Marvel’s ‘What If…?’ Season 3 Exploring an Alternate Reality Where All Avengers Got Iron Man Suits Would Break the Internet

What If…? Season 3 has some great episodes lined up. One of the most heavily anticipated What If? is the one where the Avengers don Gundam-style suits to face off against Gamma-infused monsters in what is called ‘The Gamma Wars’. However, there could be another episode that takes a relatively grounded approach, introducing a world where Tony Stark holds the cards to superheroing.

In the mainline MCU, there have been a lot of superpowered individuals who have come to be important in world politics thanks to the super soldier serum. While there were numerous attempts to replicate the Iron Man suit as well, Tony Stark’s continued genius and thinking left them in the dust before they could even attempt to test a competent suit. However, should there be an episode that sees Tony Stark supply Iron Man suits to worthy individuals to form a team, the MCU could look pretty different in that episode.

The Avengers’ lineup would look completely different if Tony Stark was the only Avenger

In this scenario, Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark would be the only superhero on earth. There would not be a Hulk. or Thor and Captain America will be dead for all means and purposes, with no way to retrieve the super soldier serum. However, the world would still need saving, which could lead Tony Stark to assemble a team of heroes that exclusively use Tony Stark’s armor. This could lead him to hunt down the likes of Sam Wilson and Riri Williams, while also enlisting Rhody to essentially make an Iron Legion version of the Avengers.

This team could have its own challenges and conflicts, and could also function independently of SHIELD. They could also work towards shutting down copycats, and play out the Armor Wars on a bigger scale. There are other ways this story could expand, given that while more fantastic aspects of the MCU will not exist in this What If, it is possible that Stark tech of this timeline could be compounded with other tech-based heroes.

Tony Stark’s Iron Avengers could receive assistance from Black Panther and Hank Pym

Among the Six Original Avengers, there were three individuals with actual superpowers, while the other relied on tech. Black Widow and Hawkeye could also join the team, bringing their unique set of skills, which could be enhanced with the Iron Man armor. Further, even without all the shenanigans including the mythos of other superheroes, Ultron would still exist, and by extension, Vision, who could also become a part of the Iron Avengers.

Black Panther, Ant-Man, Goliath, and The Wasp, who are other tech-powered heroes, could ally themselves with the Iron Avengers as well. This could have them integrate their abilities with the Iron Man suit, creating a unique tech that could give the Avengers an edge over most threats that they end up facing. An Iron Man suit, that can shrink and grow, enhanced with Vibranium, could be a treat to watch, especially in the hands of skilled combatants like Black Panther, Black Widow, and Hawkeye.

What If…? Season 3 begins streaming on December 22, 2024.