Warning: The following contains spoilers for Cobra Kai: Seasons 1-3.

Netflix's Tudum event unleashed something Cobra Kai fans knew has been coming -- the return of Thomas Ian Griffith's Terry Silver, the bad guy from 1989's The Karate Kid Part III who was teased at the end of Season 3 of the series.

In the teaser for Cobra Kai Season 4 that dropped today, we see that the person Kreese was seen calling up for help in last season's finale was in fact Silver, who is now white-haired, but still sporting that ponytail!

But who exactly is Terry Silver, and what could this mean for the combined force of Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and their karate students? Read on!

Cobra Kai Season 4 and Thomas Ian Griffith's Terry Silver

Throughout Season 3, viewers were given John Kreese's backstory. His mother's tragic suicide led him into a hard life of being picked on and ostracized, which in turn led him into the Army.

In the Army, while serving overseas in the Vietnam War, Kreese was trained in karate and in the merciless ways of warfare and covert ops by his captain. Sadly, Kreese's hesitation to kill his own friend led to his squad getting captured and held prisoner by the enemy. Blaming himself for their predicament, Kreese watched as his friends were made, in pairs, to fight to the death over a snake pit. It was here that the crazed and toxic John Kreese that we know from The Karate Kid was born.

Not only did this crucible give birth to the Cobra Kai name, but it also showed Kreese to be a man pushed over the edge when he straight-up murdered his captain over the snake pit after it was clear that they were all about to be rescued. Kreese had just learned that his girlfriend back home had died -- a secret his captain had been keeping from him -- and the news, plus the fight, caused Kreese to snap and kill someone without any just cause.

So then who is Kreese calling up in the end? We now know it is his Vietnam War buddy Terry Silver, the man shown in Kreese's flashbacks as being the most vulnerable of the bunch. The man who told Kreese he owes him for saving his life.

Terry Silver was the main antagonist of The Karate Kid Part III, where he was played by Thomas Ian Griffith. After the war, Terry learned karate himself and then used his wealth (which he gained from running a toxic waste disposal company) to create Cobra Kai and give it as a gift to John for him to run. After John Kreese's disgrace in Karate Kid I (and II), Terry took over Cobra Kai and cooked up a scheme to ruin and embarrass Daniel and Mr. Miyagi.

In Cobra Kai's second season, Daniel told Sam and the others at Miyagi-Do that even he was once Cobra Kai. This is what Daniel was referring to. In The Karate Kid Part III, Terry lied to Daniel and told him he was running Cobra Kai the right way and when Miyagi refused to train Daniel for another tournament fight, Daniel went to Cobra Kai and practiced under Terry. Again though, it was all a trap to lure Daniel into the final round of the All Valley Tournament and have him get annihilated by another fighter, "Karate's Bad Boy" Mike Barnes (Sean Kanan).

And now we know that Terry is joining Kreese at Cobra Kai -- or whatever malformed, evil version of the dojo Kreese has turned it into -- in Season 4 in order to fight Daniel and Johnny to be the ultimate karate masters of the Cobra Kai-verse (or something).

For even more on how Cobra Kai's third season ended -- from Daniel's trip to Japan, to Johnny and Miguel's night out to see Dee Snider in concert -- and where Season 4 could be going, read on...

Elisabeth Shue's Alison "Ali" Mills

Tamlyn Tomita's Kumiko and Yuji Okumoto's Chozen (and freakin' "child in the storm" Yuna!) weren't the only characters from The Karate Kid's past to show up in Season 3.

The final three episodes featured Elisabeth Shue's Alison "Ali" Mills, who returned home from Colorado to the Valley for the holidays.

And though it seemed like there may have been a new spark re-igniting between Ali and Johnny, who got to spend a fun night out together playing mini-golf and remembering their past, letting bygones be bygones, Ali wasn't there to swoop in and mess things up between Johnny and Miguel's mom, Carmen (Vanessa Rubio). Nor was she there to cause (too much) tension between Johnny and Daniel - though there was some at first.

At the Encino Oaks Club, Ali and Johnny joined Daniel and his wife Amanda (Courtney Henggeler) for an evening of drinks and reminiscing, as Ali finally got to have her say, and tell her side of the story, with regards to the big feud between Daniel and Johnny from decades earlier. She also got to reveal that Daniel, after The Karate Kid, basically became the overprotective and jealous boyfriend that Johnny made the mistake of being. And, like with Johnny, it caused Ali to break up with Daniel.

Daniel and Johnny had made peace with each other a few times over the course of Cobra Kai's first two seasons, only to see that fragile truce fall apart rather quickly. Alison, however, was able to draw these two back together in a more meaningful way, and set them up for the huge choice they make at the very end of the episode.

Big Moments for Sam, Miguel, and Hawk

Meanwhile, while Daniel and Amanda were out imbibing with Johnny and Ali, Sam's (Mary Mouser) attempt to bring Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang students together was ambushed by the cold-hearted grunts of Cobra Kai - and what followed was Season 3's climactic karate brawl inside of the LaRusso's house!

This brutal "one-shot" brawl not only featured the teens laying into each other with fists, elbows, knees, and feet, but also big character moments for three fighters - Sam, Miguel, and Hawk.

Sam, who'd been suffering panic attacks and freeze-ups since her fight with Tory (Peyton List) in the high school was able to overcome her fear using the advice that Mr. Miyagi gave Daniel when he was fighting Mike Barnes in The Karate Kid Part III. She then used a staff to battle a nunchuck-wielding Tory in her home's dojo and sent her packing.

At the same time, Miguel (Xolo Maridueña), who'd been struggling for months to regain his leg strength, used his inner rage and drive to fight back against Kyler, who'd become one of Cobra Kai's newest, and cruelest, students. Miguel might not be back to full strength just yet, but his burst of energy and power was enough to take down his Season 1 school foe.

The biggest turn, however, came from Hawk (Jacob Bertrand), who, after surveying the damage he and his dojo-mates had done, decided to listen to his inner voice about Kreese's lies and turn on Cobra Kai in the midst of battle. Teaming with his old pal Demetri (Gianni Decenzo), the two took down Cobra Kai soldiers with tandem ease.Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang Alliance

Though Daniel has no idea that Kreese is calling on Terry Silver to come help him inflict mass damage in Season 4, Cobra Kai, now with Johnny's son Robby (Tanner Buchanan) as a star student, is enough of a threat on its own for Daniel and Johnny to finally put aside their differences and unite into one dojo. Though they're sure to butt heads over teaching styles, and probably even over a new name for the dojo, they're going to need all their combined courage and strength to battle Cobra Kai.

Kreese set the rules. Whoever loses at the next tournament is gone. Who will be the potential champion from each dojo? Are we looking at Robby vs. Miguel again? But this time, Robby, who's lost his way after feeling abandoned and betrayed after Season 2, will be the merciless fighter and Miguel, who's now back on the side of peace and defense, will be the Miyagi-Do rep?

Or might we see something more along the lines of Sam vs. Tory? We know there's a female branch of the tournament since we saw Aisha fighting in Season 1 (though we don't know who won that bracket). We also don't know if co-ed fighting is allowed, because if so then there are even more possibilities.

Will there be a secret karate trick that helps propel Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang over the top this time around? Daniel already broke out his special paralysis strikes, which he learned in Okinawa, on Kreese in the finale. Could those come back again, or will there be more magic martial arts to unlock?

What would you like to see happen in Cobra Kai: Season 4? Who's going to make it to the final round of All Valley? Will Mike Barnes return along with Terry Silver?

And what about a possible appearance by Hilary Swank, as Julie Pierce from 1994's The Next Karate Kid? Daniel's going to need all the help he can get, right?

September 25, 2021: This story has been updated with the latest information about Cobra Kai.

Matt Fowler is a writer for IGN and a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow him on Twitter at @TheMattFowler and Facebook at Facebook.com/MattBFowler.

Warning: Full spoilers follow for Marvel's What If...? Episodes 1-7.

The MCU-based What If...? animated series is finally here, and it features many of the actual MCU actors from the movies voicing their iconic characters. At the same time, some actors aren't back to reprise their roles as part of the What If...? cast.

In the seventh episode, What If…? gave us a look into an alternate universe where Thor was an only child and didn’t grow up with his brother Loki alongside him. In this story, Thor brings a huge party to Earth and many of his friends and notable MCU characters are in attendance, including the Grandmaster, Surtur, Korg, Nebula, and many more.

Each episode features new and returning characters from the MCU, and we are here to document each one so you can keep track of which voice actors are returning to their roles, which aren't, and what these new versions of our favorite heroes look like. We’re updating this article throughout the season so be sure to check back each week!

Jump to a specific episode right here, or read through the slideshow or full article for every actor so far...

• What If...? Episode 7 Cast: What If... Thor Were an Only Child?

• What If...? Episode 6 Cast: What If... Killmonger Rescued Tony Stark?
• What If...? Episode 5 Cast: What If... Zombies!
• What If...? Episode 4 Cast: What If... Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?
• What If...? Episode 3 Cast: What If... The World Lost Its Mightiest Heroes?
• What If...? Episode 2 Cast: What If... T'Challa Became a Star-Lord?
• What If...? Episode 1 Cast: What If... Captain Carter Were The First Avenger?

What If...? Episode 7 Cast: What If... Thor Were an Only Child?

Thor - Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth has once again become Thor, but this time we get to see what type of God of Thunder Thor would turn out to be had Loki not been by his side growing up. Turns out his partying across the galaxy has become as dangerous and legendary as Mjolnir itself.

Jane Foster - Natalie Portman

Despite only appearing in some reused footage for Avengers: Endgame, Natalie Portman is back as Jane Foster. While this may be an alternate universe take on Foster, Portman will also be returning for Thor: Love and Thunder where she will become the Mighty Thor.

Loki - Tom Hiddleston

While this episode may take a look at what Thor would be like had he not grown up with Loki as his brother, that doesn’t mean we don’t get any of the God of Mischief in it. In this story, Loki arrives as a full-blown Frost Giant who just wants to hang out with his “brother from another mother” Thor.

Darcy - Kat Dennings

Following her big role in WandaVision, Kat Dennings once again becomes Darcy to help out Jane Foster in this week’s episode of What If…? Unfortunately, it appears she will not be back for Thor: Love and Thunder.

Nick Fury - Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson plays just a small role in this week’s episode of What If…? as he gets knocked out by a running Korg. However, it’s always great to see him back as Nick Fury.

Grandmaster - Jeff Goldblum

Jeff Golblum returns to voice Grandmaster after making his debut in the MCU in Thor: Ragnarok. While he isn’t in the episode all that much, he can be seen having a wonderful time.

Maria Hill - Cobie Smulders

Cobie Smulders is back as the no-nonsense Maria Hill, and this time she is in charge of S.H.I.E.L.D. after Nick Fury was knocked out by Korg. She’s also the one who calls Captain Marvel to help stop the partying Thor.

Agent Coulson - Clark Gregg

Clark Gregg’s Agent Coulson appears once again this week and is becoming a regular for episodes of What If…?

Brock Rumlow - Frank Grillo

Frank Grillo returns to lend his voice to Brock Rumlow this week seemingly as a loyal S.H.I.E.L.D. soldier. It’s unclear if he will become the Hydra traitor we know in our MCU.

Korg - Taika Waititi

There’s no party without Korg, and Taika Waititi ensures the Korg we know and love in the MCU is part of Thor’s party on Earth. While he isn’t in the episode for long, he does play a big part as he knocks out Nick Fury.

Nebula - Karen Gillan

This episode of What If…? features many brief appearances by characters from the MCU, and Karen Gillan’s Nebula is one of them. In this story, she seems to love a bit of gambling.

Lady Sif - Jaimie Alexander

Jaimie Alexander returns to Lady Sif for another small part in Episode 7.

Howard the Duck - Seth Green

If there is a party, Howard the Duck won’t be far behind. Seth Green once again brought this wonderful duck to life with his voice.

Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel - Alexandra Daniels

While Alexandra Daniels made her What If…? debut as Captain Marvel at the end of Episode 3, she is one of the big players in this story after Maria Hill calls her in to stop Thor from destroying Earth. Daniels can also be seen in Mothers and Daughters and Salem.

Topaz - Rachel House

Topaz is seen eating cake alongside the Grandmaster, among doing other things, and Rachel House once again voices the bodyguard and head of the Sakaaran Guards.

Frigga - Josette Eales

Instead of Rene Russo, Covert Affairs and Blended’s Josette Eales takes up the role of Thor’s mother Frigga, who is just trying to enjoy some time with friends until Thor ruins her party by having his own.

Hogun - David Chen

David Chen, who is a voice actor for such games as Marvel’s Spider-Man and Ghost of Tsushima, replaced Tadanobu Asano in this episode as the voice of Hogun, one of Thor’s closest friends.

Volstagg and Drax - Fred Tatasciore

Prolific voice actor Fred Tatasciore lends his voice to both Volstagg and Drax this week, replacing Ray Stevenson and Dave Bautista, respectively. Tatasciore has another indirect connection with the MCU as he voiced Samuel L. Jackson in Team America: World Police.

Fandral - Max Mittelman

Instead of bringing back Josh Dallas or Zachary Levi, Marvel brought in Max Mittelman to play Thor’s friend Fandral. Mittelman is also the voice of Saitama in One Punch Man, Harry Osborne in the latest Spider-Man TV series, and Ryuji Sakamoto in Persona 5, among many other voice roles.

Surtur - Clancy Brown

When Thor parties, he brings ALL of his friends, including fire demon Surtur (who played a big role in Thor: Ragnarok). Clancy Brown once again voices the lord of Muspelheim... and befriends the Statue of Liberty.

The Watcher - Jeffrey Wright

As always, Jeffrey Wright returns as The Watcher to tell us this particular story of what would happen if Thor was an only child.

What If...? Episode 6 Cast: What If... Killmonger Rescued Tony Stark?

Tony Stark / Iron Man - Mick Wingert

Tony Stark’s life, and perhaps the entire Avengers initiative, was changed the most in this week’s story when Killmonger showed up to save him from the attack by the Ten Rings. Not only does he never become Iron Man, but he also falls to Killmonger after initially putting so much trust in him. Mick Wingert once again voices Tony Stark instead of Robert Downey Jr after making his first appearance in Episode 3.

Killmonger - Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan is back as Killmonger in this week’s episode and he lives up to the villain we were introduced to in Black Panther. In this alternate universe, however, he saves Tony Stark from the Ten Rings and becomes his trusted ally. Unbeknownst to many he encounters throughout this story, he has an ulterior motive with not only Tony - who he indirectly prevents from ever becoming Iron Man - but also with Ulysses Klaue, General Ross, and T’Chaka. Luckily, not everyone is fooled by his actions.

