Marvel Developing TV Series Based on What If Comics

/Film has learned that Marvel Studios will be producing a new series for the new Disney+ streaming service. The animated series will be based on the popular What If comic book series that originally ran from 1977 through 1984 and then again from 1989 through 1998. (The series has also been published off an on between 2005 and the present.) Even though the stories will not be canon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the series will be overseen by Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios.

The comic books explore how the Marvel Universe might be different if key moments in its history had occurred differently. Some of the concepts are pretty interesting, like “What if Gwen Stacy had lived?” and “What if Spider-Man’s Uncle Ben had lived (and Aunt May was murdered instead)?” While others are pretty silly, “What if the original Marvel Bullpen had become the Fantastic Four?” Still, you can see how the potential for some amazing storytelling is there. And since none of the stories are considered canon, there are no repercussions. Even better.

The concept of the animated series will basically be the same as the comics. The stories will explore how the Marvel Cinematic Universe might be different if key moments in its history been different. For example, one of the episodes will adapt What If Vol.1 #47. In this issue, the idea of “What if Loki had found the hammer of Thor?” was explored. The series would function as an anthology, just like the comic book series, with each episode tackling a different premise.

The hope is that many of the actors from the live-action Marvel Cinematic Universe will reprise their roles in the animated series. The time commitment for voice acting is much less than for live-action productions so it’s actually possible that we could see some of the bigger names in Marvel’s talent pool participating.

The idea of an animated television series based on the What If comics gets me excited. Just think of what they could do with it! And while we don’t know much more than what is currently being reported, I’m sure that more details will start to emerge in the coming months. But what do you think? Is this something that you would watch? Are you excited at the very thought of such a show? Does it increase the likelihood of your subscribing to Disney+? Let us know in the comments!