The 2020s are all about one thing: Marvel Fever!Superheroes are more popularthan ever before, niche characters are finally getting time in the spotlight, and Marvel Studios continues to dig deep and show us stories beyond our wildest dreams. Nothing holds a candle to the immersive MCU — this gorgeous cinematic universe links all our favorite Marvel characters together, and the company is currently in Phase 4 of its 5 outlined Phases in the sequence. As the narrative twists and knots unravel in different places, fans may sometimes wonder: “What if things were different?”
EnterWhat If…?, the acclaimed Disney+ animated series that aims to answer our questions. Released in August 2021, the first season reimagines the MCU from the ground up and demonstrates how differently things could have gone. The many alternate timelines in the show present previously unseen characterslike Captain Carterand Star-Lord T’Challa; each episode presents a unique premise and answers questions like, “What If… Killmonger Rescued Tony Stark?” Every episode is utterly fascinating, and we’re finally getting asecond season sometime in 2022! While we wait, let’s explore other Marvel characters would do well in the show’s breathtaking animated style.
Related:What If…? Season 2: MCU Characters We Want to See
9The Superior Spider-Man
This particular iteration of Spider-Man came from the aftermath of theDying Wishstoryline in the 2012 comics. Doctor Otto Octavius jumps on the chance to swap consciousness with Peter Parker, leaving Peter to die in his failing body. Unexpectedly, Doc Ock finds himself inspired by Spider-Man’s dying wish to protect New York, and he, in turn, becomes the city’s new web-slinging crusader. His story is ultra exciting, and just look at that octopus-spider hybrid suit — it’s like the Iron Spider was cranked up to eleven.
It’s no secret that Storm is one of the most powerful X-Men in the universe, and Marvel Studios has already been discussing how to bring her into the MCU. Why not start withWhat If…?Omega-level mutant Ororo Monroe is everything we need in Marvel animation: she’s bold and strong, and her powers are dazzling to watch. There’s also plenty of source material for the show’s creators to explore, and we might get to see this legend from an entirely new perspective. So many things could have gone differently in her life, and it would be fascinating to see her alongside our other favorite multiverse heroes.
The ultimate wizard has been around for hundreds of years, but we don’t hear much about him in modern-day comics. He’s the Marvel interpretation ofKing Arthur’s famous mentor, and he gave the order to construct the original Round Table. Over time, he’s partaken in adventures through Camelot, the British Battle Corps, and as Guardian of the Omniverse. There’s no limit to the amazing magical feats we could see from his animated form, and he already fits perfectly into the narrative alongside the Watcher. Why have one omnipotent universal guardian when you can have two?
6Arkon the Magnificent
Like Thor, Arkon the Magnificent is the most formidable warrior on his homeworld of Polemachus. After learning that atomic explosions on Earth were directly related to his planet crumbling in ruin, he tricked the Scarlet Witch into helping him teleport to Earth and attempted to annihilate the planet. Fortunately, he later realized he was being manipulated by the Asgardian Enchantress and became an ally to the Avengers and several other Marvel characters. In fact, he has a history with Storm, Thundra, and Night Hawk!
5Moondragon
A telepath, martial arts master, and a brilliant geneticist — is there anything Moondragon can’t do? After her parents were killed by Thanos, young Heather Douglas was taken by Mentor to become a monk of Shao-Lom on Titan. There, she disciplined herself as a master of combat, various forms of science, and the psionic arts. She was even skilled enough to contact the Dragon of the Moon, who attempted to corrupt and consume her; despite his efforts, she subdued him and took the moniker of Moondragon in commemoration of her victory. She looks amazing, she’s an all-around genius, and there’s too much potential forWhat If…?not to add her to the roster.
Related:Underrated Marvel Characters That Should Get a Chance in the MCU
4Armadillo
Similar to Deadpool, Antonio Rodriguez sacrificed himself to a mad scientist to save someone from a terminal illness (although in this case, it’s his wife Maria). After Dr. Karlin Malus spliced his DNA with that of an armadillo, Rodriguez was forced to use his newfound abilities as a henchman for an indefinite period. Fortunately, Armadillo had a run-in with Captain America, who rallied the Avengers to support him and coerce Malus to cure Maria per the original agreement. As a super who’s considered physically superior to many other heroes (and has an extensive professional fighting/wrestling career), we’d love to see Armadillo on the show.
3Silhouette
It’s about time this leading lady made her MCU debut! Born from the ancient acolytes of the Well of All Things, Silhouette Chord was gifted with immense power and honed herself as a fearsome vigilante. After a bad sting operation left her paralyzed from the legs down, she upgraded her suit with crutches and began using her control of Darkforce to teleport. For a hero who’s made over 110 appearances in the comics, it’s a travesty she hasn’t appeared in the MCU. She’s a perfect example of representation for differently-abled individuals and a beacon of inspiration to people everywhere.
Rarely is there a time when Mystique doesn’t make things more interesting. This classicX-Menalum comes from a mysteriously shrouded past and wields her shape-shifting abilities like a majestic weapon. No one is sure of how old she is or where she came from, but by the time she joined the Brotherhood of Mutants, she’d been everywhere. Fans have been clamoring for Raven Darkhölme tofinally join the MCU, and what better way than throughWhat If…?. There’s so much cool potential for her design, and we’d love to see how the animators interpret her shifting.
1Ghost Rider
People are already talking about Johnny Blaze being reborn into the MCU —The Walking Deadactor Norman Reedusis a popular choice amongs fans — andWhat If…?is the perfect platform to showcase the character in all his fiery glory. After the famous motorcycle stuntman sold his soul to Mephisto to save his father, he found himself bound to the Spirit of Vengeance. In his new life as a vigilante justiciar, Johnny uses his hellish gaze to punish those who would infect the world with evil. From his spiky leather jacket to his flaming motorcycle (and matching skull), he is the epitome of an amazing animated character.
