‘What If…?’ Episode 9: Release Date, Plot, and How to Watch the Finale When It Drops
Marvel’s What If…? has taken fans on a ride through the Marvel Cinematic Universe as they’ve never seen it before. The animated series catapulted viewers and the franchise’s iconic characters into all-new territory, imagining some of the most outlandish scenarios that could have taken place in other corners of the multiverse. And What If…? Episode 9 promises to bring it all together in a final showdown between Ultron and the Watcher — one that could tie into projects taking place after the finale.
When does ‘What If…?’ Episode 9 come out on Disney+?
What If…? Episode 9 rounds out the series’ first season on Wednesday, Oct. 6. Although season 1 originally had 10 episodes, Marvel pushed one of them to season 2 due to pandemic-related delays. Now, episode 9 will serve as the finale for the season, tying the mostly separate events of What If…? together.
Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, head writer A.C. Bradley teased a conclusion that reveals a “bigger plan” at play during What If…?:
“I’m excited for people to see that we’re not going in there clueless, that there was a bit of a bigger plan. I’m aware that many of the episodes end tragically, and there might be a reason.”
She added, “I’m hoping people have enjoyed the ride so far, and that the finale gives them everything we promised.”
It sounds like the What If…? finale will stand out from the rest of the season. What will it be about?
What is the ‘What If…?’ finale about?
Season 1 of Marvel’s What If…? will end with an episode centered on the Watcher. What If…? Episode 9 forces Jeffrey Wright’s character to confront his place in the vast multiverse.
Until now, the Watcher has refused to intervene, no matter how bad things have gotten in the universes he watches over. Bradley told EW he might need to rethink that approach in the final chapter:
“Going into the finale, a major source of tension is: Will the Watcher ever break his oath? Or will he remain who he is? Will he stay the Watcher, only observing the triumphs and tragedies? Will there ever be a story that forces his hand?”
Episode 8, “What If… Ultron Won?,” ended with Evil Doctor Strange arriving just as Ultron moves to destroy other universes. He and the Watcher are poised to stop the villain — which means Wright’s character will probably team up with the show’s heroes in the finale. That’s something fans won’t want to miss out on. How can they tune in for the big team-up when it arrives?
How to watch episode 9 of the Marvel series when it drops
Like every other episode of Marvel’s What If…?, episode 9 drops on Disney+ at 12 a.m. PT on Wednesday, Oct. 6. The series is exclusive to Disney+, so only those with the streaming service will be able to access it. Once the finale drops, subscribers will be able to stream the whole first season.
The arrival of the finale could also give fans further insight into what to expect from What If…? Season 2 — and when it might arrive. A second outing is already confirmed, but when it will premiere is currently unknown.
What If…? Episode 9 may also tie the animated series into the greater MCU. Some fans are expecting a reveal that connects it to Eternals or Spider-Man: No Way Home. Despite embracing a different format, the show has been confirmed as canon — so it very well could lead into one of the upcoming live-action projects.
