LOS ANGELES — The second season of Marvel Studios’ “What If…?” may have delighted fans with its unique twists on familiar characters, but it notably lacked any major cameos. Contrary to expectations, the X-Men did not make an appearance in the animated series. According to director Bryan Andrews, the mutant superheroes were “pretty much off the table” for the show. Andrews explained that Marvel Studios wanted to introduce the X-Men in live-action before featuring them in animation, citing limitations as the reason for their absence.
While it may not come as a surprise that Wolverine, Magneto, and other X-Men characters were not allowed in “What If…?”, it is worth noting the significance of this decision. The show is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s multiverse, and showcasing these characters in animation first could undermine the impact of their future live-action portrayals and potentially confuse casual fans.
However, there is a glimmer of hope for X-Men enthusiasts. Marvel Studios has announced a direct sequel to the beloved “X-Men: The Animated Series” titled “X-Men ’97,” which will premiere on Disney+ later this year. Unlike “What If…?”, this revival will not negatively impact any live-action projects and will continue the narrative of the original animated series.
In addition to discussing the absence of X-Men characters, Andrews provided insights into the release schedule for “What If…?” season 3. He hinted that the premiere on the streaming platform may not be until 2025. Andrews mentioned the complexity of production and the ever-changing plans orchestrated by the masterminds behind Marvel Studios’ release calendar. He expressed uncertainty about when the show would fit into the larger scheme of things, alongside another project he is working on, “Marvel Zombies.”
As the anticipation for “What If…?” season 3 builds, fans may have to wait a little longer for its arrival on Disney+. While there is speculation that it could premiere by the end of 2024, based on Andrews’ comments, it appears unlikely. The concrete details of the release date remain elusive as Marvel Studios meticulously coordinates its vast array of projects.
Stay tuned for further updates on the release of “What If…?” season 3 and other Marvel Studios productions.