The final episode of What If...? season 3 aired on December 29, 2024, exclusively on Disney+. Season 3 explores the Uatu’s ongoing role in the multiverse as he observes alternate realities that test heroes and villains alike.
The final episodes focus on a climactic conflict involving Captain Carter, Strange Supreme, and other key characters from previous seasons, as they confront a multiverse-wide threat from the Watchers. This season’s narrative builds towards an emotional conclusion, emphasizing themes of sacrifice and resilience.
What If...? season 3 does not feature any post-credits scenes, breaking from the Marvel tradition. This decision was made to preserve the emotional impact of Captain Carter's sacrifice, which serves as a poignant conclusion to her arc in the series.
Instead, the season finale showcases a montage of various characters from different multiverses, hinting at potential storylines and connections to future Marvel projects. This deliberate choice aligns with the show’s concluding nature, as What If...? season 3 serves as the series finale.
According to ScreenRant in their article published on December 29, 2024, omitting a post-credits scene was a strategic decision. Despite opportunities to tease spin-offs like Marvel Zombies or upcoming multiverse-centric films, the finale focuses on concluding the series while subtly hinting at what might come next in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
What the montage reveals in the finale episode of What If...? season 3
The montage shown at the end of the What If...? season 3 finale depicts key characters and intriguing mash-ups from alternate universes. These include characters like Captain Carter and a Sorcerer Supreme version of Hulk’s Maestro form. Additionally, a Punisher/Ironheart variant, Deadpool, and an alternate Wolverine fused with Thanos, nicknamed "Thanosverine," make appearances.
This montage provides a creative opportunity to showcase unique character designs without committing to specific storylines, leaving fans to imagine their potential roles in the multiverse.
The montage is narrated by Uatu, who remains central to the series’ multiverse exploration. His commentary emphasizes the vastness of possibilities in Marvel’s alternate realities. These glimpses also act as subtle hints toward Avengers: Secret Wars, where characters from across the multiverse could converge for a final showdown.
Also read: What If...? season 3 episode 7 ending explained- Did Captain Carter reach the Watcher in time?
How it connects to MCU Phase 5
The absence of a traditional post-credits scene in What If...? season 3 underscores the show’s role as a standalone exploration of the multiverse. However, the montage at the end hints at potential connections to larger MCU projects. For example, the Uatu’s presence ties into Marvel’s multiverse narrative, which has been central to Phase 5 films such as Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and upcoming projects like Avengers: Secret Wars.
The inclusion of unique multiverse characters like "Thanosverine" and a Sorcerer Supreme Hulk suggests that elements from What If...? may influence live-action stories. As noted by ScreenRant, these characters could serve as prototypes for potential cameos or storylines in upcoming Marvel films. By avoiding explicit set-ups, the finale allows the series to conclude on its own terms while leaving the door open for future integration.
Also read: Will there be What If...? Season 3? Renewal possibilities explored
What this means for future Marvel projects
With season 3 serving as the series finale, Marvel has signaled the end of this animated exploration of the multiverse. However, the themes and characters introduced in the show are unlikely to be forgotten. The montage shown in the finale hints at potential live-action crossovers or further exploration of the multiverse in other formats.
Characters like Captain Carter, Deadpool, and "Thanosverine" offer exciting possibilities for future Marvel projects. Uatu's role as the multiverse’s overseer positions him as a key figure in upcoming MCU narratives. While What If...? has concluded, its legacy within the Marvel multiverse is likely to persist, influencing the interconnected storytelling of Phase 5 and beyond.
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