Happy Hogan - Jon Favreau

Jon Favreau returns to play a Happy Hogan who was passed up for his Stark Industries’ Chief Security Officer promotion when Tony Stark selected Lt. Eric Stevens/Killmonger for the job after his life was saved by him.

T’Challa / Black Panther - Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman once again takes up the role of T’Challa and Black Panther in this sixth episode, but he falls to Killmonger when trying to stop him from purchasing Vibranium from Ulysses Klaue.

Queen Ramonda - Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett lent her voice once again to Queen Ramonda, and we get to see her warrior side take center stage in the battle against the Liberators.

Okoye - Danai Gurira

As we seem to say every week, the wonderful Danai Gurira is back again as Okoye and she does what she does best - protect Wakanda and those who call it home.

Ulysses Klaue - Andy Serkis

Ulysses Klaue makes an appearance in this episode of Marvel’s What If…? and Andy Serkis returns to voice the arms dealer who meets a fate similar to the one he had in the MCU.

Rhodey - Don Cheadle

Since there is no Iron Man in this alternate timeline, that means there is also no War Machine/Iron Patriot. Despite that, James “Rhodey” Rhodes still has a role to play and Don Cheadle returns to voice him. Too bad he also has an unhappy ending thanks to Killmonger.

Jarvis - Paul Bettany

Paul Bettany is back as Tony Stark’s AI friend Jarvis, as this story takes place before he becomes Vision and is given physical form.

Christine Everhart - Leslie Bibb

Leslie Bibb makes her second appearance as Christine Everhart in Marvel’s What If…? and continues the trend of asking Tony Stark the tough questions.

T’Chaka - John Kani

John Kani is back as T’Chaka and puts his full trust in Killmonger after he “saves” Wakanda from an attack the villain secretly orchestrated. He even makes Killmonger the next Black Panther.

Obadiah Stane - Kiff Vandenheuvel

While Obidiah Stane returned for a new story in Marvel’s What If…?, Jeff Bridges did not. Instead, Kiff Vendenheuvel took on the role of Tony Stark’s business partner who was secretly plotting his demise. Vendenheuvel has appeared in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice as Officer Mazzuccheli, and in both Marvel’s Spider-Man and Spider-Man: Miles Morales for PS4/PS5.

Pepper Potts - Beth Hoyt

Gwyneth Paltrow did not return as Pepper Potts this week, and instead she is played by Better Call Saul and Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Beth Hoyt. Pepper Potts ends up being one of the few people not swayed by Killmonger, and may be the key to stopping him in this alternate timeline.

General Ross - Mike McGill

Mike McGill once again replaces William Hurt to play General Ross, another character who unwittingly helps Killmonger achieve his goals.

Shuri - Ozioma Akagha

Shuri plays a big role in this week’s episode as one of the few characters who sees through Killmonger’s plan. Letitia Wright does not return to play the princess of Wakanda, and instead, she is voiced by Runaway’s Ozioma Akagha.

The Watcher - Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright is, as always, part of this episode of Marvel’s What If…?, and his character, The Watcher, gives us perhaps our best look at him so far.

What If...? Episode 5 Cast: What If... Zombies!

Bruce Banner / Hulk - Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo once again lends his voice to Bruce Banner and the Hulk, who has arrived on an alternate Earth to warn the Avengers of Thanos. However, the heroes he came to warn have turned into an even bigger threat than he could have ever imagined.

T’Challa / Black Panther - Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman makes his second appearance in Marvel’s What If…?, and this time he is playing the Black Panther we know and love… well, except for the fact that he was kidnapped by Vision and partially fed to a zombified Wanda Maximoff.

Vision - Paul Bettany

Paul Bettany’s Vision has had a rough go of it in not only in our Marvel Cinematic Universe, but in this one as well. While the zombie apocalypse may have prevented Thanos from killing him, his fate here is just as grim. He is powerless to help cure a zombie version of Wanda, and he has resorted to kidnapping his friends to keep her alive. Furthermore, he still is killed when the Mind Stone is removed from his head, yet this time it is by his own hand.

Bucky Barnes - Sebastian Stan

Sebastian Stan also makes a return to Marvel’s What If…?, this time with his long-flowing hair and Vibranium arm. In Peter Parker’s “So You Want to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse” video, he is not only known as Bucky “Silent But Deadly” Barnes, but his skills are listed as “murder, killer arm, and heavy sleeper.”

Hope van Dyne / Wasp - Evangeline Lilly

Evangeline Lilly takes on the role of Hope van Dyne once more, and is one of the people unintentionally involved in starting the MCU zombie apocalypse after Hank Pym found her mother Janet van Dyne who, in this universe, “contracted a quantum virus that corrupted her brain.”

Scott Lang / Ant-Man - Paul Rudd

Paul Rudd and his jokes find their way to Marvel’s What If…? this week, and while he returns as Ant-Man, most of his screen time is spent as a talking head that has been cured of the quantum virus that has turned this world into zombies. Does that make him Ant-Head now?

Happy Hogan / Zombie Happy - Jon Favreau

Happy Hogan is once again played by Jon Favreau, and although he gets a few moments to enjoy some Stark tech for himself, he soon thereafter becomes a victim of zombie Hawkeye.

In Peter Parker’s “So You Want to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse” video, he is not only known as Happy “Never Actually Happy” Hogan, but he’s also wearing a shirt that says, “I’m not single, I’m saving myself for Thor.” Also, his skills are listed as “driving, coffee, and boxing.”

Okoye - Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira lends her voice to Okoye once more this week after making an appearance in the second episode of What If…?

Sharon Carter - Emily Vancamp

Emily Vancamp is once again Sharon Carter in this week’s episode, and while she has a good run helping out the team, she, unfortunately, is attacked by zombie Captain America before being blown up from the inside by Hope.

In Peter Parker’s “So You Want to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse” video, she is known as Sharon “The Blond Bond” Carter and her skills are listed as “spycraft, first aid, and eulogies.”

Kurt - David Dastmalchian

David Dastmalchian is back as the “Resident Weirdo” Kurt and is one of the stars of Peter Parker’s “So You Wanna Survive The Zombie Apocalypse” video. His skills are listed as “languages, Slavic folklore, and crime.”

Peter Parker / Spider-Man - Hudson Thames

While Peter Parker is one of the main characters of this week’s episode, Tom Holland does not reprise his role as Spider-Man. Instead, Hudson Thames takes on the legendary role. Thames was previously seen in Mad Men, I think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson, and more.

Ebony Maw - Tom Vaughan-Lawlor

Tom Vaughan-Lawlor is once again Ebony Maw, but his arrival on Earth is short-lived after the zombie Avengers turn him into an undead nightmare as well.

Steve Rogers / Captain America - Josh Keaton

Josh Keaton, who voiced Steve Rogers in What If…?’s first episode, is back again for a short appearance as Captain America. The Avengers turning into zombies was one of the main reasons the full-blown apocalypse occurred, and Cap himself was undone by Hank Pym in tiny form.

The Watcher - Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright is once again The Watcher, but we get a brief look at his face, whereas before he was mostly a figure in the sky without an actual face. Could this evolution mean we are heading towards his role in future stories being expanded? Only time will tell.

Zombies

This week’s episode of Marvel’s What If…? was filled with zombified versions of our favorite heroes and villains, and while some of them had voice actors behind them, others just made an undead showing without words. These include Wanda Maximoff, Hawkeye, Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Wong, Cull Obsidian, and the Mad Titan himself - Thanos. Unfortunately, for this universe, Thanos still has the Infinity Gauntlet.

What If...? Episode 4 Cast: What If... Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?

Doctor Strange - Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch returned to play Dr. Stephen Strange M.D. -- aka Sorcerer Supreme for Earth -- in this twisted tale of obsession and regret.

Christine Palmer - Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams once again played Christine Palmer, Stephen Strange's love interest, marking her first return to the MCU since 2016's Doctor Strange. McAdams will be back as Christine again in 2022's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

The Ancient One - Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton reprised her role as The Ancient One, once again attempting to guide Doctor Strange through obstacles and temptation that could lead to ruin and cosmic devastation.

Wong - Benedict Wong

Benedict Wong was back as Doctor Strange's trusty Sanctum Sanctorum sidekick, Wong, though ultimately no one would be spared in Strange's dark and warped quest to reclaim the love of his life.

O'Bengh - Ike Amadi

A new character in the MCU, O'Bengh was the guardian of the Lost Library of Cagliostro. He eventually died of old age after Strange spent centuries learning forbidden knowledge and absorbing the energy of other magical beings.

In the comics, there is speculation that Cagliostro's real name was O'Bengh.

Christine Everhart - Leslie Bibb

Leslie Bibb can be heard briefly as reporter Christine Everhart, who appeared in both Iron Man and Iron Man 2 (as well as a viral videos released by Marvel preceding Ant-Man and Captain America: Civil War).

What If...? Episode 3 Cast: What If... The World Lost Its Mightiest Heroes?

Nick Fury - Samuel L. Jackson

Nick Fury takes center stage in the third episode of Marvel’s What If…?, and Samuel L. Jackson returns to voice the MCU character he’s been playing since 2008’s Iron Man. Unfortunately for this version of Nick Fury, his idea to form the Avengers didn’t go quite as planned.

Hank Pym / Yellow Jacket - Michael Douglas

Michael Douglas returns to play Hank Pym, but in this alternate universe he ends up becoming one of the episode’s true villains after his daughter Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly/The Wasp in the MCU!) passed away on a S.H.I.E.L.D. mission. Instead of becoming Ant-Man, he becomes Yellow Jacket, as he did in the comics.

Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow - Lake Bell

Scarlett Johansson, who is currently in a legal battle with Disney over a Black Widow contract breach, did not return to play Black Widow in this show. Instead, actress and comedian Lake Bell lent her voice to the iconic role. Bell and her voice have appeared in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later, the Harley Quinn TV series, Cryptozoo, and much more.

Tony Stark / Iron Man - Mick Wingert

Much like Black Widow, Iron Man also has a new voice actor as Robert Downey, Jr. did not return to play the character that kicked off the entire MCU. Instead, Mick Wingert took up the role. Wingert has played Tony Stark in a ton of Marvel shows, including Marvel Future Avengers, Spider-Man, Avengers Assemble, Guardians of the Galaxy, and more.

Agent Coulson - Clark Gregg

Clark Gregg once again becomes Agent Coulson in Marvel’s What If…? and is rightfully very impressed with Thor and his hair.

Brock Rumlow - Frank Grillo

Frank Grillo is back as Brock Rumlow and adds Marvel’s What If…? to the list of his MCU appearances that also include Avengers: Endgame, Captain America: Civil War, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

Clint Barton / Hawkeye - Jeremy Renner

Jeremy Renner, who already appeared in the first episode of Marvel’s What If…? alongside Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury, returns for a bigger role in episode 3. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have quite a happy ending. Luckily, he will reprise the role once more in his own Disney+ show later this year.

Betty Ross - Stephanie Panisello

The role of Betty Ross has changed once more as Hulk’s Jennifer Connolly nor The Incredible Hulk’s Liv Tyler returned to reprise their role. Instead, Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness’ Stephanie Panisello makes her MCU debut in Marvel’s What If…?

Bruce Banner / Hulk - Mark Ruffalo

Bruce Banner and The Hulk make their Marvel’s What If…? debut in episode three. Although it’s always great to see Mark Ruffalo take on the role again, he returns for a story that sees an unfortunate end to his character.

Loki - Tom Hiddleston

Hot off the season finale of Marvel’s Loki, Tom Hiddleston appears again in the MCU as Loki in Marvel’s What If…? In this alternate universe, he comes to get his vengeance after the fall of Thor, and also takes the opportunity to become the ruler of Earth. Not bad for a day’s work.

General Ross - Mike McGill

Although William Hurt played General Thunderbolt Ross in Black Widow, Mike McGill was the one who voiced the short appearance by the general in this episode. McGill was recently seen in Bosch, Grace and Grit, Shameless, Grey’s Anatomy, and more.

Lady Sif - Jaimie Alexander

Much like Loki, Lady Sif returns to the MCU after making an appearance in Marvel’s Loki. Even better, Jaimie Alexander returns to lend her voice. Alexander is also set to be a part of Thor: Love and Thunder.

Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel - Alexandra Daniels

Although she is only seen for a brief moment at the very end, Captain Marvel answers Nick Fury’s call and heads to Earth to help her old friend. Instead of Brie Larson, Mothers and Daughters’ Alexandra Daniels plays the hero also known as Carol Danvers.

Thor

Thor and his majestic hair appeared in this episode of Marvel’s What If…?, but the God of Thunder had no lines, so there was no chance for Chris Hemsworth to return… yet.

What If...? Episode 2 Cast: What If... T'Challa Became a Star-Lord?

Star-Lord T'Challa - Chadwick Boseman

Before his death in 2020, Chadwick Boseman recorded his final lines for T’Challa for Marvel’s What If…?, but in this version he plays Star-Lord T’Challa instead of Black Panther. While he made his debut as this alternate version of his character in the second episode of the series, there are still more episodes with his character in them.

Nebula - Karen Gillan

Karen Gillan returns to voice Nebula, and this time she is sporting some flowing blonde hair and, thanks to T’Challa becoming Star-Lord and helping turn Thanos into a “good guy,” she is free to live another life that is not helping her adopted father balance the universe.

Yondu – Michael Rooker

Michael Rooker once again becomes Yondu in this episode of What If…? and sees first-hand what happens when he leaves important jobs to other people. Since his Ravagers picked up T’Challa instead of Peter Quill, the trajectory of his life has changed greatly as well.

Korath – Djimon Hounsou

In a hilarious twist to the beginning of Guardians of the Galaxy, Djimon Hounsou returns to play Korath, who is this time a huge fan of Star-Lord and ends up joining his team of Ravagers.

King T’Chaka – John Kani

The life of King T’Chaka is altered when his son goes missing one day, but that doesn’t stop him from searching the stars for T’Challa in the years that followed. John Kani returns as the voice of the king, and we get to see younger and older versions of him in the episode.

Thanos – Josh Brolin

In perhaps the most shocking twist of all, Josh Brolin returns to play a Thanos who has decided to give up on his idea of wiping out half of all living things in the universe. He has joined Star-Lord T’Challa and the Ravagers and, while he still jokes about his original plan being efficient, he has turned into a much more friendly Mad Titan.

The Collector – Benicio del Toro

Benicio del Toro once again plays The Collector, a character who has seen his stock rise after not having to deal with Thanos in his quest for the Infinity Stones. He is a force to be reckoned with in this alternate timeline, but ultimately is no match for T’Challa and his friends.

