When Marvel Studios’ latest project, What If…?, debuted on August 11, 2021, Marvel fans couldn’t wait to see reimagined versions of their favorite MCU storylines, featuring many live-action Marvel stars as voice actors.
One thing many fans — and writer A.C. Bradley — were clamoring for, though, was a crossover event between the Marvel Multiverse and the Star Wars universe. Bradley previously shared:
“I was kinda notorious for trying to get a Star Wars character involved. We did try at one point but it’s kind of like ‘Play with the sandbox that you were given. We gave you the entire MCU, run with that. I was like, okay, but still, Luke Skywalker would be an amazing Avenger.”
Although this crossover event didn’t come to fruition, the Star Wars franchise actually already has its own version of What If…? in the form of Star Wars Infinities, an oft-forgotten Dark Horse Comics series that ran from 2001-2004.
…Luke’s torpedo that should have destroyed the Death Star misfired, leaving the base fully operational. The Empire deals a fatal blow to the Rebel Alliance and captures Princess Leia in the ensuing battle. Believing Leia dead and with no Rebellion left to fight in, Luke follows Obi-Wan’s instructions and heads to Dagobah, where he completes his Jedi training before reemerging when Leia reappears. Losing both her home and the Rebellion proved too much for her, and she gave in to her hate and fear, becoming a vocal supporter of the Empire and the apprentice Darth Vader sought in Luke. Luke, Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Yoda head to Coruscant to face the Sith Lords, leading to a lightsaber duel between Leia and Luke.
…a group of four-part comic book series published by Dark Horse Comics.
The comics tell the stories of alternate histories to the original trilogy, therefore making them non-canonical, unlike most comics, which are considered canon. Each comic tells the story of what would have happened if certain key events in their respective canon sources had played out differently. Each “episode” picks up from where the original story leaves off, so therefore, none of them are related to each other.
The show, which marks the MCU’s first foray into animation, is officially described as:
What If…? flips the script on the MCU, reimagining famous events from the films in unexpected ways. Coming to Disney+ in Summer 2021, Marvel Studios’ first animated series focuses on different heroes from the MCU, featuring a voice cast that includes a host of stars who reprise their roles. The series is directed by Bryan Andrews; Ashley Bradley is head writer.
Credit: Lucasfilm
