take some explaining as to why he is fighting in WWII in the first place. On the other hand, Neal McDonough who played Dum Dum Dugan will also be in the series and could possibly lead the Howling Commandoes on this space adventure.
5 The Hulk Went Berserk
World War Hulk is a beloved storyline that fans have been hoping to see for years. It doesn't seem likely that it will ever be seen in the MCU, but this "What If?" story could be the closest thing we get.
We've seen Hulk lose his mind and go on a smashing rampage in the MCU before, but this could take it to a whole new level. We could see the Hulk as the terrifying monster that not even the strongest heroes can manage to stop.
4 Loki Had Found The Hammer Of Thor
Tom Hiddleston has helped to change Loki from a top-tier Marvel villain into an iconic character. Along with his own solo Disney+ series, Loki will also be returning for "What If?" and this feels like the perfect story for him.
There are a lot of different directions this development could take. We could see Loki as the powerful hammer-wielding god and the destruction he could cause with it. We could also see him as someone truly worthy of the hammer and becoming a true hero.
3 The Watcher Saved The Universe
Though the new series will be bringing back many of the classic characters, there is at least one new character the show will be introducing. Uatu the Watcher is a character who oversees the entire Marvel Universe and observes. He will serve as the narrator of the series and will be voiced by Jeffery Wright.
He may be the narrator, but it seems like a waste if that's all this compelling character gets to do, especially with Wright in the role. Uatu is forbidden from interfering with the events of the universe, so this story could explore the ramifications if he breaks that rule.
2 Thor Was A Herald Of Galactus
Galactus is one of the most powerful villains in Marvel comics. The massive cosmic entity travels through galaxies, looking for new planets to devour. He is aided by his slave-soldiers, known as heralds. Silver Surfer is the most famous of his heralds, but this story imagines if Thor had the job.
Given that Galactus has not appeared in the MCU yet, it's unlikely they would introduce him here. However, it would be interesting to see Thor made to be a servant or henchman to one of the MCU villains.
1 Thanos Joined The Avengers
One of the most surprising inclusions into the series cast was Josh Brolin who is set to return as Thanos. Given the difficult time the Avengers have had with Thanos in the MCU recently, it's surprising we'll be seeing him again so soon.
Since we already saw what would happen if Thanos actually defeated the Avengers, the obvious "What If?" story would be seeing him join the superhero team. They could have a lot of fun seeing the Mad Titan fight alongside the heroes and it could show a whole new side of the character.