What If…? Season 3 is packed with surprises, nods to the MCU’s past, and teasers for the future.
Marvel has masterfully woven in Easter eggs that not only celebrate the multiverse but also offer glimpses of what’s to come in both animated and live-action forms.
From classic comic references to future MCU appearances, here are the top 10 Easter eggs that fans will love.
1. Blade as Moon Knight
In a thrilling montage at the end of What If…? Season 3, episode 8, Mahershala Ali’s BladeBlade makes his debut as a variant of Moon Knight. This marks a cool tie-in to the upcoming Marvel Zombies series, where Ali’s Blade will be seen in a new light. Though Blade’s live-action debut has been delayed, this animated appearance gives fans a taste of what’s to come.
2. Kwai Jun-Fan: The Iron Fist of 1872
In episode 6, viewers are introduced to a young boy named Kwai Jun-Fan, who could eventually grow into the Iron Fist of this alternate reality. This nod to the original comic character of Iron Fist in the Wild West is a clever connection, especially as What If…? continues to explore different timelines and possibilities.
3. Kang’s Time Sphere
Captain Carter’s use of Kang the Conqueror’s Time Sphere in episode 7 raises intriguing questions about the fate of Kang and his variants. This moment could be a subtle hint at what’s to come in Avengers: Doomsday, where Kang might take a backseat to Doctor Doom in the upcoming MCU storylines.
4. Natasha Lyonne as Byrdie
Natasha Lyonne voices Byrdie the Duck, the grown-up daughter of Darcy Lewis and Howard the Duck. Byrdie is a protector of the multiverse, and her role in What If…? might be a precursor to Lyonne’s future involvement in the MCU, possibly in the Fantastic Four: First Steps animated series.
5. The Hood’s Powers
Parker Robbins, aka The Hood, is introduced as a crime lord in episode 6. His phasing and teleportation powers, granted by the mysterious Hood, are a key part of his character. These powers will likely carry over to his live-action debut in Ironheart, where Anthony Ramos will portray the character.
6. Marvel’s Foosball Table
Byrdie’s Foosball table is a fun Easter egg, featuring miniature versions of Marvel’s heroes and villains. Characters like Thanos, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Doctor Doom, and even Galactus make appearances here, teasing potential future MCU storylines and appearances.
7. Daredevil and Karen Page
In episode 4, Daredevil and Karen Page make a brief appearance at The Grandmaster’s banquet. While it’s a short cameo, it’s a fun nod to the MCU’s upcoming plans for these characters, especially with Daredevil: Born Again on the horizon.
8. Cyclops and Jean Grey
When Red Guardian and Winter Soldier are on the run in Las Vegas, they cross paths with Cyclops and Jean Grey, two iconic X-Men characters. This is another animated appearance that gets fans excited for the upcoming X-Men live-action integration into the MCU.
9. Uatu’s Oath Break for Madisynn
One of the funniest Easter eggs in What If…? Season 3 comes when Uatu the Watcher admits to breaking his oath for She-Hulk’s Madisynn. This hilarious moment ties back to She-Hulk: Attorney at Law and highlights how Madisynn’s antics have a cosmic reach.
10. Astra Islands: A Hulk Comic Reference
In episode 1, the Astra Islands make an appearance, a reference to the original Hulk comics where Bruce Banner created the Absorbatron, a device that could absorb nuclear blasts. This subtle callback to Hulk’s comic origins ties into the episode’s storyline, where Banner becomes a kaiju-sized Hulk to battle the Apex Hulk.
What If…? Season 3 offers a treasure trove of Easter eggs that not only pay homage to the past but also set the stage for future MCU stories.
Whether it’s a new variant of Blade, a nod to the X-Men, or a hilarious callback to She-Hulk, the series continues to expand the multiverse in exciting ways.