Ego – Kurt Russell

While it is but a brief cameo, Kurt Russell once again becomes Ego and decides to pay a visit to his son Peter Quill at a Dairy Queen. Quill of course never ended up becoming Star-Lord in this reality, though what this meeting with Ego means for him is unclear (for now).

Kraglin – Sean Gunn

Hot off his role as Weasel in James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, the director’s brother Sean Gunn lends his voice once more to Kraglin.

Taserface – Chris Sullivan

Chris Sullivan is also back as the Ravager Taserface, joining Star Lord T’Challa and the rest of their crew across the stars.

Howard the Duck – Seth Green

Howard the Duck, who makes his fourth MCU appearance following the first two Guardians of the Galaxy films and Avengers: Endgame, is once again voiced by Seth Green and looking classy as ever.

Okoye – Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira has only one line, but it’s always a treat to hear and see Okoye - the general of the Dora Milaje - get more screen time.

Carina – Ophelia Lovibond

In this alternate story, Carina was never killed as she never tried to use the Power Stone against The Collector. What’s more, she gets some karmic justice against her captor.

Proxima Midnight – Carrie Coon

Carrie Coon once again plays Proxima Midnight, who joined forces with The Collector after Thanos had a change of heart.

Ebony Maw – Tom Vaughan-Lawlor

As with Proxima Midnight, Ebony Maw was on the look-out for new work following Thanos joining the Ravagers, and he joined The Collector just as the other members of the Black Order did.

Drax – Fred Tatasciore

Drax the Destroyer shows up in this episode of Marvel’s What If…?, but now he is… Drax the Bartender? While it’s great to see Drax again, he was voiced by Fred Tatasciore instead of Dave Bautista, who has said he was not asked to return to play his MCU character.

Corvus Glaive - Fred Tatasciore

Fred Tatasciore also plays Corvus Glaive from the Black Order, replacing the original voice actor Michael James Shaw.

Young T’Challa – Maddix Robinson

Young T’Challa only showed up in a deleted scene in Black Panther, but he gets a bigger role in Marvel’s What If…? In this episode, he was played by Maddix Robinson instead of Ashton Tyler.

Peter Quill – Brian T. Delaney

Peter Quill’s destiny was changed the most when the Ravagers picked up T’Challa instead of him. While we only see him for a brief moment, we see that his new fate was to work at Dairy Queen until his Dad pays him a visit. Chris Pratt did not return to voice this version of Peter Quill, and he was instead voiced by Brian T. Delaney.

Queen Ramonda, Shuri, and Cull Obsidian

Queen Ramonda of Wakanda, Shuri, and Cull Obsidian all make an appearance in this episode of Marvel’s What If…? but they have no lines so there were no returning or new actors for their characters.

What If...? Episode 1 Cast: What If... Captain Carter Were The First Avenger?

Captain Carter/Peggy Carter - Hayley Atwell

Hayley Atwell voices Peggy Carter in a story focusing on what would happen if she was the one who became a super soldier. Steve Rogers still joins the fight with a suit made by Howard Stark. Chris Evans did not return for this episode of What If…?, and instead Josh Keaton lent his voice to Skinny Steve Rogers.

Skinny Steve Rogers - Josh Keaton

Despite many of the other MCU characters returning to reprise their roles, Chris Evan did not return for What If…? to voice Skinny Steve Rogers. Instead, Josh Keaton became this alternate version of Steve. This voice actor is also known for his roles as Peter Parker in the animated The Spectacular Spider-Man series, Tony Stark in Marvel’s Iron Man VR, and many other projects.

Dr. Erskine - Stanley Tucci

Stanley Tucci voices Abraham Erskine, the only scientist to perfect the Super Soldier Serum. In this version of the story, he lives!

Howard Stark - Dominic Cooper

Dominic Cooper is back as (the younger version of) Howard Stark, who is the father of Iron Man himself, Tony Stark. In this story, Howard Stark created the first Iron Man armor in the Hydra Stomper.

Colonel Flynn - Bradley Whitford

While Bradley Whitford’s Colonel John Flynn has not been in a big MCU film, he was part of the Marvel One-Shot: Agent Carter, which was one of a series of shorts that expanded on the MCU world.

Johann Schmidt / Red Skull - Ross Marquand

Hugo Weaving did not return in What If…? to reprise his role as Red Skull, and instead Marvel brought back Ross Marquand, who played Red Skull in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

Dum Dum Dugan - Neal McDonough

Neal McDonough is back to voice Howling Commando Dum Dum Dugan from The Winter Soldier (and Agent Carter).

Bucky Barnes - Sebastian Stan

Sebastian Stan voices Bucky Barnes. In this alternate tale, Bucky was not experimented on by Arnim Zola and therefore never became The Winter Soldier.

Arnim Zola - Toby Jones

Toby Jones has returned to the MCU to voice Arnim Zola, and his fate is still very tied to Bucky Barnes, even if he isn’t as successful in this timeline.

Nick Fury - Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson returns to play Nick Fury and make a brief appearance at the end of the episode.

Hawkeye - Jeremy Renner

Jeremy Renner once again become Hawkeye in Marvel's What If...?

The Watcher - Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright plays The Watcher, a celestial being assigned to watch over Earth and its surrounding solar system. He'll serve as the narrator for the series each week.

For even more on the show, check out our article on the What If...? episode release schedule, get the lowdown on these nine crazy What If...? comics storylines, or catch up on how Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa becomes Star-Lord in the series.

Warning: Full spoilers follow for Marvel's What If...? Episodes 1-6.

The MCU-based What If...? animated series is finally here, and it features many of the actual MCU actors from the movies voicing their iconic characters. At the same time, some actors aren't back to reprise their roles as part of the What If...? cast.

In the sixth episode, What If...? explored an alternate timeline where Tony Stark never became Iron Man thanks to a rescue by Michael B. Jordan’s Killmonger. Stark’s life - and perhaps the entire Avengers Initiative - is changed drastically by this, and many of our favorite characters fall to Killmonger’s hand during his quest for vengeance.

Each episode features new and returning characters from the MCU, and we are here to document each one so you can keep track of which voice actors are returning to their roles, which aren't, and what these new versions of our favorite heroes look like. We’re updating this article throughout the season so be sure to check back each week!

Jump to a specific episode right here, or read through the slideshow or full article for every actor so far...

• What If...? Episode 6 Cast: What If... Killmonger Rescued Tony Stark?
• What If...? Episode 5 Cast: What If... Zombies!
• What If...? Episode 4 Cast: What If... Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?
• What If...? Episode 3 Cast: What If... The World Lost Its Mightiest Heroes?
• What If...? Episode 2 Cast: What If... T'Challa Became a Star-Lord?
• What If...? Episode 1 Cast: What If... Captain Carter Were The First Avenger?

What If...? Episode 6 Cast: What If... Killmonger Rescued Tony Stark?

Tony Stark / Iron Man - Mick Wingert

Tony Stark’s life, and perhaps the entire Avengers initiative, was changed the most in this week’s story when Killmonger showed up to save him from the attack by the Ten Rings. Not only does he never become Iron Man, but he also falls to Killmonger after initially putting so much trust in him. Mick Wingert once again voices Tony Stark instead of Robert Downey Jr after making his first appearance in Episode 3.

Killmonger - Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan is back as Killmonger in this week’s episode and he lives up to the villain we were introduced to in Black Panther. In this alternate universe, however, he saves Tony Stark from the Ten Rings and becomes his trusted ally. Unbeknownst to many he encounters throughout this story, he has an ulterior motive with not only Tony - who he indirectly prevents from ever becoming Iron Man - but also with Ulysses Klaue, General Ross, and T’Chaka. Luckily, not everyone is fooled by his actions.

Happy Hogan - Jon Favreau

Jon Favreau returns to play a Happy Hogan who was passed up for his Stark Industries’ Chief Security Officer promotion when Tony Stark selected Lt. Eric Stevens/Killmonger for the job after his life was saved by him.

T’Challa / Black Panther - Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman once again takes up the role of T’Challa and Black Panther in this sixth episode, but he falls to Killmonger when trying to stop him from purchasing Vibranium from Ulysses Klaue.

Queen Ramonda - Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett lent her voice once again to Queen Ramonda, and we get to see her warrior side take center stage in the battle against the Liberators.

Okoye - Danai Gurira

As we seem to say every week, the wonderful Danai Gurira is back again as Okoye and she does what she does best - protect Wakanda and those who call it home.

Ulysses Klaue - Andy Serkis

Ulysses Klaue makes an appearance in this episode of Marvel’s What If…? and Andy Serkis returns to voice the arms dealer who meets a fate similar to the one he had in the MCU.

Rhodey - Don Cheadle

Since there is no Iron Man in this alternate timeline, that means there is also no War Machine/Iron Patriot. Despite that, James “Rhodey” Rhodes still has a role to play and Don Cheadle returns to voice him. Too bad he also has an unhappy ending thanks to Killmonger.

Jarvis - Paul Bettany

Paul Bettany is back as Tony Stark’s AI friend Jarvis, as this story takes place before he becomes Vision and is given physical form.

Christine Everhart - Leslie Bibb

Leslie Bibb makes her second appearance as Christine Everhart in Marvel’s What If…? and continues the trend of asking Tony Stark the tough questions.

T’Chaka - John Kani

John Kani is back as T’Chaka and puts his full trust in Killmonger after he “saves” Wakanda from an attack the villain secretly orchestrated. He even makes Killmonger the next Black Panther.

Obadiah Stane - Kiff Vandenheuvel

While Obidiah Stane returned for a new story in Marvel’s What If…?, Jeff Bridges did not. Instead, Kiff Vendenheuvel took on the role of Tony Stark’s business partner who was secretly plotting his demise. Vendenheuvel has appeared in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice as Officer Mazzuccheli, and in both Marvel’s Spider-Man and Spider-Man: Miles Morales for PS4/PS5.

Pepper Potts - Beth Hoyt

Gwyneth Paltrow did not return as Pepper Potts this week, and instead she is played by Better Call Saul and Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Beth Hoyt. Pepper Potts ends up being one of the few people not swayed by Killmonger, and may be the key to stopping him in this alternate timeline.

General Ross - Mike McGill

Mike McGill once again replaces William Hurt to play General Ross, another character who unwittingly helps Killmonger achieve his goals.

Shuri - Ozioma Akagha

Shuri plays a big role in this week’s episode as one of the few characters who sees through Killmonger’s plan. Letitia Wright does not return to play the princess of Wakanda, and instead, she is voiced by Runaway’s Ozioma Akagha.

The Watcher - Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright is, as always, part of this episode of Marvel’s What If…?, and his character, The Watcher, gives us perhaps our best look at him so far.

What If...? Episode 5 Cast: What If... Zombies!

Bruce Banner / Hulk - Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo once again lends his voice to Bruce Banner and the Hulk, who has arrived on an alternate Earth to warn the Avengers of Thanos. However, the heroes he came to warn have turned into an even bigger threat than he could have ever imagined.

T’Challa / Black Panther - Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman makes his second appearance in Marvel’s What If…?, and this time he is playing the Black Panther we know and love… well, except for the fact that he was kidnapped by Vision and partially fed to a zombified Wanda Maximoff.

Vision - Paul Bettany

Paul Bettany’s Vision has had a rough go of it in not only in our Marvel Cinematic Universe, but in this one as well. While the zombie apocalypse may have prevented Thanos from killing him, his fate here is just as grim. He is powerless to help cure a zombie version of Wanda, and he has resorted to kidnapping his friends to keep her alive. Furthermore, he still is killed when the Mind Stone is removed from his head, yet this time it is by his own hand.

Bucky Barnes - Sebastian Stan

Sebastian Stan also makes a return to Marvel’s What If…?, this time with his long-flowing hair and Vibranium arm. In Peter Parker’s “So You Want to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse” video, he is not only known as Bucky “Silent But Deadly” Barnes, but his skills are listed as “murder, killer arm, and heavy sleeper.”

Hope van Dyne / Wasp - Evangeline Lilly

Evangeline Lilly takes on the role of Hope van Dyne once more, and is one of the people unintentionally involved in starting the MCU zombie apocalypse after Hank Pym found her mother Janet van Dyne who, in this universe, “contracted a quantum virus that corrupted her brain.”

Scott Lang / Ant-Man - Paul Rudd

Paul Rudd and his jokes find their way to Marvel’s What If…? this week, and while he returns as Ant-Man, most of his screen time is spent as a talking head that has been cured of the quantum virus that has turned this world into zombies. Does that make him Ant-Head now?

Happy Hogan / Zombie Happy - Jon Favreau

Happy Hogan is once again played by Jon Favreau, and although he gets a few moments to enjoy some Stark tech for himself, he soon thereafter becomes a victim of zombie Hawkeye.

In Peter Parker’s “So You Want to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse” video, he is not only known as Happy “Never Actually Happy” Hogan, but he’s also wearing a shirt that says, “I’m not single, I’m saving myself for Thor.” Also, his skills are listed as “driving, coffee, and boxing.”

Okoye - Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira lends her voice to Okoye once more this week after making an appearance in the second episode of What If…?

Sharon Carter - Emily Vancamp

Emily Vancamp is once again Sharon Carter in this week’s episode, and while she has a good run helping out the team, she, unfortunately, is attacked by zombie Captain America before being blown up from the inside by Hope.

In Peter Parker’s “So You Want to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse” video, she is known as Sharon “The Blond Bond” Carter and her skills are listed as “spycraft, first aid, and eulogies.”

Kurt - David Dastmalchian

David Dastmalchian is back as the “Resident Weirdo” Kurt and is one of the stars of Peter Parker’s “So You Wanna Survive The Zombie Apocalypse” video. His skills are listed as “languages, Slavic folklore, and crime.”

Peter Parker / Spider-Man - Hudson Thames

While Peter Parker is one of the main characters of this week’s episode, Tom Holland does not reprise his role as Spider-Man. Instead, Hudson Thames takes on the legendary role. Thames was previously seen in Mad Men, I think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson, and more.

Ebony Maw - Tom Vaughan-Lawlor

Tom Vaughan-Lawlor is once again Ebony Maw, but his arrival on Earth is short-lived after the zombie Avengers turn him into an undead nightmare as well.

Steve Rogers / Captain America - Josh Keaton

Josh Keaton, who voiced Steve Rogers in What If…?’s first episode, is back again for a short appearance as Captain America. The Avengers turning into zombies was one of the main reasons the full-blown apocalypse occurred, and Cap himself was undone by Hank Pym in tiny form.

The Watcher - Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright is once again The Watcher, but we get a brief look at his face, whereas before he was mostly a figure in the sky without an actual face. Could this evolution mean we are heading towards his role in future stories being expanded? Only time will tell.

