Unveiling Six Real-World Scenarios Inspired by the MCU What-Ifs

Following another season of ‘What If…?’ on Disney+, we delve into pivotal real-life instances that, with a minor alteration, could have reshaped the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

In the current state, the MCU faces challenges, with 2023 proving a tough year for both Marvel and superhero content overall. Box office figures are concerning, CGI discussions dominate conversations, and public response ranges from lukewarm to outright disdain. On a brighter note, Season 2 of ‘What If…?’ is praised for its innovation, particularly episodes introducing new heroes like Kahhori. While enjoying the show’s animated exploration of alternate MCU scenarios, the author reflects on potential real-world decisions influencing the MCU’s trajectory.

1. What if Robert Downey Jr. had remained as Iron Man? Losing RDJ as Iron Man in ‘Avengers: Endgame’ meant losing a central figure who defined the MCU. Without RDJ, there’s no clear face of the franchise, affecting connectivity and intertextuality between movies and Disney+ shows. The suggestion is an alternative universe where RDJ doesn’t exit, serving as a mentor to the next generation of heroes.
2. What if Black Widow had been released before ‘Avengers: Infinity War’? Analyzing the timing of ‘Black Widow,’ the prequel released after Natasha’s death in ‘Endgame,’ the author contemplates the impact of placing it between ‘Civil War’ and ‘Infinity War.’ This alteration would render Natasha’s fate final, eliminating speculation about her potential return and allowing for a more integrated exploration of her family introduced in the film.
3. What if Disney and Sony hadn’t agreed to share Spider-Man? The entry of Spider-Man into the MCU marked a significant deal between Disney and Sony. The article explores an alternate reality where this collaboration never happened, leading to a different trajectory for the MCU and Spider-Man’s cinematic journey, impacting talks of franchise fatigue and the introduction of mutants.
4. What if Disney never acquired Marvel? Reflecting on the pre-Disney era, the article envisions a scenario where Disney didn’t purchase Marvel. In this universe, the MCU might lack the cohesiveness brought about by Disney’s resources, impacting the distribution of movies and preventing the integration of certain characters like Spider-Man.
5. What if Disney didn’t secure the rights to X-Men and Fantastic Four? The article explores the repercussions of Disney not obtaining the rights to X-Men and Fantastic Four from Fox. In this alternate timeline, Fox retains these rights, leading to potential reboots and struggles. On the Disney side, the absence of mutants and the Fantastic Four complicates Phase 4 and 5, requiring a faster Avengers return and potential challenges.
6. What if no MCU movie surpasses $1 billion again? The author looks to the future, contemplating a scenario where no MCU movie achieves the billion-dollar milestone. This what-if scenario considers the implications for upcoming releases, questioning the longevity and sustainability of the MCU’s unparalleled success.

In each scenario, the article explores the ripple effects of key decisions, offering insights into the alternate paths the MCU could have taken and potential challenges it might face in the future.

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Nick Fury, Maria Hill, Phil Coulson, James “Bucky” Barnes, Peggy Carter