What If…? is an exciting sandbox for Marvel Studios creators to test their wildest ideas, even if they don’t all make it to the screen. Sometimes, it’s because of character rights or the inability to fit a character into the story; other times, it’s because Kevin Feige flat-out says no. Unfortunately, this was the case for one of What If…? director Bryan Andrews‘ most fun ideas.
In an exclusive interview with Agents of Fandom, What If…? director Bryan Andrews revealed he hoped to use the legendary Thor-related character Beta Ray Bill for Season 3 of the series but couldn’t get the go-ahead.
Beta Ray Bill Wasn’t Allowed in ‘What If…?’ Season 3
“You know, it’s funny, I wanted to do something with Beta Ray Bill…but they’re very careful about making sure we don’t step on the toes of films that are about to come out, and throughout our tenure, our writers often would be coming up with stuff. And the higher-ups [at Marvel Studios] have to be like, ‘nope, nope, nope.'”
—Bryan Andrews on characters that were off-limits for What If…? Season 3
It remains to be seen whether or not a fifth Thor movie will come out in the MCU, but Chris Hemsworth will likely return in some capacity for Avengers: Doomsday. However, although Beta Ray Bill was referenced in a statue in Thor: Ragnarok, viewers haven’t seen the character since.
Even if he doesn’t show up in the next Avengers movie, potentially alongside Thor, Beta Ray Bill would be a worthy addition to Thor 5, should the film get made. He could pose as either a foe or an ally of the God of Thunder, as the character has an incredibly rich comic book history.
Ghost Rider and Iron Fist Were Pitched for ‘What If…?’ Season 3
I also wanted to do something with Ghost Rider, but they [Marvel Studios] were just like, well, maybe not so much. Or, get like Iron Fist and Shang-Chi together or something like that, you know? Have like a real super mega kung fu centric episode.
—Bryan Andrews on characters he wanted to use in What If…? Season 3
In addition to Beta Ray Bill, What If…? director Bryan Andrews revealed he had pitches to utilize both Ghost Rider and Iron Fist in various episodes of Season 3. Iron Fist is likely tied up until Marvel Studios decides which version of the character to feature in the MCU going forward now that Daredevil: Born Again canonized the Marvel Television series that started on Netflix.
However, the denial of the Ghost Rider pitch raises eyebrows since he’s a character many Marvel fans are dying to see in the MCU. The only place Marvel has used this character since Nic Cage‘s Johnny Blaze was Robbie Reyes’ Ghost Rider (Gabriel Luna) in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Whether or not Ghost Rider will appear in an upcoming Marvel project remains a mystery, but the potential for his arrival remains as exciting as ever.
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