Zombies

This week’s episode of Marvel’s What If…? was filled with zombified versions of our favorite heroes and villains, and while some of them had voice actors behind them, others just made an undead showing without words. These include Wanda Maximoff, Hawkeye, Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Wong, Cull Obsidian, and the Mad Titan himself - Thanos. Unfortunately, for this universe, Thanos still has the Infinity Gauntlet.

What If...? Episode 4 Cast: What If... Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?

Doctor Strange - Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch returned to play Dr. Stephen Strange M.D. -- aka Sorcerer Supreme for Earth -- in this twisted tale of obsession and regret.

Christine Palmer - Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams once again played Christine Palmer, Stephen Strange's love interest, marking her first return to the MCU since 2016's Doctor Strange. McAdams will be back as Christine again in 2022's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

The Ancient One - Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton reprised her role as The Ancient One, once again attempting to guide Doctor Strange through obstacles and temptation that could lead to ruin and cosmic devastation.

Wong - Benedict Wong

Benedict Wong was back as Doctor Strange's trusty Sanctum Sanctorum sidekick, Wong, though ultimately no one would be spared in Strange's dark and warped quest to reclaim the love of his life.

O'Bengh - Ike Amadi

A new character in the MCU, O'Bengh was the guardian of the Lost Library of Cagliostro. He eventually died of old age after Strange spent centuries learning forbidden knowledge and absorbing the energy of other magical beings.

In the comics, there is speculation that Cagliostro's real name was O'Bengh.

Christine Everhart - Leslie Bibb

Leslie Bibb can be heard briefly as reporter Christine Everhart, who appeared in both Iron Man and Iron Man 2 (as well as a viral videos released by Marvel preceding Ant-Man and Captain America: Civil War).

What If...? Episode 3 Cast: What If... The World Lost Its Mightiest Heroes?

Nick Fury - Samuel L. Jackson

Nick Fury takes center stage in the third episode of Marvel’s What If…?, and Samuel L. Jackson returns to voice the MCU character he’s been playing since 2008’s Iron Man. Unfortunately for this version of Nick Fury, his idea to form the Avengers didn’t go quite as planned.

Hank Pym / Yellow Jacket - Michael Douglas

Michael Douglas returns to play Hank Pym, but in this alternate universe he ends up becoming one of the episode’s true villains after his daughter Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly/The Wasp in the MCU!) passed away on a S.H.I.E.L.D. mission. Instead of becoming Ant-Man, he becomes Yellow Jacket, as he did in the comics.

Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow - Lake Bell

Scarlett Johansson, who is currently in a legal battle with Disney over a Black Widow contract breach, did not return to play Black Widow in this show. Instead, actress and comedian Lake Bell lent her voice to the iconic role. Bell and her voice have appeared in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later, the Harley Quinn TV series, Cryptozoo, and much more.

Tony Stark / Iron Man - Mick Wingert

Much like Black Widow, Iron Man also has a new voice actor as Robert Downey, Jr. did not return to play the character that kicked off the entire MCU. Instead, Mick Wingert took up the role. Wingert has played Tony Stark in a ton of Marvel shows, including Marvel Future Avengers, Spider-Man, Avengers Assemble, Guardians of the Galaxy, and more.

Agent Coulson - Clark Gregg

Clark Gregg once again becomes Agent Coulson in Marvel’s What If…? and is rightfully very impressed with Thor and his hair.

Brock Rumlow - Frank Grillo

Frank Grillo is back as Brock Rumlow and adds Marvel’s What If…? to the list of his MCU appearances that also include Avengers: Endgame, Captain America: Civil War, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

Clint Barton / Hawkeye - Jeremy Renner

Jeremy Renner, who already appeared in the first episode of Marvel’s What If…? alongside Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury, returns for a bigger role in episode 3. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have quite a happy ending. Luckily, he will reprise the role once more in his own Disney+ show later this year.

Betty Ross - Stephanie Panisello

The role of Betty Ross has changed once more as Hulk’s Jennifer Connolly nor The Incredible Hulk’s Liv Tyler returned to reprise their role. Instead, Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness’ Stephanie Panisello makes her MCU debut in Marvel’s What If…?

Bruce Banner / Hulk - Mark Ruffalo

Bruce Banner and The Hulk make their Marvel’s What If…? debut in episode three. Although it’s always great to see Mark Ruffalo take on the role again, he returns for a story that sees an unfortunate end to his character.

Loki - Tom Hiddleston

Hot off the season finale of Marvel’s Loki, Tom Hiddleston appears again in the MCU as Loki in Marvel’s What If…? In this alternate universe, he comes to get his vengeance after the fall of Thor, and also takes the opportunity to become the ruler of Earth. Not bad for a day’s work.

General Ross - Mike McGill

Although William Hurt played General Thunderbolt Ross in Black Widow, Mike McGill was the one who voiced the short appearance by the general in this episode. McGill was recently seen in Bosch, Grace and Grit, Shameless, Grey’s Anatomy, and more.

Lady Sif - Jaimie Alexander

Much like Loki, Lady Sif returns to the MCU after making an appearance in Marvel’s Loki. Even better, Jaimie Alexander returns to lend her voice. Alexander is also set to be a part of Thor: Love and Thunder.

Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel - Alexandra Daniels

Although she is only seen for a brief moment at the very end, Captain Marvel answers Nick Fury’s call and heads to Earth to help her old friend. Instead of Brie Larson, Mothers and Daughters’ Alexandra Daniels plays the hero also known as Carol Danvers.

Thor

Thor and his majestic hair appeared in this episode of Marvel’s What If…?, but the God of Thunder had no lines, so there was no chance for Chris Hemsworth to return… yet.

What If...? Episode 2 Cast: What If... T'Challa Became a Star-Lord?

Star-Lord T'Challa - Chadwick Boseman

Before his death in 2020, Chadwick Boseman recorded his final lines for T’Challa for Marvel’s What If…?, but in this version he plays Star-Lord T’Challa instead of Black Panther. While he made his debut as this alternate version of his character in the second episode of the series, there are still more episodes with his character in them.

Nebula - Karen Gillan

Karen Gillan returns to voice Nebula, and this time she is sporting some flowing blonde hair and, thanks to T’Challa becoming Star-Lord and helping turn Thanos into a “good guy,” she is free to live another life that is not helping her adopted father balance the universe.

Yondu – Michael Rooker

Michael Rooker once again becomes Yondu in this episode of What If…? and sees first-hand what happens when he leaves important jobs to other people. Since his Ravagers picked up T’Challa instead of Peter Quill, the trajectory of his life has changed greatly as well.

Korath – Djimon Hounsou

In a hilarious twist to the beginning of Guardians of the Galaxy, Djimon Hounsou returns to play Korath, who is this time a huge fan of Star-Lord and ends up joining his team of Ravagers.

King T’Chaka – John Kani

The life of King T’Chaka is altered when his son goes missing one day, but that doesn’t stop him from searching the stars for T’Challa in the years that followed. John Kani returns as the voice of the king, and we get to see younger and older versions of him in the episode.

Thanos – Josh Brolin

In perhaps the most shocking twist of all, Josh Brolin returns to play a Thanos who has decided to give up on his idea of wiping out half of all living things in the universe. He has joined Star-Lord T’Challa and the Ravagers and, while he still jokes about his original plan being efficient, he has turned into a much more friendly Mad Titan.

The Collector – Benicio del Toro

Benicio del Toro once again plays The Collector, a character who has seen his stock rise after not having to deal with Thanos in his quest for the Infinity Stones. He is a force to be reckoned with in this alternate timeline, but ultimately is no match for T’Challa and his friends.

Ego – Kurt Russell

While it is but a brief cameo, Kurt Russell once again becomes Ego and decides to pay a visit to his son Peter Quill at a Dairy Queen. Quill of course never ended up becoming Star-Lord in this reality, though what this meeting with Ego means for him is unclear (for now).

Kraglin – Sean Gunn

Hot off his role as Weasel in James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, the director’s brother Sean Gunn lends his voice once more to Kraglin.

Taserface – Chris Sullivan

Chris Sullivan is also back as the Ravager Taserface, joining Star Lord T’Challa and the rest of their crew across the stars.

Howard the Duck – Seth Green

Howard the Duck, who makes his fourth MCU appearance following the first two Guardians of the Galaxy films and Avengers: Endgame, is once again voiced by Seth Green and looking classy as ever.

Okoye – Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira has only one line, but it’s always a treat to hear and see Okoye - the general of the Dora Milaje - get more screen time.

Carina – Ophelia Lovibond

In this alternate story, Carina was never killed as she never tried to use the Power Stone against The Collector. What’s more, she gets some karmic justice against her captor.

Proxima Midnight – Carrie Coon

Carrie Coon once again plays Proxima Midnight, who joined forces with The Collector after Thanos had a change of heart.

Ebony Maw – Tom Vaughan-Lawlor

As with Proxima Midnight, Ebony Maw was on the look-out for new work following Thanos joining the Ravagers, and he joined The Collector just as the other members of the Black Order did.

Drax – Fred Tatasciore

Drax the Destroyer shows up in this episode of Marvel’s What If…?, but now he is… Drax the Bartender? While it’s great to see Drax again, he was voiced by Fred Tatasciore instead of Dave Bautista, who has said he was not asked to return to play his MCU character.

Corvus Glaive - Fred Tatasciore

Fred Tatasciore also plays Corvus Glaive from the Black Order, replacing the original voice actor Michael James Shaw.

Young T’Challa – Maddix Robinson

Young T’Challa only showed up in a deleted scene in Black Panther, but he gets a bigger role in Marvel’s What If…? In this episode, he was played by Maddix Robinson instead of Ashton Tyler.

Peter Quill – Brian T. Delaney

Peter Quill’s destiny was changed the most when the Ravagers picked up T’Challa instead of him. While we only see him for a brief moment, we see that his new fate was to work at Dairy Queen until his Dad pays him a visit. Chris Pratt did not return to voice this version of Peter Quill, and he was instead voiced by Brian T. Delaney.

Queen Ramonda, Shuri, and Cull Obsidian

Queen Ramonda of Wakanda, Shuri, and Cull Obsidian all make an appearance in this episode of Marvel’s What If…? but they have no lines so there were no returning or new actors for their characters.

What If...? Episode 1 Cast: What If... Captain Carter Were The First Avenger?

Captain Carter/Peggy Carter - Hayley Atwell

Hayley Atwell voices Peggy Carter in a story focusing on what would happen if she was the one who became a super soldier. Steve Rogers still joins the fight with a suit made by Howard Stark. Chris Evans did not return for this episode of What If…?, and instead Josh Keaton lent his voice to Skinny Steve Rogers.

Skinny Steve Rogers - Josh Keaton

Despite many of the other MCU characters returning to reprise their roles, Chris Evan did not return for What If…? to voice Skinny Steve Rogers. Instead, Josh Keaton became this alternate version of Steve. This voice actor is also known for his roles as Peter Parker in the animated The Spectacular Spider-Man series, Tony Stark in Marvel’s Iron Man VR, and many other projects.

Dr. Erskine - Stanley Tucci

Stanley Tucci voices Abraham Erskine, the only scientist to perfect the Super Soldier Serum. In this version of the story, he lives!

Howard Stark - Dominic Cooper

Dominic Cooper is back as (the younger version of) Howard Stark, who is the father of Iron Man himself, Tony Stark. In this story, Howard Stark created the first Iron Man armor in the Hydra Stomper.

Colonel Flynn - Bradley Whitford

While Bradley Whitford’s Colonel John Flynn has not been in a big MCU film, he was part of the Marvel One-Shot: Agent Carter, which was one of a series of shorts that expanded on the MCU world.

Johann Schmidt / Red Skull - Ross Marquand

Hugo Weaving did not return in What If…? to reprise his role as Red Skull, and instead Marvel brought back Ross Marquand, who played Red Skull in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

Dum Dum Dugan - Neal McDonough

Neal McDonough is back to voice Howling Commando Dum Dum Dugan from The Winter Soldier (and Agent Carter).

Bucky Barnes - Sebastian Stan

Sebastian Stan voices Bucky Barnes. In this alternate tale, Bucky was not experimented on by Arnim Zola and therefore never became The Winter Soldier.

Arnim Zola - Toby Jones

Toby Jones has returned to the MCU to voice Arnim Zola, and his fate is still very tied to Bucky Barnes, even if he isn’t as successful in this timeline.

Nick Fury - Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson returns to play Nick Fury and make a brief appearance at the end of the episode.

Hawkeye - Jeremy Renner

Jeremy Renner once again become Hawkeye in Marvel's What If...?

The Watcher - Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright plays The Watcher, a celestial being assigned to watch over Earth and its surrounding solar system. He'll serve as the narrator for the series each week.

For even more on the show, check out our article on how to watch Marvel's What If...?, get the lowdown on these nine crazy What If...? comics storylines, or catch up on how Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa becomes Star-Lord in the series.

Full spoilers follow for Marvel's What If...? Episode 5.

The MCU-based What If...? animated series is finally here, and it features many of the actual MCU actors from the movies voicing their iconic characters. At the same time, some actors aren't back to reprise their roles as part of the What If...? cast...

In the fifth episode, What If...? gave fans a look at what some of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes (and villains) may look like if a zombie apocalypse overtook the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While Tom Holland and Chris Evans didn’t reprise their roles as Spider-Man and Captain America, we did see the return of Paul Bettany’s Vision, Paul Rudd’s Ant-Man, Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther, and more. This week was another dark and gory look at an alternate universe, and it featured a ton of returning characters.

Each episode will feature new and returning characters from the MCU, and we are here to gather each one so you can keep track of which voice actors are returning to their roles, which aren't, and what these new versions of our favorite heroes look like. We will also be updating this article throughout the season so be sure to check back each week!

What If...? Episode 5 Cast: What If... Zombies!

Bruce Banner / Hulk - Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo once again lends his voice to Bruce Banner and the Hulk, who has arrived on an alternate Earth to warn the Avengers of Thanos. However, the heroes he came to warn have turned into an even bigger threat than he could have ever imagined.

T’Challa / Black Panther - Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman makes his second appearance in Marvel’s What If…?, and this time he is playing the Black Panther we know and love… well, except for the fact that he was kidnapped by Vision and partially fed to a zombified Wanda Maximoff.

Vision - Paul Bettany

Paul Bettany’s Vision has had a rough go of it in not only in our Marvel Cinematic Universe, but in this one as well. While the zombie apocalypse may have prevented Thanos from killing him, his fate here is just as grim. He is powerless to help cure a zombie version of Wanda, and he has resorted to kidnapping his friends to keep her alive. Furthermore, he still is killed when the Mind Stone is removed from his head, yet this time it is by his own hand.

