When Marvel’s blockbuster movie Avengers: Endgame ended, a monumental shift was coming for the cinematic universe. Who would have thought that the hit show, Loki, would create just as big of a change for the future of the universe? Along with introducing intergalactic baddie, Kang the Conqueror, in the finale of season one, Loki showed how there could be multiple different timelines with completely altered storylines. Via ScreenRant, Marvel’s What If…? has sprouted out of this new development, so how does the first season fit in with the actual timeline of the long history that is the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
In episode one of the series, titled “What if…Captain Carter Was the First Avenger”, audiences are introduced to a shield-wielding Peggy Carter, voiced by her big screen counterpart, Haley Atwell (Cinderella). It seems everyone is getting their hands on the shield, so here’s to hoping that Alligator Loki gets his turn with the beacon of freedom. In this alternate timeline, Carter is the new Captain America, having to thwart Red Skull and his Nazi accomplices.
Although the show plays out somewhat close to the actual events in Captain America: The First Avenger, there are some major variations. For one, Steve Rogers never becomes Captain America, instead turning into the Hydra Smasher. Also, in the new timeline, it is impossible for Bucky to become the Winter Soldier, meaning Tony Stark’s parents would never be murdered. This new development would lead to the biggest variation in the current timeline that fans are accustomed to.
There are also some major things that hold true in the new universe. Carter and Rogers are still in love with each other and have their relationship abruptly halted. Rogers also still finds a way to be frozen in time, even though he does not fight Red Skull. It is unknown how that happens, so fans have to get a little creative in that department.
Marvel’s What If…? seems to be a love letter to fans that have stuck with the show since the beginning as many of the earlier movies are set to be altered. Episode one does not disappoint with a fiery, new hero in Captain Carter, and a better ending for Tony Stark’s parents. Stay tuned for more on the show as new episodes drop each Wednesday on Disney+.