Marvel Studios' alternate universe adventures have proven to be highly successful ventures for Kevin Feige's shared cinematic universe, with many fans excited to check out these alternate takes on heroes and villains. The MCU's multiverse has kicked off with style, beginning with Loki and transitioning into Marvel's What If...?, which presented a deeper look into these other worlds.
The animated series has presented wildly different versions of many of the MCU's most beloved characters, showing how things could have transpired had they taken another path. Some of these new takes are arguably better than the "Sacred Timeline" versions, as they offer viewers a chance to view these individuals in a new light.
Hank Pym (Yellowjacket)
As the original Ant-Man, Hank Pym is an important character within the MCU. In the main timeline, he acts as the mentor to Scott Lang, who takes up Hank's superhero mantle after stealing the Ant-Man suit from the scientist's vault. Hank has a rather bitter view of Tony Stark, after having become distrustful towards the Stark family upon discovering that Tony's Dad Howard was experimenting with his Pym Particles.
Whilst within the MCU Hank's Present-Day role is more limited, his What If...? counterpart is much more interesting. In the episode "What If The World Lost Its Mightiest Heroes?", Hank Pym adopts the supervillain moniker "Yellowjacket" and becomes responsible for the deaths of the original six Avengers. The scientist's resentment towards the Stark family after the loss of his daughter Hope brings new dimensions to the character and gives audiences the rare opportunity to witness the terrible events which can occur when a former hero goes rogue.
Howard The Duck
First seen on the big screen in 1986's Howard The Duck, the titular duck has gathered a big following among comic-book geeks. His appearances within the MCU have been somewhat limited, however, with Howard making fleeting appearances within the Guardians Of The Galaxy franchise.
The character fares somewhat better in What If...?, appearing in two out of the nine episodes. In "What If T'Challa Became A Star Lord?", he gives T'Challa's Star Lord directions around the Collector's museum, whilst the episode "What If Thor Was A Lonely Child?" sees him agree to marry Darcy Lewis, after partying with the God Of Thunder. His appearances offer some of the animated series' most entertaining moments and neatly demonstrate the comedic potential Howard can deliver within the superhero franchise.
Nick Fury
As the man responsible for bringing the Avengers together, Nick Fury has played a vital role within the Marvel Cinematic Universe's beginnings. The no-nonsense SHIELD director has offered some of the franchise's best scenes, with viewers enjoying Samuel L Jackson's take on the character.
Marvel Studios' What If...? improves further upon the hardened character. Fury features heavily in the show's third installment, entitled "What If The World Lost Its Mightiest Heroes?", as he teams up with Loki to take down Hank Pym as Yellowjacket. The episode aptly showcases Fury's tactical abilities, as he uses the God Of Mischief's illusion abilities to trick and capture the maniacal scientist.
Arnim Zola
One of Hydra's top scientists is Arnim Zola, who makes for an especially sinister presence within the MCU. First appearing in Captain America: The First Avenger, Arnim is a scheming and manipulative man who continues to loom over Captain America and his allies long after his death.
The scientist's animated counterpart presents a unique take on this historic Hydra member. What If...?'s final two episodes see Arnim's AI self from Captain America: The Winter Soldier become more of an anti-hero, as he agrees to act as a virus to infect Ultron's electronic systems. This slightly more heroic angle gives audiences a fascinating take on one of Marvel's most notorious Hydra agents.
Captain Marvel
Considered by many to be Nick Fury's most powerful ally, Captain Marvel is arguably the most powerful Avenger to date. Carol Danvers makes her debut in 2019's Captain Marvel, where she assists Fury and the Skrulls in taking down the villainous Kree. Brie Larson's portrayal of the former Kree warrior helps to sell Carol as a likable presence within the shared cinematic universe.
Her What If...? counterpart, however, offers the greatest version of the character to date. This time played by Alexandra Daniels, Captain Marvel's most prominent appearance comes in the episode "What If Thor Was A Lonely Child?", where she is sent by SHIELD to take down Thor. Daniels' Carol is a much wittier take on the character compared to Larson's colder and more distant take on the iconic hero, delivering some of the animated series' funniest lines.
Vision
Portrayed by Paul Bettany, Vision has fulfilled a vital role within the MCU. His romance with Wanda Maximoff has tugged at viewers' heartstrings since the android's debut in The Avengers: Age Of Ultron, which has been developed further by the recent Disney Plus series WandaVision.
Whilst the MCU's earnest and philosophical take on the android is endearing to watch, it's the What If...? version of the character which truly stands out. Featured in the episode "What If...Zombies?", this Vision leads a more troubled life. Hoping to find a cure for a zombified Wanda, the android lures unsuspecting victims to his bunker, who are subsequently eaten by his partner. It's a much more morally dubious take on the android, but one that adds a further layer of complexity to the character.
Peggy Carter (Captain Carter)
Captain America: The First Avengers' release in 2011 is responsible for the birth of two iconic MCU heroes. Hayley Atwell's performance as the strong and steadfast Peggy Carter has captured audiences since her original debut and has recently spawned countless theories regarding her possible arrest at the hands of Loki's TVA.
Peggy's appearance in What If...? is arguably her greatest yet. In the animated program's first episode, she takes on the moniker of "Captain Carter" and proves herself to be just as worthy of wielding the shield as Steve Rodgers. This version of Peggy is fierce and unstoppable, acting as the best demonstration of the SSR agent's full heroic potential since ABC's Agent Carter.
Nebula
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has delivered some of the Movie Industry's best character arcs, but perhaps the individual who goes on the greatest journey is Nebula. Starting off as a cold and bitter space assassin, her experiences across the films allow her to develop a more emotional side to her personality.
Nebula's What If...? counterpart allows audiences to witness a more enigmatic portrayal of Thanos's adopted daughter. The blue Luphomoid cyborg cuts an ambiguous presence throughout the cartoon's second episode, as she keeps her cards close to her chest. The audience are made to constantly question Nebula's motives, which makes for the most engrossing take on Nebula yet.
Ultron
Considered by viewers to be one of the MCU's most overpowered villains, Ultron poses a significant threat for the Avengers. His hate for his creator Tony Stark inspires his grand masterplan, to wipe out humanity and replace them with a robot population. Whilst Earth's mightiest heroes still triumph, Ultron's methods result in many deaths and fatalities across the capital of Sokovian capital.
The MCU version of Ultron pales in comparison to his What If...? version, however. Appearing in the program's final two episodes, this Ultron is a truly indomitable force. Obtaining the Infinity Stones gifts the android limitless power, allowing him not only to slice Thanos in half but break through the multiverse. What If...?'s Ultron is a forceful and intimidating threat, providing one of Marvel Studios' greatest villains.
The Collector
Mostly known for appearing in the Guardians Of The Galaxy franchise, The Collector is one of the MCU's most immoral characters. The immortal being is one of the Elders of the Universe and owns the galaxy's largest collection of species, relics, and intergalactic fauna. His methods are often questionable, with him displaying particularly cruel tendencies towards his servant Carina.
What If...? delivers a much more compelling version of The Collector, however. In the episode "What If T'Challa Became A Star Lord?", he appears as a major antagonistic threat to this universe's Guardians Of The Galaxy. The Collector uses many items from his collection against T'Challa, such as a Kronan gauntlet and Hela's crown, which allow him to summon the Goddess of Death's Necroswords.