There is little doubt that the Marvel Cinematic Universe wouldn't be the same without the original six members of the Avengers. However, it's also clear that we'll be seeing a new team of heroes working together in Phase 4 and beyond. For now, What If...? Episode 3 explores what would happen if the original Avengers were, ahem, not available and introduces a surprising new line-up.
WARNING: The following contains SPOILERS from What If...? Episode 3 so PROCEED WITH CAUTION!
In Episode 3, The Watcher asks, "What if ... the world lost its mightiest heroes?" It's a chilling thought but one that we witness nonetheless. We are brought back to Iron Man 2 where Nick Fury meets Tony Stark at the diner. Natasha Romanoff administers the antidote that would have saved Tony's life but it has a fatal effect on Iron Man.
Tony isn't the only fatality in the episode. When Thor tries and fails to lift Mjolnir in New Mexico, Clint Barton accidentally shoots him. Hawkeye later dies while in custody and Loki decides to invade Earth.
At this point, Black Widow is dispatched to find Bruce Banner but he is also killed when he turns into the Hulk and the transformation goes out of control. At this point, Natasha figures out who is behind the killings but is assassinated by an unseen killer.
That's five out of six would-be Avengers permanently out of the game and with Loki planning to conquer the world, Fury has one last option: he calls on Captain Marvel and finds the frozen Captain America. This is now the new line-up of the Avengers.
It's actually more like a Dynamic Duo but these heroes are still powerful. We like the idea that Carol Danvers and Steve Rogers make up the first two members of the Avengers in this episode but it would be even better if the other five didn't have to be killed by Hank Pym.
What If...? Episode 3 is now streaming on Disney+.
Related: Marvel's What If..? Episode 3 Teaser Shows How Lethal Black Widow Is
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