This summer, Marvel Studios is set to begin its boldest venture yet as it takes the cinematic universe to animation for the first time ever in a multiverse-centric anthology series that explores alternate takes on popular MCU stories and characters.
With much of the star-studded cast lined up to reprise their past roles in vocal form for the animated outing, it certainly has Marvel's biggest cast ever put to screen. Among the A-list cast are Benedict Cumberbatch, Chris Hemsworth, and Tom Hiddleston, while the late Chadwick Boseman will portray his iconic Wakandan king T'Challa one last time in voice lines recorded before his tragic death last year.
While the 10-episode series will take a variety of heroes and villains on new adventures across the timeline, the premiere episode will go back to where it all began as the MCU returns to World War ll. Hayley Atwell's Peggy Carter will star in the debut episode as she takes the Super Soldier Serum instead of Steve Rogers to become Captain Britain. Meanwhile, the skinny Rogers will don the Hydra Buster, a 1940s Iron Man suit developed by Howard Stark.
As the series nears its expected summer premiere, the first new footage in many months has been privately shown, leading to the release of a brand-new scene description from the Hayley Atwell-led episode.
WHAT IF...? PREMIERE SCENE DESCRIPTION REVEALED
During this week's Women in Animation panel at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Marvel Studios Producer Victoria Alonso showcased a new clip from the upcoming What If...? Disney+ series.
The privately shown clip comes from the premiere episode of the animated outing in which Hayley Atwell's Peggy Carter will take the Super Soldier Serum in place of Steve Rogers to become the Nazi-fighting First Avenger, Captain Britain.
According to a report from Variety, Howard Stark will inject Carter with the Serum as Steve Rogers is seen as “too weak” for the procedure. The SHIELD founder will don a Union Flag-inspired outfit and shield in the animated adventure in place in the traditional Stars and Stripes. It appears Carter will quickly form a close bond with the vibranium shield as she conversationally asks it: “Where have you been all my life?”
Meanwhile, Deadline offered further details on Alonso's comments regarding the series as she promises What If...? will be “full of surprises.”
Throughout the ten-episode first season “a lot of our characters that you know and love” will be translated into animation for the first time, however, “a lot of them are doing other things.” On top of the returning fan favorites, the multiverse anthology will also feature appearances from some “other characters.”
The Marvel executive went on to call the experimental project a “nice way to creatively be inspired by new ideas and [to look] at things through a different lens.” Additionally, Alonso cryptically teased that the series will ask: “What if our characters were turned upside down, topsy-turvy and someone that is not, becomes ‘it’?”
WHAT IF...? PROMOTION CONTINUES TO RAMP UP
After many months of silence from the anthology outing, recent weeks have seen significantly more news beginning to circulate from What If...? Between LEGO leaks, new concept art, and privately screened clips, Marvel is clearly almost ready to start properly promoting its next big project, making it likely that further official announcements are imminent.
Despite still seemingly being set for a summer debut on Disney+, What If...? has yet to set a definite release date. Rumors recently circulated that the animated series was eyeing an August 6 premiere, signaling a move back to Friday premieres for Marvel on Disney+. However, Disney representatives have since refuted these reports.
Whatever the official release date may be, fans can likely expect an announcement soon as the unique project is set to be Marvel's next blockbuster series once Loki concludes its six-episode. With some having speculated the time travel adventure is setting the stage for the story of What If...?, it's possible an official announcement may not come until later in the series.
What If...? is set to premiere this summer, exclusively on Disney+.