Bucky Barnes - Sebastian Stan

Sebastian Stan also makes a return to Marvel’s What If…?, this time with his long-flowing hair and Vibranium arm. In Peter Parker’s “So You Want to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse” video, he is not only known as Bucky “Silent But Deadly” Barnes, but his skills are listed as “murder, killer arm, and heavy sleeper.”

Hope van Dyne / Wasp - Evangeline Lilly

Evangeline Lilly takes on the role of Hope van Dyne once more, and is one of the people unintentionally involved in starting the MCU zombie apocalypse after Hank Pym found her mother Janet van Dyne who, in this universe, “contracted a quantum virus that corrupted her brain.”

Scott Lang / Ant-Man - Paul Rudd

Paul Rudd and his jokes find their way to Marvel’s What If…? this week, and while he returns as Ant-Man, most of his screen time is spent as a talking head that has been cured of the quantum virus that has turned this world into zombies. Does that make him Ant-Head now?

Happy Hogan / Zombie Happy - Jon Favreau

Happy Hogan is once again played by Jon Favreau, and although he gets a few moments to enjoy some Stark tech for himself, he soon thereafter becomes a victim of zombie Hawkeye.

In Peter Parker’s “So You Want to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse” video, he is not only known as Happy “Never Actually Happy” Hogan, but he’s also wearing a shirt that says, “I’m not single, I’m saving myself for Thor.” Also, his skills are listed as “driving, coffee, and boxing.”

Okoye - Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira lends her voice to Okoye once more this week after making an appearance in the second episode of What If…?

Sharon Carter - Emily Vancamp

Emily Vancamp is once again Sharon Carter in this week’s episode, and while she has a good run helping out the team, she, unfortunately, is attacked by zombie Captain America before being blown up from the inside by Hope.

In Peter Parker’s “So You Want to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse” video, she is known as Sharon “The Blond Bond” Carter and her skills are listed as “spycraft, first aid, and eulogies.”

Kurt - David Dastmalchian

David Dastmalchian is back as the “Resident Weirdo” Kurt and is one of the stars of Peter Parker’s “So You Wanna Survive The Zombie Apocalypse” video. His skills are listed as “languages, Slavic folklore, and crime.”

Peter Parker / Spider-Man - Hudson Thames

While Peter Parker is one of the main characters of this week’s episode, Tom Holland does not reprise his role as Spider-Man. Instead, Hudson Thames takes on the legendary role. Thames was previously seen in Mad Men, I think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson, and more.

Ebony Maw - Tom Vaughan-Lawlor

Tom Vaughan-Lawlor is once again Ebony Maw, but his arrival on Earth is short-lived after the zombie Avengers turn him into an undead nightmare as well.

Steve Rogers / Captain America - Josh Keaton

Josh Keaton, who voiced Steve Rogers in What If…?’s first episode, is back again for a short appearance as Captain America. The Avengers turning into zombies was one of the main reasons the full-blown apocalypse occurred, and Cap himself was undone by Hank Pym in tiny form.

The Watcher - Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright is once again The Watcher, but we get a brief look at his face, whereas before he was mostly a figure in the sky without an actual face. Could this evolution mean we are heading towards his role in future stories being expanded? Only time will tell.

Zombies

This week’s episode of Marvel’s What If…? was filled with zombified versions of our favorite heroes and villains, and while some of them had voice actors behind them, others just made an undead showing without words. These include Wanda Maximoff, Hawkeye, Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Wong, Cull Obsidian, and the Mad Titan himself - Thanos. Unfortunately, for this universe, Thanos still has the Infinity Gauntlet.

What If...? Episode 4 Cast: What If... Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?

Doctor Strange - Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch returned to play Dr. Stephen Strange M.D. -- aka Sorcerer Supreme for Earth -- in this twisted tale of obsession and regret.

Christine Palmer - Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams once again played Christine Palmer, Stephen Strange's love interest, marking her first return to the MCU since 2016's Doctor Strange. McAdams will be back as Christine again in 2022's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

The Ancient One - Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton reprised her role as The Ancient One, once again attempting to guide Doctor Strange through obstacles and temptation that could lead to ruin and cosmic devastation.

Wong - Benedict Wong

Benedict Wong was back as Doctor Strange's trusty Sanctum Sanctorum sidekick, Wong, though ultimately no one would be spared in Strange's dark and warped quest to reclaim the love of his life.

O'Bengh - Ike Amadi

A new character in the MCU, O'Bengh was the guardian of the Lost Library of Cagliostro. He eventually died of old age after Strange spent centuries learning forbidden knowledge and absorbing the energy of other magical beings.

In the comics, there is speculation that Cagliostro's real name was O'Bengh.

Christine Everhart - Leslie Bibb

Leslie Bibb can be heard briefly as reporter Christine Everhart, who appeared in both Iron Man and Iron Man 2 (as well as a viral videos released by Marvel preceding Ant-Man and Captain America: Civil War).

What If...? Episode 3 Cast: What If... The World Lost Its Mightiest Heroes?

Nick Fury - Samuel L. Jackson

Nick Fury takes center stage in the third episode of Marvel’s What If…?, and Samuel L. Jackson returns to voice the MCU character he’s been playing since 2008’s Iron Man. Unfortunately for this version of Nick Fury, his idea to form the Avengers didn’t go quite as planned.

Hank Pym / Yellow Jacket - Michael Douglas

Michael Douglas returns to play Hank Pym, but in this alternate universe he ends up becoming one of the episode’s true villains after his daughter Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly/The Wasp in the MCU!) passed away on a S.H.I.E.L.D. mission. Instead of becoming Ant-Man, he becomes Yellow Jacket, as he did in the comics.

Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow - Lake Bell

Scarlett Johansson, who is currently in a legal battle with Disney over a Black Widow contract breach, did not return to play Black Widow in this show. Instead, actress and comedian Lake Bell lent her voice to the iconic role. Bell and her voice have appeared in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later, the Harley Quinn TV series, Cryptozoo, and much more.

Tony Stark / Iron Man - Mick Wingert

Much like Black Widow, Iron Man also has a new voice actor as Robert Downey, Jr. did not return to play the character that kicked off the entire MCU. Instead, Mick Wingert took up the role. Wingert has played Tony Stark in a ton of Marvel shows, including Marvel Future Avengers, Spider-Man, Avengers Assemble, Guardians of the Galaxy, and more.

Agent Coulson - Clark Gregg

Clark Gregg once again becomes Agent Coulson in Marvel’s What If…? and is rightfully very impressed with Thor and his hair.

Brock Rumlow - Frank Grillo

Frank Grillo is back as Brock Rumlow and adds Marvel’s What If…? to the list of his MCU appearances that also include Avengers: Endgame, Captain America: Civil War, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

Clint Barton / Hawkeye - Jeremy Renner

Jeremy Renner, who already appeared in the first episode of Marvel’s What If…? alongside Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury, returns for a bigger role in episode 3. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have quite a happy ending. Luckily, he will reprise the role once more in his own Disney+ show later this year.

Betty Ross - Stephanie Panisello

The role of Betty Ross has changed once more as Hulk’s Jennifer Connolly nor The Incredible Hulk’s Liv Tyler returned to reprise their role. Instead, Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness’ Stephanie Panisello makes her MCU debut in Marvel’s What If…?

Bruce Banner / Hulk - Mark Ruffalo

Bruce Banner and The Hulk make their Marvel’s What If…? debut in episode three. Although it’s always great to see Mark Ruffalo take on the role again, he returns for a story that sees an unfortunate end to his character.

Loki - Tom Hiddleston

Hot off the season finale of Marvel’s Loki, Tom Hiddleston appears again in the MCU as Loki in Marvel’s What If…? In this alternate universe, he comes to get his vengeance after the fall of Thor, and also takes the opportunity to become the ruler of Earth. Not bad for a day’s work.

General Ross - Mike McGill

Although William Hurt played General Thunderbolt Ross in Black Widow, Mike McGill was the one who voiced the short appearance by the general in this episode. McGill was recently seen in Bosch, Grace and Grit, Shameless, Grey’s Anatomy, and more.

Lady Sif - Jaimie Alexander

Much like Loki, Lady Sif returns to the MCU after making an appearance in Marvel’s Loki. Even better, Jaimie Alexander returns to lend her voice. Alexander is also set to be a part of Thor: Love and Thunder.

Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel - Alexandra Daniels

Although she is only seen for a brief moment at the very end, Captain Marvel answers Nick Fury’s call and heads to Earth to help her old friend. Instead of Brie Larson, Mothers and Daughters’ Alexandra Daniels plays the hero also known as Carol Danvers.

Thor

Thor and his majestic hair appeared in this episode of Marvel’s What If…?, but the God of Thunder had no lines, so there was no chance for Chris Hemsworth to return… yet.

What If...? Episode 2 Cast: What If... T'Challa Became a Star-Lord?

Star-Lord T'Challa - Chadwick Boseman

Before his death in 2020, Chadwick Boseman recorded his final lines for T’Challa for Marvel’s What If…?, but in this version he plays Star-Lord T’Challa instead of Black Panther. While he made his debut as this alternate version of his character in the second episode of the series, there are still more episodes with his character in them.

Nebula - Karen Gillan

Karen Gillan returns to voice Nebula, and this time she is sporting some flowing blonde hair and, thanks to T’Challa becoming Star-Lord and helping turn Thanos into a “good guy,” she is free to live another life that is not helping her adopted father balance the universe.

Yondu – Michael Rooker

Michael Rooker once again becomes Yondu in this episode of What If…? and sees first-hand what happens when he leaves important jobs to other people. Since his Ravagers picked up T’Challa instead of Peter Quill, the trajectory of his life has changed greatly as well.

Korath – Djimon Hounsou

In a hilarious twist to the beginning of Guardians of the Galaxy, Djimon Hounsou returns to play Korath, who is this time a huge fan of Star-Lord and ends up joining his team of Ravagers.

King T’Chaka – John Kani

The life of King T’Chaka is altered when his son goes missing one day, but that doesn’t stop him from searching the stars for T’Challa in the years that followed. John Kani returns as the voice of the king, and we get to see younger and older versions of him in the episode.

Thanos – Josh Brolin

In perhaps the most shocking twist of all, Josh Brolin returns to play a Thanos who has decided to give up on his idea of wiping out half of all living things in the universe. He has joined Star-Lord T’Challa and the Ravagers and, while he still jokes about his original plan being efficient, he has turned into a much more friendly Mad Titan.

The Collector – Benicio del Toro

Benicio del Toro once again plays The Collector, a character who has seen his stock rise after not having to deal with Thanos in his quest for the Infinity Stones. He is a force to be reckoned with in this alternate timeline, but ultimately is no match for T’Challa and his friends.

Ego – Kurt Russell

While it is but a brief cameo, Kurt Russell once again becomes Ego and decides to pay a visit to his son Peter Quill at a Dairy Queen. Quill of course never ended up becoming Star-Lord in this reality, though what this meeting with Ego means for him is unclear (for now).

Kraglin – Sean Gunn

Hot off his role as Weasel in James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, the director’s brother Sean Gunn lends his voice once more to Kraglin.

Taserface – Chris Sullivan

Chris Sullivan is also back as the Ravager Taserface, joining Star Lord T’Challa and the rest of their crew across the stars.

Howard the Duck – Seth Green

Howard the Duck, who makes his fourth MCU appearance following the first two Guardians of the Galaxy films and Avengers: Endgame, is once again voiced by Seth Green and looking classy as ever.

Okoye – Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira has only one line, but it’s always a treat to hear and see Okoye - the general of the Dora Milaje - get more screen time.

Carina – Ophelia Lovibond

In this alternate story, Carina was never killed as she never tried to use the Power Stone against The Collector. What’s more, she gets some karmic justice against her captor.

Proxima Midnight – Carrie Coon

Carrie Coon once again plays Proxima Midnight, who joined forces with The Collector after Thanos had a change of heart.

Ebony Maw – Tom Vaughan-Lawlor

As with Proxima Midnight, Ebony Maw was on the look-out for new work following Thanos joining the Ravagers, and he joined The Collector just as the other members of the Black Order did.

Drax – Fred Tatasciore

Drax the Destroyer shows up in this episode of Marvel’s What If…?, but now he is… Drax the Bartender? While it’s great to see Drax again, he was voiced by Fred Tatasciore instead of Dave Bautista, who has said he was not asked to return to play his MCU character.

Corvus Glaive - Fred Tatasciore

Fred Tatasciore also plays Corvus Glaive from the Black Order, replacing the original voice actor Michael James Shaw.

Young T’Challa – Maddix Robinson

Young T’Challa only showed up in a deleted scene in Black Panther, but he gets a bigger role in Marvel’s What If…? In this episode, he was played by Maddix Robinson instead of Ashton Tyler.

Peter Quill – Brian T. Delaney

Peter Quill’s destiny was changed the most when the Ravagers picked up T’Challa instead of him. While we only see him for a brief moment, we see that his new fate was to work at Dairy Queen until his Dad pays him a visit. Chris Pratt did not return to voice this version of Peter Quill, and he was instead voiced by Brian T. Delaney.

Queen Ramonda, Shuri, and Cull Obsidian

Queen Ramonda of Wakanda, Shuri, and Cull Obsidian all make an appearance in this episode of Marvel’s What If…? but they have no lines so there were no returning or new actors for their characters.

What If...? Episode 1 Cast: What If... Captain Carter Were The First Avenger?

Captain Carter/Peggy Carter - Hayley Atwell

Hayley Atwell voices Peggy Carter in a story focusing on what would happen if she was the one who became a super soldier. Steve Rogers still joins the fight with a suit made by Howard Stark. Chris Evans did not return for this episode of What If…?, and instead Josh Keaton lent his voice to Skinny Steve Rogers.

Skinny Steve Rogers - Josh Keaton

Despite many of the other MCU characters returning to reprise their roles, Chris Evan did not return for What If…? to voice Skinny Steve Rogers. Instead, Josh Keaton became this alternate version of Steve. This voice actor is also known for his roles as Peter Parker in the animated The Spectacular Spider-Man series, Tony Stark in Marvel’s Iron Man VR, and many other projects.

Dr. Erskine - Stanley Tucci

Stanley Tucci voices Abraham Erskine, the only scientist to perfect the Super Soldier Serum. In this version of the story, he lives!

Howard Stark - Dominic Cooper

Dominic Cooper is back as (the younger version of) Howard Stark, who is the father of Iron Man himself, Tony Stark. In this story, Howard Stark created the first Iron Man armor in the Hydra Stomper.

