Is What If…? Season 3 Worth the Hype? A Deep Dive into the Final Season of Marvel’s Animated Anthology

Marvel’s animated anthology series, What If…?, has been a beloved yet occasionally baffling ride through the multiverse. For three years, the series has delivered on its premise of offering alternate realities within the MCU, with creative and sometimes absurd reimaginings of well-known stories. With Season 3 now available on Disney+, and the series concluding (for the time being) before the Marvel Zombies spinoff drops in 2025, it’s time to reflect on whether the final season sticks the landing or falters under the weight of its own whimsicality.

What is What If…? Marvel?

To understand the significance of What If…?, let’s take a quick look at the concept behind the series. The show explores a central premise: What if key moments in the MCU had unfolded differently? From Peggy Carter becoming Captain America to T’Challa taking up the mantle of Star-Lord, the series allows fans to witness alternate versions of their favorite characters and events. The show is hosted by Uatu the Watcher, an omnipotent being tasked with observing the multiverse, but who cannot interfere—until an existential threat to the multiverse arises.

The Fun Side of the Multiverse

From its very first season, What If…? set itself apart by offering unique, often zany takes on iconic MCU moments. Season 3 continues this tradition, diving into some truly outlandish scenarios, like Howard the Duck marrying Darcy (yes, that Darcy from Thor). While the show delivers pure, unrestrained fun, it often misses the mark in terms of providing the serious answers fans were hoping for.

“What If… Marvel Answered Questions Nobody Would Ever Ask?”
This tagline might seem like a playful dig at the show’s lack of focus on the more meaningful “what-if” scenarios fans wanted to see explored in the multiverse.

The Animation: Visually Stunning, Creatively Unbound

While the stories in What If…? have been hit or miss, the animation quality is consistently impressive. The show’s style allows for things that would be unimaginable—or downright silly—in live-action. Whether it’s Celestials battling across the cosmos or mecha-Avengers fighting giant Hulks, the show pulls off massive set pieces that wouldn’t be possible in the MCU’s live-action films. The visual spectacle is one of the show’s strongest suits, creating an immersive experience that only animation can offer.

• Celestial battles: These grand, intergalactic showdowns feel natural in animation and provide the spectacle fans expect from the MCU.
• Mecha Avengers vs. Hulks: Imagine watching an epic battle of giant robots and mutated heroes. It’s pure chaos, and it works!
• Cinematic action scenes: The series doesn’t just focus on large-scale battles but also nails smaller, grounded moments. Car chases, hand-to-hand combat, and more feel polished and impactful in the same way live-action MCU movies do.

Why Animation Works for What If…?

Animation allows the creative team to push boundaries in ways that live-action films can’t. The what-if scenarios sometimes involve physics-defying stunts or visually intricate designs, all of which are showcased perfectly within the animated format. This flexibility is one reason why fans still flock to the series despite its narrative missteps.

The Voice Acting: Hits and Misses

One recurring topic in the series has been the voice acting. Marvel Studios has made a decision to bring back live-action stars to reprise their roles, and while that’s great for fan service, the performances sometimes fall flat in animation. Voice acting requires a specific skill set that doesn’t always translate from live-action. As a result, some characters feel more alive than others.

Standouts:

• David Harbour (Red Guardian), Seth Green (Howard the Duck), and Kat Dennings (Darcy) all shine in their roles, delivering performances full of energy and personality.

Misses:

• Anthony Mackie, Oscar Isaac, and others appear less invested in their animated performances, lacking the animation-specific energy that some of their co-stars bring to the table.

Despite this, the show remains consistent in its commitment to bringing back MCU favorites. It’s clear that these actors bring their own brand of magic to the roles—even if the delivery isn’t always perfect.

What If…? Season 3: The Tone Shift and Missed Opportunities

The third season of What If…? feels like a departure from its earlier seasons. While the animation continues to impress, the tone of the stories feels lighter and more whimsical. Instead of delving into the multiversal ramifications of key MCU events, Season 3 leans heavily into humor and absurdity.

Take, for example, an episode where Howard the Duck and Darcy chase across the galaxy, trying to stop their offspring from being weaponized. While entertaining and visually fun, these episodes feel disconnected from the larger MCU storyline. The show seems to treat its premise as more of a sandbox to have fun with rather than a space for meaningful storytelling.

This shift in tone could be seen as a way for the creators to give the series a light-hearted send-off. However, for fans who were hoping for deeper, more impactful stories—such as exploring the consequences of Thanos’ snap or what might happen if Tony Stark never sacrificed himself—the season feels like a missed opportunity.

“If you’ve ever wanted a Sesame Street vibe for your MCU content, you’ll find plenty to love in What If…? Season 3.”

Is What If…? Season 3 Worth Watching?

Despite some of its narrative shortcomings, What If…? Season 3 is still worth the watch for several reasons:

• Creative Fun: The show continues to offer wacky, fun scenarios that provide a refreshing break from the usual MCU seriousness.
• Stunning Animation: Whether it’s battling giant robots, mecha Avengers, or intergalactic showdowns, the visuals are top-notch.
• Familiar Faces: Fans will love seeing their favorite MCU characters, and sometimes even surprising ones, reappear in unexpected roles.

However, for those hoping for a more thoughtful exploration of the multiverse and the significant “what-ifs” of the MCU timeline, Season 3 doesn’t quite deliver. It’s a series of freewheeling fun, but with little impact on the larger Marvel narrative.

Quick FAQs about What If…? Season 3

Q: What’s the main theme of Season 3 of What If…??
A: Season 3 focuses on fun, whimsical stories with lighter tones, exploring oddball scenarios rather than serious multiversal questions.

Q: Is the animation still impressive in Season 3?
A: Yes! The animation is consistently stunning, featuring complex action sequences and vibrant visuals that work perfectly for the multiverse stories.

Q: Are the original MCU voice actors back for Season 3?
A: Many actors reprise their roles, though some performances don’t quite capture the energy of animated voice acting.

Q: Should I watch What If…? if I’m a fan of the MCU?
A: Absolutely! Even though the show might not tackle the multiversal questions you’re hoping for, it’s still fun, entertaining, and beautifully animated.