The second season of What If…?, the animated anthology series from Marvel Studios, continues to explore alternative timelines within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Each episode presents a unique scenario that diverges from established storylines, allowing fans to see beloved characters in new and unexpected situations. This article will focus on the cast of Season 2, Episode 2, titled “What If… Peter Quill Attacked Earth’s Mightiest Heroes?” We will delve into the characters, their roles, and the actors who voice them, along with additional context about the series and its impact.
Overview of What If…? Season 2
What If…? is based on the Marvel Comics series of the same name and is produced by Marvel Studios Animation. The second season consists of nine episodes, with new episodes released daily from December 22 to December 30, 2023. The series is narrated by Jeffrey Wright as The Watcher, who observes the multiverse and presents the alternate realities to the audience.
Episode Structure
Each episode of What If…? typically runs for about 30 minutes and features a mix of returning characters from the MCU and new interpretations of existing ones. The show has garnered attention for its unique storytelling and animation style, which allows for creative freedom in depicting various scenarios.
Episode 2 Synopsis
In Episode 2, titled “What If… Peter Quill Attacked Earth’s Mightiest Heroes?”, the story diverges from the original Guardians of the Galaxy plot. Instead of being raised by Yondu, Peter Quill (voiced by a returning actor) is sent to live with his father, Ego. This change leads to a series of events where Peter, now corrupted by Ego, attacks Earth, prompting the assembly of a 1980s version of The Avengers to combat him.
Cast of What If…? Season 2, Episode 2
The cast for Episode 2 includes several notable actors reprising their roles from the MCU. Below is a detailed list of the main cast members for this episode:
| Character | Actor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Watcher | Jeffrey Wright | Narrator of the series, observing the multiverse. |
| Dr. Hank Pym / Ant-Man | Michael Douglas | Returns as the original Ant-Man from the films. |
| Peggy Carter | Hayley Atwell | Reprises her role as Peggy Carter, a key character in the series. |
| Howard Stark | John Slattery | Returns as Howard Stark, father of Tony Stark. |
| Ego | Kurt Russell | Voicing Ego, Peter’s father, known for his manipulative nature. |
| Bill Foster / Goliath | Laurence Fishburne | Reprises his role as Bill Foster, a character with a significant history in the comics. |
| Bucky Barnes / The Winter Soldier | Sebastian Stan | Returns as Bucky, a fan-favorite character. |
| T’Chaka | Atandwa Kani | Voices a younger version of T’Chaka, father of T’Challa. |
| Peter Quill / Star-Lord | Chris Pratt | Voicing Peter Quill, the central character of the episode. |
| Yondu Udonta | Michael Rooker | Returns as Yondu, Peter’s original guardian. |
Character Descriptions
- The Watcher (Jeffrey Wright): The omniscient observer of the multiverse, The Watcher narrates the series and introduces each episode’s alternate reality.
- Dr. Hank Pym / Ant-Man (Michael Douglas): A brilliant scientist and the original Ant-Man, Hank Pym plays a crucial role in the formation of the Avengers in this alternate timeline.
- Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell): A strong and intelligent leader, Peggy Carter is a significant figure in the MCU, known for her role in S.H.I.E.L.D. and her relationship with Steve Rogers.
- Howard Stark (John Slattery): The father of Tony Stark, Howard Stark is a key figure in the development of technology in the MCU and serves as a mentor in this episode.
- Ego (Kurt Russell): The living planet and Peter’s father, Ego has a manipulative nature and seeks to control Peter for his own purposes.
- Bill Foster / Goliath (Laurence Fishburne): A character with a rich history in Marvel comics, Bill Foster is a scientist and superhero who can grow to giant sizes.
- Bucky Barnes / The Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan): A former friend of Steve Rogers, Bucky Barnes is a complex character with a troubled past, now fighting alongside the Avengers.
- T’Chaka (Atandwa Kani): The father of T’Challa, T’Chaka is the king of Wakanda and a wise leader who plays a role in the Avengers’ efforts.
- Peter Quill / Star-Lord (Chris Pratt): The main character of the episode, Peter’s journey takes a dark turn as he aligns with Ego, leading to conflict with the Avengers.
- Yondu Udonta (Michael Rooker): Originally Peter’s guardian, Yondu’s role in this episode highlights the consequences of Peter’s choices.
Impact of What If…? on the MCU
The What If…? series has had a significant impact on the MCU by exploring alternate realities and expanding the storytelling possibilities within the franchise. It allows fans to see familiar characters in new light and consider how different choices could lead to vastly different outcomes.
Fan Reception
The series has received positive feedback for its creativity, voice acting, and animation style. Fans appreciate the opportunity to see beloved characters in diverse scenarios, and the series has sparked discussions about the implications of these alternate realities on the broader MCU narrative.
Future of What If…?
With a third season confirmed, the series is poised to continue exploring new stories and characters from the Marvel universe. Each episode presents an opportunity for fresh storytelling and character development, keeping fans engaged and excited for what’s to come.
FAQ Section
Q1: When does What If…? Season 2 premiere?
A1: Season 2 premiered on December 22, 2023, with new episodes released daily until December 30, 2023.
Q2: How many episodes are in Season 2?
A2: Season 2 consists of nine episodes.
Q3: Who narrates the series?
A3: Jeffrey Wright narrates the series as The Watcher.
Q4: Are the original actors reprising their roles?
A4: Yes, many original actors from the MCU are reprising their roles in the series, providing continuity and authenticity to the characters.
Q5: What is the premise of Episode 2?
A5: Episode 2, titled “What If… Peter Quill Attacked Earth’s Mightiest Heroes?”, explores an alternate reality where Peter Quill is raised by Ego and attacks Earth, prompting the Avengers to assemble.
Q6: Can I watch What If…? on platforms other than Disney+?
A6: Currently, What If…? is exclusive to Disney+ and is not available on other streaming platforms.
Q7: Will there be a third season of What If…??
A7: Yes, a third season of What If…? has been confirmed and is in development.
Q8: How does What If…? fit into the MCU timeline?
A8: What If…? exists outside the main MCU timeline, exploring alternate realities and scenarios that diverge from established storylines.
Q9: Are there any new characters introduced in Season 2?
A9: Yes, Season 2 introduces new characters alongside returning favorites, expanding the multiverse narrative.
Q10: Where can I find more information about What If…??
A10: For more detailed information, you can visit the Wikipedia page dedicated to the series.
Conclusion
What If…? Season 2, Episode 2 continues to showcase the innovative storytelling that has become a hallmark of the series. With a talented cast reprising their roles and a compelling narrative that explores the consequences of Peter Quill’s choices, this episode exemplifies the creativity and depth of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As the series progresses, fans can look forward to more unique scenarios and character explorations that challenge their understanding of the beloved franchise.
