Since Marvel Studios’ new What If…? series presented its creators with an opportunity to build new stories that are not necessarily shackled by the rest of the MCU, many thought it was the perfect chance to introduce the X-Men and Fantastic Four. However, the show’s producers definitely think otherwise.
Ever since Disney’s 20th Century Fox acquisition secured said media rights, there’s been a ton of speculation on exactly what the MCU will do with the X-Men, although at least Deadpool and the Fantastic Four already have a place in the MCU roadmap. As for the X-Men, their inclusion presents an entirely different problem because any plot would probably have to address how it was that mutants went unnoticed for so long by S.H.I.E.L.D.
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Nonetheless, in a recent interview with Collider, What If…? executive producer Brad Winderbaum explained that the issue goes beyond that, saying that for the animated series it’s mainly a matter of respecting the show’s essence. As described by Winderbaum, What If…? is supposed to be “a spin on an established storyline,” so that’s why they stuck to events depicted during the Infinity Saga.
On that technicality, it would indeed open the doors for Deadpool to appear in What If…?'ssecond or third seasons once a Disney-approved Deadpool 3 is already out there, and the same would go for the planned Fantastic Four reboot that won’t come earlier than 2023. On that same note, the producer explained that the studio went to great lengths to secure most of the original actors to reprise their roles in voice acting, an effort that far exceeded their 50% target.
Judging from What If…?'s first two episodes, it’s clear the series is fulfilling its purpose by retelling Captain America: The First Avenger and also having the late Chadwick Boseman become an alternate Star-Lord in this week's spin on the first Guardians of the Galaxy film. That does raise the question of which MCU movie will get the Watcher’s What If…? treatment next and how creative it can get with the original Infinity Saga events.
Both the X-Men and the Fantastic Four have seen past animated productions, especially the former with the '90s X-Men: Animated Series, which left an important legacy and blueprint for future Marvel productions. Considering there are still X-Men and Wolverine out there, it’s interesting to imagine whether What If…? will attain the same pop culture status as those early Marvel Cartoons or some superhero games like Marvel's Spider-Man.
What If…? episodes 1 and 2 are now available on Disney Plus.
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Source: Collider