Colonel Flynn - Bradley Whitford

While Bradley Whitford’s Colonel John Flynn has not been in a big MCU film, he was part of the Marvel One-Shot: Agent Carter, which was one of a series of shorts that expanded on the MCU world.

Johann Schmidt / Red Skull - Ross Marquand

Hugo Weaving did not return in What If…? to reprise his role as Red Skull, and instead Marvel brought back Ross Marquand, who played Red Skull in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

Dum Dum Dugan - Neal McDonough

Neal McDonough is back to voice Howling Commando Dum Dum Dugan from The Winter Soldier (and Agent Carter).

Bucky Barnes - Sebastian Stan

Sebastian Stan voices Bucky Barnes. In this alternate tale, Bucky was not experimented on by Arnim Zola and therefore never became The Winter Soldier.

Arnim Zola - Toby Jones

Toby Jones has returned to the MCU to voice Arnim Zola, and his fate is still very tied to Bucky Barnes, even if he isn’t as successful in this timeline.

Nick Fury - Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson returns to play Nick Fury and make a brief appearance at the end of the episode.

Hawkeye - Jeremy Renner

Jeremy Renner once again become Hawkeye in Marvel's What If...?

The Watcher - Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright plays The Watcher, a celestial being assigned to watch over Earth and its surrounding solar system. He'll serve as the narrator for the series each week.

MCU Characters Confirmed for Future Episodes

Thor - Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth will voice Thor in a story that might be Ragnarok focused, considering some of the other casting news revealed.

Grandmaster - Jeff Goldblum

Jeff Goldblum will voice Grandmaster, the ruler of Sakaar.

Korg - Taika Waititi

Ragnarok (and Love and Thunder) director Taika Waititi will be voicing a character -- probably (hopefully!) Korg.

Loki - Tom Hiddleston

Tom Hiddleston will return to Disney+ to voice Loki. A Variant Loki, probably!

Jane Foster - Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman returns to voice Jane Foster. Will she somehow figure in a Ragnarok-era story, even though she was absent from that film? Time will tell!

Ant-Man - Paul Rudd

Paul Rudd will voice Ant-Man.

Kurt - David Dastmalchian

David Dastmalchian will voice Kurt, the hacker member of Scott Lang's crew.

Hank Pym - Michael Douglas

Michael Douglas will voice Hank Pym, creator of the Ant-Man suit and tech.

Killmonger - Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan will voice T'Challa's cousin N'Jadaka - aka Erik Killmonger.

Bruce Banner/The Hulk - Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo will voice Bruce Banner and/or The Hulk.

For even more on the show, check out our article on how to watch Marvel's What If...?, get the lowdown on these nine crazy What If...? comics storylines, or catch up on how Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa becomes Star-Lord in the series.

August 18, 2021: This story has been updated with the latest information about Marvel's What If...?

Full spoilers follow for Marvel's What If...? Episode 3.

The MCU-based What If...? animated series is finally here, and it features many of the actual MCU actors from the movies voicing their iconic characters. At the same time, some actors aren't back to reprise their roles as part of the What If...? cast...

In the fourth episode, What If...? delivered its darkest and most shattering story yet as Doctor Strange, having saved the world from Dormammu, found himself traveling down a forbidden path in order to change an Absolute Point in time and reclaim his lost love, Christine. Benedict Cumberbatch, Benedict Wong, and Tilda Swinton all reprised their MCU roles for this one - as did Rachel McAdams, marking her first return to the saga since 2016's Doctor Strange!

Each episode will feature new and returning characters from the MCU, and we are here to gather each one so you can keep track of which voice actors are returning to their roles, which aren't, and what these new versions of our favorite heroes look like. We will also be updating this article throughout the season so be sure to check back each week!

What If...? Episode 4 Cast: What If... Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?

Doctor Strange - Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch returned to play Dr. Stephen Strange M.D. -- aka Sorcerer Supreme for Earth -- in this twisted tale of obsession and regret.

Christine Palmer - Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams once again played Christine Palmer, Stephen Strange's love interest, marking her first return to the MCU since 2016's Doctor Strange. McAdams will be back as Christine again in 2022's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

The Ancient One - Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton reprised her role as The Ancient One, once again attempting to guide Doctor Strange through obstacles and temptation that could lead to ruin and cosmic devastation.

Wong - Benedict Wong

Benedict Wong was back as Doctor Strange's trusty Sanctum Sanctorum sidekick, Wong, though ultimately no one would be spared in Strange's dark and warped quest to reclaim the love of his life.

O'Bengh - Ike Amadi

A new character in the MCU, O'Bengh was the guardian of the Lost Library of Cagliostro. He eventually died of old age after Strange spent centuries learning forbidden knowledge and absorbing the energy of other magical beings.

In the comics, there is speculation that Cagliostro's real name was O'Bengh.

Christine Everhart - Leslie Bibb

Leslie Bibb can be heard briefly as reporter Christine Everhart, who appeared in both Iron Man and Iron Man 2 (as well as a viral videos released by Marvel preceding Ant-Man and Captain America: Civil War).

What If...? Episode 3 Cast: What If... The World Lost Its Mightiest Heroes?

Nick Fury - Samuel L. Jackson

Nick Fury takes center stage in the third episode of Marvel’s What If…?, and Samuel L. Jackson returns to voice the MCU character he’s been playing since 2008’s Iron Man. Unfortunately for this version of Nick Fury, his idea to form the Avengers didn’t go quite as planned.

Hank Pym / Yellow Jacket - Michael Douglas

Michael Douglas returns to play Hank Pym, but in this alternate universe he ends up becoming one of the episode’s true villains after his daughter Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly/The Wasp in the MCU!) passed away on a S.H.I.E.L.D. mission. Instead of becoming Ant-Man, he becomes Yellow Jacket, as he did in the comics.

Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow - Lake Bell

Scarlett Johansson, who is currently in a legal battle with Disney over a Black Widow contract breach, did not return to play Black Widow in this show. Instead, actress and comedian Lake Bell lent her voice to the iconic role. Bell and her voice have appeared in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later, the Harley Quinn TV series, Cryptozoo, and much more.

Tony Stark / Iron Man - Mick Wingert

Much like Black Widow, Iron Man also has a new voice actor as Robert Downey, Jr. did not return to play the character that kicked off the entire MCU. Instead, Mick Wingert took up the role. Wingert has played Tony Stark in a ton of Marvel shows, including Marvel Future Avengers, Spider-Man, Avengers Assemble, Guardians of the Galaxy, and more.

Agent Coulson - Clark Gregg

Clark Gregg once again becomes Agent Coulson in Marvel’s What If…? and is rightfully very impressed with Thor and his hair.

Brock Rumlow - Frank Grillo

Frank Grillo is back as Brock Rumlow and adds Marvel’s What If…? to the list of his MCU appearances that also include Avengers: Endgame, Captain America: Civil War, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

Clint Barton / Hawkeye - Jeremy Renner

Jeremy Renner, who already appeared in the first episode of Marvel’s What If…? alongside Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury, returns for a bigger role in episode 3. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have quite a happy ending. Luckily, he will reprise the role once more in his own Disney+ show later this year.

Betty Ross - Stephanie Panisello

The role of Betty Ross has changed once more as Hulk’s Jennifer Connolly nor The Incredible Hulk’s Liv Tyler returned to reprise their role. Instead, Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness’ Stephanie Panisello makes her MCU debut in Marvel’s What If…?

Bruce Banner / Hulk - Mark Ruffalo

Bruce Banner and The Hulk make their Marvel’s What If…? debut in episode three. Although it’s always great to see Mark Ruffalo take on the role again, he returns for a story that sees an unfortunate end to his character.

Loki - Tom Hiddleston

Hot off the season finale of Marvel’s Loki, Tom Hiddleston appears again in the MCU as Loki in Marvel’s What If…? In this alternate universe, he comes to get his vengeance after the fall of Thor, and also takes the opportunity to become the ruler of Earth. Not bad for a day’s work.

General Ross - Mike McGill

Although William Hurt played General Thunderbolt Ross in Black Widow, Mike McGill was the one who voiced the short appearance by the general in this episode. McGill was recently seen in Bosch, Grace and Grit, Shameless, Grey’s Anatomy, and more.

Lady Sif - Jaimie Alexander

Much like Loki, Lady Sif returns to the MCU after making an appearance in Marvel’s Loki. Even better, Jaimie Alexander returns to lend her voice. Alexander is also set to be a part of Thor: Love and Thunder.

Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel - Alexandra Daniels

Although she is only seen for a brief moment at the very end, Captain Marvel answers Nick Fury’s call and heads to Earth to help her old friend. Instead of Brie Larson, Mothers and Daughters’ Alexandra Daniels plays the hero also known as Carol Danvers.

Thor

Thor and his majestic hair appeared in this episode of Marvel’s What If…?, but the God of Thunder had no lines, so there was no chance for Chris Hemsworth to return… yet.

What If...? Episode 2 Cast: What If... T'Challa Became a Star-Lord?

Star-Lord T'Challa - Chadwick Boseman

Before his death in 2020, Chadwick Boseman recorded his final lines for T’Challa for Marvel’s What If…?, but in this version he plays Star-Lord T’Challa instead of Black Panther. While he made his debut as this alternate version of his character in the second episode of the series, there are still more episodes with his character in them.

Nebula - Karen Gillan

Karen Gillan returns to voice Nebula, and this time she is sporting some flowing blonde hair and, thanks to T’Challa becoming Star-Lord and helping turn Thanos into a “good guy,” she is free to live another life that is not helping her adopted father balance the universe.

Yondu – Michael Rooker

Michael Rooker once again becomes Yondu in this episode of What If…? and sees first-hand what happens when he leaves important jobs to other people. Since his Ravagers picked up T’Challa instead of Peter Quill, the trajectory of his life has changed greatly as well.

Korath – Djimon Hounsou

In a hilarious twist to the beginning of Guardians of the Galaxy, Djimon Hounsou returns to play Korath, who is this time a huge fan of Star-Lord and ends up joining his team of Ravagers.

King T’Chaka – John Kani

The life of King T’Chaka is altered when his son goes missing one day, but that doesn’t stop him from searching the stars for T’Challa in the years that followed. John Kani returns as the voice of the king, and we get to see younger and older versions of him in the episode.

Thanos – Josh Brolin

In perhaps the most shocking twist of all, Josh Brolin returns to play a Thanos who has decided to give up on his idea of wiping out half of all living things in the universe. He has joined Star-Lord T’Challa and the Ravagers and, while he still jokes about his original plan being efficient, he has turned into a much more friendly Mad Titan.

The Collector – Benicio del Toro

Benicio del Toro once again plays The Collector, a character who has seen his stock rise after not having to deal with Thanos in his quest for the Infinity Stones. He is a force to be reckoned with in this alternate timeline, but ultimately is no match for T’Challa and his friends.

Ego – Kurt Russell

While it is but a brief cameo, Kurt Russell once again becomes Ego and decides to pay a visit to his son Peter Quill at a Dairy Queen. Quill of course never ended up becoming Star-Lord in this reality, though what this meeting with Ego means for him is unclear (for now).

Kraglin – Sean Gunn

Hot off his role as Weasel in James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, the director’s brother Sean Gunn lends his voice once more to Kraglin.

Taserface – Chris Sullivan

Chris Sullivan is also back as the Ravager Taserface, joining Star Lord T’Challa and the rest of their crew across the stars.

Howard the Duck – Seth Green

Howard the Duck, who makes his fourth MCU appearance following the first two Guardians of the Galaxy films and Avengers: Endgame, is once again voiced by Seth Green and looking classy as ever.

Okoye – Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira has only one line, but it’s always a treat to hear and see Okoye - the general of the Dora Milaje - get more screen time.

Carina – Ophelia Lovibond

In this alternate story, Carina was never killed as she never tried to use the Power Stone against The Collector. What’s more, she gets some karmic justice against her captor.

Proxima Midnight – Carrie Coon

Carrie Coon once again plays Proxima Midnight, who joined forces with The Collector after Thanos had a change of heart.

Ebony Maw – Tom Vaughan-Lawlor

As with Proxima Midnight, Ebony Maw was on the look-out for new work following Thanos joining the Ravagers, and he joined The Collector just as the other members of the Black Order did.

Drax – Fred Tatasciore

Drax the Destroyer shows up in this episode of Marvel’s What If…?, but now he is… Drax the Bartender? While it’s great to see Drax again, he was voiced by Fred Tatasciore instead of Dave Bautista, who has said he was not asked to return to play his MCU character.

Corvus Glaive - Fred Tatasciore

Fred Tatasciore also plays Corvus Glaive from the Black Order, replacing the original voice actor Michael James Shaw.

Young T’Challa – Maddix Robinson

Young T’Challa only showed up in a deleted scene in Black Panther, but he gets a bigger role in Marvel’s What If…? In this episode, he was played by Maddix Robinson instead of Ashton Tyler.

Peter Quill – Brian T. Delaney

Peter Quill’s destiny was changed the most when the Ravagers picked up T’Challa instead of him. While we only see him for a brief moment, we see that his new fate was to work at Dairy Queen until his Dad pays him a visit. Chris Pratt did not return to voice this version of Peter Quill, and he was instead voiced by Brian T. Delaney.

Queen Ramonda, Shuri, and Cull Obsidian

Queen Ramonda of Wakanda, Shuri, and Cull Obsidian all make an appearance in this episode of Marvel’s What If…? but they have no lines so there were no returning or new actors for their characters.

What If...? Episode 1 Cast: What If... Captain Carter Were The First Avenger?

Captain Carter/Peggy Carter - Hayley Atwell

Hayley Atwell voices Peggy Carter in a story focusing on what would happen if she was the one who became a super soldier. Steve Rogers still joins the fight with a suit made by Howard Stark. Chris Evans did not return for this episode of What If…?, and instead Josh Keaton lent his voice to Skinny Steve Rogers.

Skinny Steve Rogers - Josh Keaton

Despite many of the other MCU characters returning to reprise their roles, Chris Evan did not return for What If…? to voice Skinny Steve Rogers. Instead, Josh Keaton became this alternate version of Steve. This voice actor is also known for his roles as Peter Parker in the animated The Spectacular Spider-Man series, Tony Stark in Marvel’s Iron Man VR, and many other projects.

Dr. Erskine - Stanley Tucci

Stanley Tucci voices Abraham Erskine, the only scientist to perfect the Super Soldier Serum. In this version of the story, he lives!

Howard Stark - Dominic Cooper

Dominic Cooper is back as (the younger version of) Howard Stark, who is the father of Iron Man himself, Tony Stark. In this story, Howard Stark created the first Iron Man armor in the Hydra Stomper.

