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What If...? season 3 episode 3 shall be released via Disney+ on November 24, 2024. The episode, titled "What If... the Red Guardian Stopped the Winter Soldier?", shall likely focus on a Russian landscape where the Red Guardian or Alexei Shostakov shall be seen in a faceoff with Bucky Barnes as the Winter Soldier, a ruthless HYDRA mercenary.
A part of Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, What If...? explores alternate timelines and stories in the Marvel multiverse. Each episode of the show focuses on a certain set of characters and circumstances, showing what would happen if major moments in the characters' lives occurred differently.
What If...? season 3 episode 3 shall feature the voices of prominent actors already present in the MCU. The title roles will be essayed by David Harbour as Alexei Shostakov, and Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, with actors like Laurence Fishburne, America Ferrera, and Piotr Michael in other roles.
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What If...? season 3 episode 3 release schedule explored
As mentioned, the episode will be released on December 24, 2024, at 6 pm PT. The episode will be released at different times based on regions and time zones. The full release schedule for the same has been listed below:
Also read: What If...? season 3 premiere ending explained: What did Bruce Banner do to defeat the Apex-Hulk?
Where to watch What If...? season 3 episode 3?
After its release, audiences can watch the episode on Disney+. The platform officially hosts Marvel's TV miniseries and shows, including WandaVision, Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki, Agatha All Along and many more.
Viewers will require a subscription to the service to view the content. Disney+ offers various packages at different prices for the same. Disney+ is also available in partnerships with other platforms for different regions, including platforms like Hulu, Hotstar, and ESPN.
Also read: When will the What If...? season 3 trailer be released?
What to expect for What If...? season 3 episode 3? Characters and context
Episode 3 of the show's current installment is set to focus on an alternate universe where the Winter Soldier and the Red Guardian find themselves as unlikely allies. The storyline shall likely feature a younger Alexei Shostakov meeting a brainwashed Bucky Barnes somewhere in Soviet Russia.
Alexei Shostakov was first introduced as the Red Guardian in Black Widow. He was a Russian spy and mercenary and also became a paternal figure to Natasha Romanoff and Yelena Belova. He has since become an indirect part of the New Avengers initiative after Thanos' defeat.
On the other hand, Bucky Barnes has been an integral part of the MCU and the storyline of one of its most beloved original Avengers: Steve Rogers a.k.a. Captain America. Bucky started off as Steve's best friend before he took up the mantle in Captain America: The First Avenger. Further installments revealed that Bucky had been brainwashed and trained as a mercenary by HYDRA, a Nazi organization.
With Steve's support, Bucky was able to reclaim his life and join the Avengers in standing against Thanos. He continues to be an active part of the Captain America storylines, now alongside Sam Wilson.
Also read: What If...? season 3 - Release date, trailer, cast, and everything we know so far
Audiences can watch What If...? season 3 episode 3 released via Disney+ and associated regional platforms on December 24, 2024.
