The second season of Marvel’s What If…? is set to feature a special Christmas episode, offering a unique and festive twist to the series. This episode highlights Happy Hogan and Darcy Lewis, showcasing these fan-favorite supporting characters in a new light. The Christmas special marks a departure from the typical superhero narrative, focusing on humor, heart, and the holiday spirit.
A Festive Twist in the MCU
Head Writer AC Bradley shared her enthusiasm for the episode and its tribute to Jon Favreau:
“Let’s make it an ode to Mr. Favreau… We even have, like, a little mention of The Chef Show in there, the Kogi tacos. And we’re, like, we’re looking at Elf. Well, we can’t do Elf. Let’s do Die Hard, which is my favorite movie from childhood.”
-AC Bradley, Head Writer-
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Bradley’s comments reveal the creative process behind What If…?, where the team combines inspiration from various sources to craft unique stories. This Christmas episode not only celebrates the festive season but also pays homage to Favreau’s influence on the MCU.
Happy Hogan and Darcy’s Moment
The focus on Happy Hogan and Darcy Lewis in the Christmas episode represents What If…?‘s commitment to exploring lesser-known corners of the MCU. By spotlighting these characters, the series brings a fresh perspective and adds depth to the Marvel universe.
Discussing the creative freedom of the series, Bryan Andrews commented on the diverse storytelling:
“It was always just us sitting in a room and nerding out, and like Matt said, like, getting the action figures out and just playing.”
-Bryan Andrews, Director-
Andrews’ insight into the writers’ room dynamics shows the playful and imaginative approach that drives What If…?, allowing the team to explore unconventional storylines and character pairings.
A New Take on the MCU
The Christmas episode is a prime example of What If…? pushing the boundaries of storytelling within the MCU. By exploring new genres and themes, the series is redefining what a Marvel story can be, blending festive cheer with the typical Marvel magic.
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The Christmas episode of What If…? Season 2 highlights the series’ versatility and creativity. By focusing on Happy Hogan and Darcy Lewis, the episode promises to bring a blend of humor, heart, and holiday spirit to the MCU.
Marvel Studios’ What If…? Season 2 premieres on December 22, 2023, exclusively on Disney+. A new episode will be released each day for the remainder of 2023, ending with the ninth and final episode of the season on December 31, 2022.
About Marvel Studios’ What If…?
Season 2 Release Date: December 22, 2023 (1 New Episode each day, with the season finale on December 31, 2022)
Directed by: Bryan Andrews (S1)
Head Writer: AC Bradley (S1)
Executive Producers: Brad Winderbaum, Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Bryan
Andrews, AC Bradley
Production Company: Marvel Studios
MCU Stars Reprising Roles (S1): Andy Serkis, Angela Bassett, Benedict Cumberbatch, Benedict Wong, Benicio Del Toro, Bradley Whitford, Carrie Coon, Chadwick Boseman, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Sullivan, Clancy Brown, Clark Gregg, Cobie Smulders, Danai Gurira, David Dastmalchian, Djimon Hounsou, Dominic Cooper, Don Cheadle, Emily VanCamp, Evangeline Lilly, Frank Grillo, Georges St-Pierre, Hayley Atwell, Jaimie Alexander, Jeff Goldblum, Jeremy Renner, John Kani, Jon Favreau, Josh Brolin, Karen Gillan, Kat Dennings, Kurt Russell, Leslie Bibb, Mark Ruffalo, Michael B. Jordan, Michael Douglas, Michael Rooker, Natalie Portman, Neal McDonough, Ophelia Lovibond, Paul Bettany, Paul Rudd, Rachel House, Rachel McAdams, Samuel L. Jackson, Sean Gunn, Sebastian Stan, Seth Green, Stanley Tucci, Taika Waititi, Tilda Swinton, Toby Jones, Tom Hiddleston and Tom Vaughan-Lawlor.
Synopsis
Season two of “What If…?” continues the journey as The Watcher (voice of Jeffrey Wright) guides viewers through the vast Multiverse, introducing brand-new and familiar faces from the MCU. The series questions, revisits and twists classic Marvel Cinematic Universe moments with an incredible
voice cast that includes a host of stars who reprise their iconic roles.
Season two features fan-favorite characters this season like Nebula, Hela and Happy Hogan, episodes are directed by Bryan Andrews (eps 2-9) and Stephan Franck (ep 1) and written by AC Bradley (eps 3, 4, 5, 8), Matthew Chauncey (eps 1-3, 7, 9) and Ryan Little (eps 6, 8). The animated series is executive produced by Brad Winderbaum, Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Bryan Andrews and AC Bradley. The animated series begins streaming on Disney+ on Dec. 22—with a new episode debuting nightly for nine nights.
What are you most looking forward to in the Christmas episode? How do you think Happy Hogan and Darcy Lewis will fare in their holiday adventure? What other MCU characters would you love to see in a festive setting? Share your thoughts and join the conversation about What If…? Season 2 on Discord.
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