Colonel Flynn - Bradley Whitford

While Bradley Whitford’s Colonel John Flynn has not been in a big MCU film, he was part of the Marvel One-Shot: Agent Carter, which was one of a series of shorts that expanded on the MCU world.

Johann Schmidt / Red Skull - Ross Marquand

Hugo Weaving did not return in What If…? to reprise his role as Red Skull, and instead Marvel brought back Ross Marquand, who played Red Skull in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

Dum Dum Dugan - Neal McDonough

Neal McDonough is back to voice Howling Commando Dum Dum Dugan from The Winter Soldier (and Agent Carter).

Bucky Barnes - Sebastian Stan

Sebastian Stan voices Bucky Barnes. In this alternate tale, Bucky was not experimented on by Arnim Zola and therefore never became The Winter Soldier.

Arnim Zola - Toby Jones

Toby Jones has returned to the MCU to voice Arnim Zola, and his fate is still very tied to Bucky Barnes, even if he isn’t as successful in this timeline.

Nick Fury - Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson returns to play Nick Fury and make a brief appearance at the end of the episode.

Hawkeye - Jeremy Renner

Jeremy Renner once again become Hawkeye in Marvel's What If...?

The Watcher - Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright plays The Watcher, a celestial being assigned to watch over Earth and its surrounding solar system. He'll serve as the narrator for the series each week.

MCU Characters Confirmed for Future Episodes

Thor - Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth will voice Thor in a story that might be Ragnarok focused, considering some of the other casting news revealed.

Grandmaster - Jeff Goldblum

Jeff Goldblum will voice Grandmaster, the ruler of Sakaar.

Korg - Taika Waititi

Ragnarok (and Love and Thunder) director Taika Waititi will be voicing a character -- probably (hopefully!) Korg.

Loki - Tom Hiddleston

Tom Hiddleston will return to Disney+ to voice Loki. A Variant Loki, probably!

Jane Foster - Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman returns to voice Jane Foster. Will she somehow figure in a Ragnarok-era story, even though she was absent from that film? Time will tell!

Ant-Man - Paul Rudd

Paul Rudd will voice Ant-Man.

Kurt - David Dastmalchian

David Dastmalchian will voice Kurt, the hacker member of Scott Lang's crew.

Hank Pym - Michael Douglas

Michael Douglas will voice Hank Pym, creator of the Ant-Man suit and tech.

Killmonger - Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan will voice T'Challa's cousin N'Jadaka - aka Erik Killmonger.

Bruce Banner/The Hulk - Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo will voice Bruce Banner and/or The Hulk.

For even more on the show, check out our article on how to watch Marvel's What If...?, get the lowdown on these nine crazy What If...? comics storylines, or catch up on how Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa becomes Star-Lord in the series.

August 18, 2021: This story has been updated with the latest information about Marvel's What If...?

When a number of new Marvel series were announced as part of the future slate of Disney+ programming, there were quite a few surprises for comic fans. One of the biggest was Ironheart. The series, described as the story of “the creator of the most advanced suit of armor since Iron Man,” will star Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams.

You might have heard about Riri when she first made waves in the Marvel universe in 2016 in the pages of The Invincible Iron Man. She counted Tony Stark as a mentor, teamed up with Spider-Man Miles Morales and Ms. Marvel, and even faced Thanos. And now word has come that Ironheart will appear in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever first before jumping into her own show. So let’s meet the genius teen to get an idea of what Disney+ might have in store for us.

These are the topics we’ll be covering here:

• Who Is Ironheart, a.k.a. Riri Williams?
• Ironheart’s Origin
• Ironheart’s Powers and Abilities
• Ironheart’s Signature Villains
• Ironheart in TV and Games
• Riri Williams in Black Panther 2 and the MCU

Who Is Ironheart, a.k.a. Riri Williams?

Discovered as a prodigy at a very young age, Riri Williams was determined to be an astronaut until her life was forever changed by an act of violence. When Tony Stark could no longer be Iron Man, Riri stepped into his armored shoes with an advanced, high-tech suit she built herself.

Ironheart might be just a teenager, but the gifted inventor is following in Tony Stark’s footsteps—and blazing her own trail.

Ironheart’s Origin

Riri Williams was a brilliant 15-year-old student studying at M.I.T. when she dared herself to build a set of high-tech armor just like Iron Man. Working in her dorm room with parts she borrowed from labs around campus, she soon succeeded. On her first attempt at superheroics, however, the patchwork suit fell apart around her. Undaunted, Riri continued her work on the reverse-engineered Mark-41 armor, and finally caught the notice of Tony Stark himself.

Realizing she needed an Artificial Intelligence to make the most of the armor, she brazenly asked Stark for one. He was intrigued, but AI was exceedingly expensive. Soon, the events of Civil War II took his attention away, and Iron Man was incapacitated when the conflict boiled over. Still, Stark, recognizing that Riri was a kindred spirit and the future of superheroes, had planned ahead. He had created an advanced AI construct of himself to help her while he recovered in a coma. Riri finally had the AI she needed and her suit was complete.

The genius teen was inspired to become an armored hero when her stepfather and her best friend were both murdered in a drive-by shooting. Determined to find a superhero name more fitting than Iron Girl or Iron Maiden, Riri decided on Ironheart to honor her fallen loved ones.

Riri operates as Ironheart with the love and support of her mother in Chicago, who will never stop worrying about the young superhero.

Ironheart’s Powers and Abilities

Riri Williams is an engineering prodigy with a super-genius-level intellect. Her armor is on par with Stark’s own advanced suit, and she had his digitized consciousness as an AI to teach and mentor her in how to best use it.

Thrusters in her hands and feet give Ironheart the power of flight. Explosive repulsor grenades, laser beams, precision missiles, and much more are stored in her arsenal, designed and built by Riri herself. After her suit was destroyed by Thanos, Riri designed Ironheart 3.0 with a magenta and black design distinct from Iron Man’s classic red and gold. She is constantly tinkering with the engineering and adding new technology, like an experimental stealth mode and solar power cells.

The Champions, a young team that included Miles Morales and Kamala Khan, took an early interest in Ironheart. Not one to make many friends, Riri was nervous about joining their ranks at first, but she fit in quickly. Her adventures as part of the team took her around the world, to space, and even to another dimension. Her inventions and quick thinking made her an invaluable member of the team.

She struck out on her own for a short time and returned to M.I.T., where she constructed a new AI with a design based on the friend she lost. But a new law prohibiting teenagers from being superheroes led her back to the Champions as they navigated the new normal together.

Ironheart’s Signature Villains

Riri is relatively new to the crime-fighting scene, but she jumped in rocket-powered feet first. She first faced off against ninjas led by an Inhuman with the ability to control technology. Later, as part of the Champions, she encountered formidable foes in Thanos and Man-Thing.

When Ironheart returned to Chicago in her solo adventures, mystical villain Midnight’s Fire took an interest in her. He offered her a place in the Ten Rings, a global mercenary organization. Riri refused. She tracked Midnight’s Fire with the help of the Unstoppable Wasp, Doctor Strange, and Shuri and Okoye of Wakanda and finally found him—along with her biological father.

Ironheart in TV and Games

• TV: Disney+ won’t be the first time we see Ironheart on the small screen. She headlined Marvel Rising: Heart of Iron, a 2019 animated movie that told her origin story in the Marvel Rising universe. She was voiced by Sofia Wylie. She returned for another animated adventure a few months later, Battle of the Bands. In 2020, Ironheart, again voiced by Wylie, appeared in Marvel's Spider-Man: Maximum Venom on Disney XD.
• Games: Riri has also been in mobile games like Avengers Academy, Marvel Future Fight, Marvel Puzzle Quest, and Marvel Strike Force. She was also playable in Lego Marvel Superheroes 2 with the Champions character pack DLC.

Riri Williams in Black Panther 2 and the MCU

Riri seems poised to take Iron Man’s place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, although she seemingly won’t have the help of Tony Stark as a mentor after the events of Avengers: Endgame. Whether she’s part of the multiverse, a fractured timeline, or a new hero inspired by Tony’s sacrifice, she’ll fit right into the younger roster gearing up in Phase 4.

Riri’s appearance in the MCU is a mystery for now, though we do know Dominique Thorne will play her and she will appear in the Black Panther sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, before her own show. And certainly, her addition will be a welcome one. Could we even see the Champions team up in the MCU? The future of Marvel on Disney+ is bright.

August 19, 2021: This story has been updated with the latest information about Ironheart.

Kelly Knox is a freelance entertainment writer who also contributes to StarWars.com, DCComics.com, Nerdist, and more. Follow her on Twitter at @kelly_knox to talk Star Wars, Dungeons & Dragons, and comics.

Full spoilers follow for Marvel's What If...? Episode 2.

The MCU-based What If...? animated series is finally here, and it features many of the actual MCU actors from the movies voicing their iconic characters. At the same time, some actors aren't back to reprise their roles as part of the What If...? cast...

In this second episode, not only do we get to see what would happen if T'Challa was the one to become Star-Lord instead of Peter Quill, but we also get to hear one of Chadwick Boseman's last performances before his death in 2020. Joining Boseman are a ton of MCU actors and actresses who have also returned to alternate versions of their characters in this episode, including Josh Brolin as Thanos, Michael Rooker as Yondu, and even Kurt Russell as Ego.

Each episode will feature new and returning characters from the MCU, and we are here to gather each one so you can keep track of which voice actors are returning to their roles, which aren't, and what these new versions of our favorite heroes look like. We will also be updating this article throughout the season so be sure to check back each week!

What If...? Episode 2 Cast: What If... T'Challa Became a Star-Lord?

Star-Lord T'Challa - Chadwick Boseman

Before his death in 2020, Chadwick Boseman recorded his final lines for T’Challa for Marvel’s What If…?, but in this version he plays Star-Lord T’Challa instead of Black Panther. While he made his debut as this alternate version of his character in the second episode of the series, there are still more episodes with his character in them.

Nebula - Karen Gillan

Karen Gillan returns to voice Nebula, and this time she is sporting some flowing blonde hair and, thanks to T’Challa becoming Star-Lord and helping turn Thanos into a “good guy,” she is free to live another life that is not helping her adopted father balance the universe.

Yondu – Michael Rooker

Michael Rooker once again becomes Yondu in this episode of What If…? and sees first-hand what happens when he leaves important jobs to other people. Since his Ravagers picked up T’Challa instead of Peter Quill, the trajectory of his life has changed greatly as well.

Korath – Djimon Hounsou

In a hilarious twist to the beginning of Guardians of the Galaxy, Djimon Hounsou returns to play Korath, who is this time a huge fan of Star-Lord and ends up joining his team of Ravagers.

King T’Chaka – John Kani

The life of King T’Chaka is altered when his son goes missing one day, but that doesn’t stop him from searching the stars for T’Challa in the years that followed. John Kani returns as the voice of the king, and we get to see younger and older versions of him in the episode.

Thanos – Josh Brolin

In perhaps the most shocking twist of all, Josh Brolin returns to play a Thanos who has decided to give up on his idea of wiping out half of all living things in the universe. He has joined Star-Lord T’Challa and the Ravagers and, while he still jokes about his original plan being efficient, he has turned into a much more friendly Mad Titan.

The Collector – Benicio del Toro

Benicio del Toro once again plays The Collector, a character who has seen his stock rise after not having to deal with Thanos in his quest for the Infinity Stones. He is a force to be reckoned with in this alternate timeline, but ultimately is no match for T’Challa and his friends.

Ego – Kurt Russell

While it is but a brief cameo, Kurt Russell once again becomes Ego and decides to pay a visit to his son Peter Quill at a Dairy Queen. Quill of course never ended up becoming Star-Lord in this reality, though what this meeting with Ego means for him is unclear (for now).

Kraglin – Sean Gunn

Hot off his role as Weasel in James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, the director’s brother Sean Gunn lends his voice once more to Kraglin.

Taserface – Chris Sullivan

Chris Sullivan is also back as the Ravager Taserface, joining Star Lord T’Challa and the rest of their crew across the stars.

Howard the Duck – Seth Green

Howard the Duck, who makes his fourth MCU appearance following the first two Guardians of the Galaxy films and Avengers: Endgame, is once again voiced by Seth Green and looking classy as ever.

Okoye – Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira has only one line, but it’s always a treat to hear and see Okoye - the general of the Dora Milaje - get more screen time.

Carina – Ophelia Lovibond

In this alternate story, Carina was never killed as she never tried to use the Power Stone against The Collector. What’s more, she gets some karmic justice against her captor.

Proxima Midnight – Carrie Coon

Carrie Coon once again plays Proxima Midnight, who joined forces with The Collector after Thanos had a change of heart.

Ebony Maw – Tom Vaughan-Lawlor

As with Proxima Midnight, Ebony Maw was on the look-out for new work following Thanos joining the Ravagers, and he joined The Collector just as the other members of the Black Order did.

Drax – Fred Tatasciore

Drax the Destroyer shows up in this episode of Marvel’s What If…?, but now he is… Drax the Bartender? While it’s great to see Drax again, he was voiced by Fred Tatasciore instead of Dave Bautista, who has said he was not asked to return to play his MCU character.

Corvus Glaive - Fred Tatasciore

Fred Tatasciore also plays Corvus Glaive from the Black Order, replacing the original voice actor Michael James Shaw.

Young T’Challa – Maddix Robinson

Young T’Challa only showed up in a deleted scene in Black Panther, but he gets a bigger role in Marvel’s What If…? In this episode, he was played by Maddix Robinson instead of Ashton Tyler.

Peter Quill – Brian T. Delaney

Peter Quill’s destiny was changed the most when the Ravagers picked up T’Challa instead of him. While we only see him for a brief moment, we see that his new fate was to work at Dairy Queen until his Dad pays him a visit. Chris Pratt did not return to voice this version of Peter Quill, and he was instead voiced by Brian T. Delaney.

Queen Ramonda, Shuri, and Cull Obsidian

Queen Ramonda of Wakanda, Shuri, and Cull Obsidian all make an appearance in this episode of Marvel’s What If…? but they have no lines so there were no returning or new actors for their characters.

What If...? Episode 1 Cast: What If... Captain Carter Were The First Avenger?

Captain Carter/Peggy Carter - Hayley Atwell

Hayley Atwell voices Peggy Carter in a story focusing on what would happen if she was the one who became a super soldier. Steve Rogers still joins the fight with a suit made by Howard Stark. Chris Evans did not return for this episode of What If…?, and instead Josh Keaton lent his voice to Skinny Steve Rogers.

