Marvel’s What If…? Season 2 is setting a new precedent in the MCU, delving into various genres, including the intriguing realms of film noir and ‘80s action. This bold move showcases the series’ commitment to exploring the Marvel Cinematic Universe in unprecedented ways, offering fans a unique blend of styles and stories.
Diving into Diverse Genres
Matthew Chauncey, Story Editor of What If…?, delved into the creative process behind these genre explorations:
“We love film noir, we love Blade Runner. We want to try to do what would a film noir in the MCU look like? And we would kind of work back from there.”
-Matthew Chauncey, Story Editor-
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Chauncey’s remarks highlight the innovative spirit behind What If…?. The series doesn’t just alter scenarios within the MCU; it reimagines them in entirely different styles, inviting viewers to experience their favorite characters and stories through a new lens.
Film Noir and the Future
The decision to explore film noir and ‘80s action genres is a testament to the versatility of the MCU and its characters. This approach allows the show to bring a fresh and exciting dimension to the familiar world of Marvel. Fans can look forward to experiencing a Marvel Studios production that captures the essence of these classic genres while still staying true to the heart of the superhero narratives.
In discussing the expansive nature of the series, Bryan Andrews, the director, commented on the team’s creative freedom:
“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.
Any Genre, Any Possibility
By venturing into different genres, What If…? Season 2 is not just redefining characters but also the storytelling possibilities within the MCU. This exploration into various styles opens up a world of narrative potential, making the series a crucial part of the ever-expanding Marvel Universe.
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What If…? Season 2’s journey into film noir and ‘80s action is a clear indicator of Marvel Studios’ commitment to innovation and diversity in storytelling. The series continues to push the boundaries of what fans expect from the MCU, offering a unique blend of nostalgia and novelty.
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 aspects of film noir and ‘80s action are you most looking forward to seeing in the MCU? Which MCU characters do you think would fit perfectly into these genres? How do you think these explorations will influence the future of Marvel storytelling? Share your thoughts and join the conversation about all things What If…? on Discord!
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