'What If...?': Release date, plot, cast and everything you need to know about Marvel's first animated series
You may have seen animated characters like Spider-Man, Thor and Captain America in their caricature forms but 'What If...?' marks the first time Marvel will directly be supervising its first comic book series. Get set to witness the first animated show in the MCU with actor Jeffrey Wright voicing the lead character of The Watcher.
At the SDCC 2019 announcement, Wright came on to the stage after a brief clip to describe The Watcher as "a non-earthly being who observes all things. He’s watching over the multiverse, and occasionally may or may not intervene with the doings of Earthlings. Other than that, he’s off doing his own thing." Wondering if you've ever seen The Watchers in Marvel movies? Well, they made a brief appearance as a part of the Stan Lee cameo in 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2'.
Release date
The series is slated to be telecast on the Disney Plus streaming service in summer 2021.
Plot
Based out of a solar system named Uatu, The Watcher is the narrator in the show, telling readers tales of alternate realities that could be explored in the Marvel Universe. In 1977, the series debuted and made fans ponder over questions like — "What if Spider-Man joined the Fantastic Four?", "What if Jane Foster had found the hammer of Thor?" and "What if Hulk had the brain of Bruce Banner?".
Cast
Jeffrey Wright
Jeffrey Wright will voice the narrator of the show, The Watcher. The actor, who is seen in television shows like 'Westworld' and 'Sesame Street' is best known for his Tony- and Emmy-winning role as Belize in the Broadway production and HBO miniseries 'Angels in America'.
Michael B. Jordan
Michael B. Jordan will voice Erik Killmonger. Earlier, he played the role of shooting victim Oscar Grant in the 'Fruitvale Station' (2013) and boxer Adonis Creed in the film 'Creed' (2015). He also played the fan-favorite antagonist in 'Black Panther'.
Mark Ruffalo
Ruffalo will voice the character of Bruce Banner/The Hulk in the show. The actor is known for his roles in '13 Going on 30' (2004), 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' (2004), 'Zodiac' (2007) and 'Shutter Island' (2010).
Samuel L. Jackson
Jackson will voice the character of Nick Fury. The actor has been seen in several movies, including 'Snakes on a Plane' (2006), 'Kong: Skull Island' (2017) and the 'Star Wars' prequel trilogy (1999–2005).
The cast includes Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, Josh Brolin as Thanos, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Hayley Atwell as Agent Peggy Carter, Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther, Karen Gillan as Nebula, Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, Michael Douglas as Hank Pym, Neal McDonough as Dum Dum Dugan, Dominic Cooper as Howard Stark, Sean Gunn as Kraglin, Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, Taika Waititi as Korg, Toby Jones as Arnim Zola, Djimon Hounsou as Korath, Jeff Goldblum as Grandmaster, and Michael Rooker as Yondu.
Director/Writer
While Jac Schaeffer has been credited for writing a few episodes, Kevin Feige is the executive producer on the show.
Where to watch
The animated show will premiere on Disney Plus in summer 2021.
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