Skinny Steve Rogers - Josh Keaton

Despite many of the other MCU characters returning to reprise their roles, Chris Evan did not return for What If…? to voice Skinny Steve Rogers. Instead, Josh Keaton became this alternate version of Steve. This voice actor is also known for his roles as Peter Parker in the animated The Spectacular Spider-Man series, Tony Stark in Marvel’s Iron Man VR, and many other projects.

Dr. Erskine - Stanley Tucci

Stanley Tucci voices Abraham Erskine, the only scientist to perfect the Super Soldier Serum. In this version of the story, he lives!

Howard Stark - Dominic Cooper

Dominic Cooper is back as (the younger version of) Howard Stark, who is the father of Iron Man himself, Tony Stark. In this story, Howard Stark created the first Iron Man armor in the Hydra Stomper.

Colonel Flynn - Bradley Whitford

While Bradley Whitford’s Colonel John Flynn has not been in a big MCU film, he was part of the Marvel One-Shot: Agent Carter, which was one of a series of shorts that expanded on the MCU world.

Johann Schmidt / Red Skull - Ross Marquand

Hugo Weaving did not return in What If…? to reprise his role as Red Skull, and instead Marvel brought back Ross Marquand, who played Red Skull in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

Dum Dum Dugan - Neal McDonough

Neal McDonough is back to voice Howling Commando Dum Dum Dugan from The Winter Soldier (and Agent Carter).

Bucky Barnes - Sebastian Stan

Sebastian Stan voices Bucky Barnes. In this alternate tale, Bucky was not experimented on by Arnim Zola and therefore never became The Winter Soldier.

Arnim Zola - Toby Jones

Toby Jones has returned to the MCU to voice Arnim Zola, and his fate is still very tied to Bucky Barnes, even if he isn’t as successful in this timeline.

Nick Fury - Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson returns to play Nick Fury and make a brief appearance at the end of the episode.

Hawkeye - Jeremy Renner

Jeremy Renner once again become Hawkeye in Marvel's What If...?

The Watcher - Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright plays The Watcher, a celestial being assigned to watch over Earth and its surrounding solar system. He'll serve as the narrator for the series each week.

MCU Characters Confirmed for Future Episodes

Thor - Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth will voice Thor in a story that might be Ragnarok focused, considering some of the other casting news revealed.

Grandmaster - Jeff Goldblum

Jeff Goldblum will voice Grandmaster, the ruler of Sakaar.

Korg - Taika Waititi

Ragnarok (and Love and Thunder) director Taika Waititi will be voicing a character -- probably (hopefully!) Korg.

Loki - Tom Hiddleston

Tom Hiddleston will return to Disney+ to voice Loki. A Variant Loki, probably!

Jane Foster - Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman returns to voice Jane Foster. Will she somehow figure in a Ragnarok-era story, even though she was absent from that film? Time will tell!

Ant-Man - Paul Rudd

Paul Rudd will voice Ant-Man.

Kurt - David Dastmalchian

David Dastmalchian will voice Kurt, the hacker member of Scott Lang's crew.

Hank Pym - Michael Douglas

Michael Douglas will voice Hank Pym, creator of the Ant-Man suit and tech.

Killmonger - Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan will voice T'Challa's cousin N'Jadaka - aka Erik Killmonger.

Bruce Banner/The Hulk - Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo will voice Bruce Banner and/or The Hulk.

For even more on the show, check out our article on how to watch Marvel's What If...?, get the lowdown on these nine crazy What If...? comics storylines, or catch up on how Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa becomes Star-Lord in the series.

August 18, 2021: This story has been updated with the latest information about Marvel's What If...?

Full spoilers follow for Marvel's What If...? Episode 1.

The MCU-based What If...? animated series is finally here, and it features many of the actual MCU actors from the movies voicing their iconic characters. At the same time, some actors aren't back to reprise their roles as part of the What If...? cast...

In this first episode, we get to see what would happen if Peggy Carter was the one to become a super soldier instead of Steve Rogers. While Chris Evans didn’t return to voice this version of Steve, many others did, including Haley Atwell as Captain Carter, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, and more.

Each episode will feature new and returning characters from the MCU, and we are here to gather each one so you can keep track of which voice actors are returning to their roles, which aren't, and what these new versions of our favorite heroes look like. We will also be updating this article throughout the season so be sure to check back each week!

What If...? Episode 1 Cast: What If... Captain Carter Were The First Avenger?

Captain Carter/Peggy Carter - Hayley Atwell

Hayley Atwell voices Peggy Carter in a story focusing on what would happen if she was the one who became a super soldier. Steve Rogers still joins the fight with a suit made by Howard Stark. Chris Evans did not return for this episode of What If…?, and instead Josh Keaton lent his voice to Skinny Steve Rogers.

Skinny Steve Rogers - Josh Keaton

Despite many of the other MCU characters returning to reprise their roles, Chris Evan did not return for What If…? to voice Skinny Steve Rogers. Instead, Josh Keaton became this alternate version of Steve. This voice actor is also known for his roles as Peter Parker in the animated The Spectacular Spider-Man series, Tony Stark in Marvel’s Iron Man VR, and many other projects.

Dr. Erskine - Stanley Tucci

Stanley Tucci voices Abraham Erskine, the only scientist to perfect the Super Soldier Serum. In this version of the story, he lives!

Howard Stark - Dominic Cooper

Dominic Cooper is back as (the younger version of) Howard Stark, who is the father of Iron Man himself, Tony Stark. In this story, Howard Stark created the first Iron Man armor in the Hydra Stomper.

Colonel Flynn - Bradley Whitford

While Bradley Whitford’s Colonel John Flynn has not been in a big MCU film, he was part of the Marvel One-Shot: Agent Carter, which was one of a series of shorts that expanded on the MCU world.

Johann Schmidt / Red Skull - Ross Marquand

Hugo Weaving did not return in What If…? to reprise his role as Red Skull, and instead Marvel brought back Ross Marquand, who played Red Skull in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

Dum Dum Dugan - Neal McDonough

Neal McDonough is back to voice Howling Commando Dum Dum Dugan from The Winter Soldier (and Agent Carter).

Bucky Barnes - Sebastian Stan

Sebastian Stan voices Bucky Barnes. In this alternate tale, Bucky was not experimented on by Arnim Zola and therefore never became The Winter Soldier.

Arnim Zola - Toby Jones

Toby Jones has returned to the MCU to voice Arnim Zola, and his fate is still very tied to Bucky Barnes, even if he isn’t as successful in this timeline.

The Watcher - Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright plays The Watcher, a celestial being assigned to watch over Earth and its surrounding solar system. He'll serve as the narrator for the series each week.

MCU Characters Confirmed for Future Episodes

Thor - Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth will voice Thor in a story that might be Ragnarok focused, considering some of the other casting news revealed.

Grandmaster - Jeff Goldblum

Jeff Goldblum will voice Grandmaster, the ruler of Sakaar.

Korg - Taika Waititi

Ragnarok (and Love and Thunder) director Taika Waititi will be voicing a character -- probably (hopefully!) Korg.

Loki - Tom Hiddleston

Tom Hiddleston will return to Disney+ to voice Loki. A Variant Loki, probably!

Jane Foster - Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman returns to voice Jane Foster. Will she somehow figure in a Ragnarok-era story, even though she was absent from that film? Time will tell!

Ant-Man - Paul Rudd

Paul Rudd will voice Ant-Man.

Kurt - David Dastmalchian

David Dastmalchian will voice Kurt, the hacker member of Scott Lang's crew.

Hank Pym - Michael Douglas

Michael Douglas will voice Hank Pym, creator of the Ant-Man suit and tech.

T'Challa/Star-Lord - Chadwick Boseman

The late Chadwick Boseman will voice T'Challa - aka Black Panther in the main MCU timeline. But in What If...? he'll play four different versions of the character in various episodes, including a T'Challa who becomes that universe's version of Star-Lord.

Killmonger - Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan will voice T'Challa's cousin N'Jadaka - aka Erik Killmonger.

Thanos - Josh Brolin

Josh Brolin will voice Thanos, the Mad Titan. Thanos could either be in an Avengers story or in the separate Guardians of the Galaxy story. Or -- you know -- both.

Nebula - Karen Gillan

Karen Gillan will voice Nebula.

Yondu - Michael Rooker

Michael Rooker will voice Yondu once again, despite his death in Guardians of the Galaxy 2.

Korath - Djimon Hounsou

Djimon Hounsou will voice Korath.

Kraglin - Sean Gunn

Sean Gunn will voice the Ravager Kraglin.

Taserface - Chris Sullivan

Chis Sullivan will voice Taserface.

Samuel L. Jackson - Nick Fury

Samuel L. Jackson will voice Nick Fury in his 999th Marvel project.

Bruce Banner/The Hulk - Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo will voice Bruce Banner and/or The Hulk.

Clint Barton/Hawkeye - Jeremy Renner

Jeremy Renner will voice Clint Barton before he stars in his own Disney+ series, Hawkeye, in November.

Jeremy Renner will voice Clint Barton.

For even more on the show, check out our article on how to watch Marvel's What If...?, get the lowdown on these nine crazy What If...? comics storylines, or catch up on how Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa becomes Star-Lord in the series.

August 11, 2021: This story has been updated with the latest information about Marvel's What If...?

Do you dream about the Avengers gang returning to their roles from the big screen? Marvel is here to grant your wish… sort of. The animated series Marvel's What If…? arrives on Disney Plus this week, bringing back a bunch of your favorite Marvel Cinematic Universe actors as they reprise their iconic roles. But these might not be the heroes you remember.

What If…? is based on the comic book series of the same name created by Roy Thomas in the 1970s. Uatu, the Watcher, presents stories from other universes and timelines that show the path some of your favorite characters could have taken. But not all of them have a happy ending...

Let’s take a look at the classic comic series for an idea of the other universes we might see in the new series. We’ll discuss:

• The Origin of Marvel's What If…?
• Notable What If…? Stories
• Who Is the Watcher?
• The MCU’s What If…?: Captain Peggy Carter and More
• Who’s in What If…? From the MCU

The Origin of Marvel's What If…?

Roy Thomas was both writer, editor, and creator of What If…? Its first issue was released in 1977. In the back matter of What If…? #1, Thomas wrote that he didn’t want these Marvel tales labeled as imaginary; they were real, just not in the Earth-616 universe we know.

“I decided that my series could become, hopefully, the main (if not only) place in Marvel for a while where such parallel-world stories would take place,” Thomas said. “And, to make the series palatable as much to myself as anyone else, I would have the wondrous Watcher narrate the stories. This way, as you already know, these stories are ones which actually do take place—not in our dimension or time continuum, but in worlds coexisting alongside ours.”

Early issues began with questions like, what if Spider-Man accepted the Fantastic Four’s offer in Amazing Spider-Man #1 to join their team? Or what if Bruce Banner retained his intellect as the Hulk from the get-go? The first series of intriguing tales of alternate Earths each started with a mysterious figure on the moon narrating the story, showing first how it originally happened in the pages of Marvel Comics, and then how it happened on another Earth.

The narrator’s name? Uatu, the Watcher.

Notable What If…? Stories

While many stories started out as pondering what might have been, more than a few became reality in later years. From Spider-Man joining the Fantastic Four, to Jane Foster becoming Thor (or “Thordis” as she was called in issue #10), to Bucky surviving World War II, to the creation of Mayday “Spider-Girl” Parker in issue #105, some of the ideas proved so intriguing that they were explored further in Marvel Comics.

What If…? took Marvel’s biggest heroes through space and time, including a version of Captain America that lived during the Civil War and a Daredevil in feudal Japan. Heroes often became villains and villains became heroes, superpowers were switched among teammates, and important characters like Gwen Stacy and Karen Page escaped death in these fascinating issues. Outcomes of these changes were more often bad than good; Spider-Man found the support he needed in the Fantastic Four, for example, but his presence made Invisible Woman decide to leave the team.

What If…? would eventually go on for 13 volumes over the years, and more recent stories focused on specific turning points in blockbuster crossover events like Civil War, Infinity, and Avengers vs. X-Men.

Who Is the Watcher?

The Watcher, whose real name is Uatu, made his first appearance in 1963’s The Fantastic Four #13 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. He was a member of an advanced extraterrestrial race, the Watchers, who made it their mission to observe and record life in the galaxy. But they swore an oath to never, ever interfere in a planet’s affairs. Uatu was assigned to Earth and its solar system.

As he watched the Earth from his base on the moon, Uatu couldn’t help but become fond of its denizens—and its heroes. He met the Fantastic Four during one of their initial adventures. He allowed them to keep their knowledge of his existence and began to interact with and even help the team.

Uatu crossed the line, however, by stepping in the first time Galactus came to devour the Earth. (Eventually he would meddle in humanity’s affairs hundreds of times. The guy can’t help himself.) This interference was against everything the Watchers stood for, and Uatu faced the consequences. He was stripped of Watcher status. He would eventually be reinstated, and occasionally appeared before the planet’s protectors as a precursor to earth-shattering events.

“I know all that is—most that has been—and much of what will be,” he told the reader of the first issue of What If…? “I have also many windows into the strange parallel worlds of what might have been.”

The MCU’s What If…? Captain Peggy Carter and More

Marvel has released a few tantalizing details about the upcoming animated series. Rather than pure adaptations of the long-running comic book series, the series will focus on landmark moments in the beloved films. Kevin Feige has said each episode will focus on a specific MCU movie with one story element changed.

Peggy Carter becomes a super-serum infused Captain America while Steve Rogers dons an Iron Man-like suit in the first episode. We've also seen quick glimpses of the Winter Soldier, T'Challa as Star-Lord, a zombified Captain America (hinting that the grim Marvel Zombies comics are another source of inspiration for the animated show), and more.

The Watcher returns as narrator, with Jeffrey Wright providing his solemn voice, and many of the MCU’s brightest stars will be alongside him.

Who’s in What If…? From the MCU

Actors from the films who will reportedly reprise their characters include: Hayley Atwell as Captain Peggy Carter, Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa, Michael B. Jordan as Killmonger, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Josh Brolin as Thanos, Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Karen Gillan as Nebula, Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange, Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, Michael Douglas as that other Ant-Man, Clark Gregg as Phil Coulson, Evangeline Lilly as Hope van Dyne, and many, many more.

Robert Downey, Jr. was rumored to be returning to voice Iron Man, according to Jeff Goldblum, but that has yet to be confirmed.

For more on the show, check out how to watch Marvel's What If...?, learn about the What If...? plot that was too dark to be released, or learn how T'Challa as Star-Lord alters the MCU.

August 10, 2021: This story has been updated with the latest information about Marvel's What If...?

Kelly Knox is a freelance writer who also contributes to StarWars.com, DCComics.com, Nerdist, and more. Follow her on Twitter at @kelly_knox to talk Star Wars, Dungeons & Dragons, and comics.