The first two seasons of Marvel’s What If…? have engaged audiences with their delightful explorations of the Multiverse. Jeffrey Wright’s Uatu the Watcher serves as a compelling guide and narrator, highlighting the intricacies and vastness of alternate dimensions.

This groundwork lays the foundation for upcoming films like Avengers: Secret Wars, setting the stage for future incursions and excursions.

Premiere of Season 3: A Monumental Storyline

The Season 3 premiere of What If…? presents a bold narrative centered around the Hulk’s gamma issues. This storyline introduces a new Avengers team facing an impending apocalypse.

The team must combat an army of monsters in what is referred to as the Gamma War. The explosive conclusion reinforces the importance of believing in the Green Goliath, showcasing Bruce Banner as a hero despite his struggles as a sympathetic, lost soul.

Understanding the Gamma War

In this narrative, Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner attempts to separate the gamma energy from within him, but the experiment goes awry, resulting in the creation of a monstrous being reminiscent of the Abomination. This creature is more primal and ruthless, growing to a colossal size similar to kaiju from Pacific Rim.

The Apex evolves, capable of launching giant Hulks from its body. Echoing elements of monster films like Cloverfield, this legion wreaks havoc on the planet.

In response, the Avengers construct massive mech-machines inspired by franchises such as Gundam and Robotech, but the majority perish in the ensuing battle against the monsters, a tragic event that becomes known as the Gamma War. For years, this episode of What If…? sees no further monster appearances.

Future Developments in the Series

However, circumstances change with new gamma readings detected from the Arctic. Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, takes a proactive approach to address the emerging threat.

He assembles a fresh Avengers team, including Shang-Chi, Moon Knight, and Nakia from Wakanda. Each member possesses their own mech, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning.

Additional allies, including Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes, Monica Rambeau, and the Russian duo of Red Guardian and Melina, join the effort, recognizing the necessity to combat the monsters before they expand their attack beyond America.

While Monica advocates for Bruce’s assistance due to his knowledge of the creatures, Sam believes it’s best to proceed without him, as Bruce has been in hiding for some time. Having previously served as Bruce’s therapist, Sam understands that Bruce may benefit from solitude after the death of the Jade Giant.

Bruce Banner’s Ongoing Struggles

As Sam and Monica investigate the gamma signal, they discover that the Apex is manipulating all the Hulks for another invasion, revealing a desire to eliminate humanity rather than a mere natural infestation.

Bucky manages to find Bruce, allowing Sam to confront him. Bruce, now petrified and desperate for help, feels that part of him is being cowardly in this segment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Bruce shares that Sam cannot comprehend the burden of having been a source of devastation, casualties, and collateral damage. The weight of death and destruction has taken a toll on Sam’s mental health; while he has fought in wars, he has never served as a weapon or agent of chaos in the way Bruce has.

Episode Details for What If Season 3, Episode 1

• Writer: A. C. Bradley

• Director: Bryan Andrews

• Release Date: Dec. 22, 2024

Bruce’s struggles resonate with themes explored in various comic adaptations, including those featuring Eric Bana and Edward Norton. His decision to abstain from conflict stems from a desire to protect others, rather than himself. Sam acknowledges Bruce’s grief and mourning before taking his leave, recognizing that it is a painful yet necessary choice.

The Gift of a New Mech-Weapon

Before their parting, Bruce provides Sam with a crucial upgrade for the mechs. He had previously diagnosed the problem and created a code to enhance their capabilities.

Sam activates this code in New York as the invasion wave begins, utilizing what is called the Mighty Avenger protocol. This protocol secures all the mechs, paying homage to franchises like Voltron and Power Rangers, catering to anime enthusiasts.

While the Mighty Avenger proves effective against the Apex’s minions, the Apex’s power is overwhelming. It unleashes gamma energy, sending the heroes reeling.

With much of New York in ruins, the Avengers start to feel a sense of hopelessness due to their limited numbers and firepower against the villains. However, as Tom Hiddleston’s Loki once told Thanos in Earth-616, they still have a Hulk.

The Transformation into Mega-Hulk

Bruce arrives in an armed bomb, dropping it into an explosion that does not emit energy but instead absorbs gamma radiation. This transformation leads to Bruce becoming the Mega-Hulk, a behemoth with scales, a spiked tail, and a striking resemblance to the new Godzilla. The similarity is evident in both his roars and movements.

The Apex attacks Mega-Hulk, but Sam comes to the rescue by launching an arm and knocking the tyrant down. This opportunity allows Mega-Hulk to unleash his atomic gamma breath, obliterating the enemy.

All the monsters bow before their new king. Mega-Hulk approaches the panicked heroes, and Sam stands his ground. He meets the beast’s gaze and emphasizes their friendship. This moment embodies Bruce’s lifelong desire: to be believed in rather than feared, reflecting the vision laid out by Disney and Marvel Studios.

The Emotional Conclusion of Season 3

As What If…? prepares to conclude with its third season this month, concerns arise regarding the direction of Marvel’s multiverse-focused animated anthology.

Mega-Hulk peacefully retreats to his island sanctuary, accompanied by his creatures, which serve as his newfound family. In this role, Bruce finds purpose, culminating in an emotional conclusion that highlights both the bond between him and Sam and Bruce’s long-sought acceptance.

Despite his comfort in this new identity, Sam empathizes with Bruce’s transformation, acknowledging that he is no longer human. Bruce finally finds peace, surrounded by a tribe that reinterprets the importance of characters like Rick Jones, She-Hulk, and Skaar from the original source material.

New episodes of What If…? will be released daily until Dec. 29, 2024, on Disney+.