The Marvel Cinematic Universe gets an animated twist with the new Disney Plus show “What If…?” The show takes different films from the MCU and changes them up, showing what happens if just one decision was made. It is directed by Bryan Andrews and is based on the comic book that explores alternate plots in the comic books, but this time, they focus on the films. I will give a small spoiler, so you are warned.

The Watcher (Jeffrey Wright) sees the formation of the multiverse, witnessing the creation of alternative timelines. He sees Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) receive the super-soldier serum, becoming the First Avenger. T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) is picked up by the Ravagers by mistake and becomes Star-Lord. As Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) gathers the Avengers, someone is systematically killing them off. Dr. Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) takes a dark turn when his beloved Christine (Rachel McAdams) dies in a car accident. After a zombie virus is unleashed, Spider-Man (Hudson Thames) and the surviving Avengers have to find a cure. Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) rescues Tony Stark (Mick Wingert), setting his takeover of Wakanda from Stark Tower. Thor (Chris Hemsworth) grows up without Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and their rivalry, turning him into a party animal. Ultron (Ross Marquand) defeats the Avengers except for Black Widow (Lake Bell). The android steals the Infinity Stones and suddenly discovers the multiverse.

The series has some good points and some good animation. I usually do not care for the “in-between” CGI and classical animation, but this one pulls it off well. The character illustrations matched their live-action counterparts decently well, slim Steve Rogers is a good example, though you could tell that some of them did not lend their likeness.

I also liked the few sequences that Captain Marvel, voiced by Alexandra Daniels, appeared. In the films, she comes off as incredibly smug and unlikeable. They sort of parody that attitude in her appearances and makes it a lot of fun.

As for the voice cast, all of the returning cast did an excellent job and Wright was perfect for the Watcher. For the primary actors who did not return, they just throw some actors in there when I think they should have pulled celebrities who have voiced them in the past. For example, Ultron was voiced by John Stocker in the animated series Avengers: United They Stand. While Marquand did a decent job, it would have been a good nod to Marvel media of the past.

What I did not care for was simple, a lot of the stories were mediocre. Captain Carter, Strange Supreme, and the Zombie episodes were the best, but the rest felt rushed and unimaginative. I did like the finale when an alliance of multiverse Avengers, but the addition of Gamora was so random. She came from no episode and just sort of pops up with no one from the Zombie episode appearing. I think they should have included a character, such as Spider-Man, from that episode instead because it felt forced instead of imaginative.

Please know that I am not slamming the series. It has some very good episodes and though I feel like it was overall mediocre, you can still find a lot of fun in seeing your favorite MCU characters in different situations.

One final note, it was good to see Chadwick Boseman again, even as a voice actor. He brought a dedication to the part of the Black Panther and he will be sorely missed for that role and many others.

Check out the trailer below:

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Violence, Disturbing images, Suggestive humor and situations

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or novel you would like me to review. While you are at it, check out my reviews of Transformers: War for Cybertron Arc 3: Kingdom and Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more posts like this one.

Look for me on social media! Facebook: Author Jacob Airey | Instagram: realjacobairey | Twitter: @realJacobAirey | MeWe: Link | YouTube: StudioJake | Minds: Link | Rumble: StudioJake Media | Gettr: Click Here