The return of Thanos in Marvel What if…? Season 2 proves that the MCU isn’t completely gone. Avengers EndgameSuccess is behind. As the Multiverse Saga unfolds, multiversal stories like Loki season 2 and Marvel What if…? Season 2 explores the infinite possibilities of the Marvel multiverse, linking the MCU’s past with its present and future. Therefore, upcoming MCU movies and shows are expected to revisit events from previous titles and give them a new spin. Like its first season, And if…? Season 2 introduces new variants and teams, as well as new alternate realities where certain MCU events occur differently.
He And if…? The Season 2 trailer reveals surprising settings, including a ’80s version of the original Avengers, an even more powerful Hela, and at least two new battles against Thanos: one led by Captain Carter and a rematch with Steve Rogers. These fights follow Thanos’ first return to the MCU in And if…? season 1, where the Mad Titan appeared as a peaceful member of the Ravagers in episode 2 and as one of Ultron’s victims in episode 7. This time, it seems that the main villain of the Infinity Saga will once again be a credible threat in the MCU.
Why what if season 2 reviews and reveals new Thanos fights?
And if…?Thanos’ attention is surprising after his final death in Avengers Endgame, but his return in the animated anthology makes sense given how little the MCU had to do with him. Thanos’ goals were thoroughly explored in Avengers: Infinity War and his defeat was inevitable in Avengers EndgameHowever, the villain could have starred in many other stories to demonstrate his abilities against a variety of MCU opponents. In addition to showing the infinite possibilities of the multiverse, And if…? It also gives MCU characters a chance to shine in standalone episodes without being tied to a larger continuity..
Thanos’ Return Shows How Marvel Can’t Get Over Endgame Completely
As exciting as Josh Brolin’s return as Thanos in And if…? From what season 2 looks like, Marvel’s decision to bring back characters like Thanos, Steve Rogers and Tony Stark in animated format so soon after Avengers Endgame suggests that the best parts of the MCU remain in the Infinity Saga. In fact, he And if…? The Season 2 trailer does not feature any characters introduced in Phases 4 and 5, further emphasizing the MCU’s apparent lack of faith in the Multiverse Saga. Since Thanos had such an impact on Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers Endgamehis return in And if…? Season 2 is sure to turn heads.
At this point, the MCU should already be using characters like Shang-Chi, Moon Knight, and She-Hulk in both live-action and animation. By comparison, Thanos was first teased in 2012. the Avengersappeared in a small role in 2014. Guardians of the Galaxyand returned for a post-credits scene in 2015. Avengers: Age of Ultron. Meanwhile, Shang-Chi, Moon Knight, She-Hulk, and other Phase 4 and 5 stars won’t likely make an appearance until 2026. Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, which precedes the end of the current MCU saga. Thanos and the original six Avengers, of course, returned as early as Phase 4, whether in animated or live-action form.
So what if season 2 shows a way forward for Marvel?
However, And if…? shows how well the MCU can balance the past and the future with its large cast of characters. Some episodes may bring back beloved characters from the Infinity Saga, while others deal with recent events, and certain episodes may even go as far as introducing entirely new characters. For example, And if…? In season 2, Tony Stark meets Gamora on Sakaar and Hela claims the Ten Rings, but it also introduces MCU-exclusive character Kahhori, who makes her debut in animated form without a prior appearance anywhere in Marvel Comics.
Future And if…? Seasons could retain this model and other MCU entries could learn from it as well. Instead of introducing several new characters and abandoning them as soon as their debut story ends, new MCU releases could use characters or plots from previous hits to aid in their introduction, but then bring them back soon after. Although an anthology like Marvel What if…? is the obvious place to try this strategy, other MCU movies and shows could benefit from it too.