David Farnor | On 12, Nov 2021

Marvel Studios is expanding its animated corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with What If…? renewed for a second season and a slew of other projects confirmed.

Marvel’s animated anthology of alternate timelines debuted this summer, reimagining famous events from the films in unexpected ways. Directed by Bryan Andrews, with Ashley Bradley serving as head writer, each episode explores a pivotal moment from the MCU and turns it on its head, leading the audience into uncharted territory, such as “What if Peggy Carter was the one who became a super soldier?”

“A playful, promising dive into new possibilities,” we wrote in our review of Season 1.

Now, Marvel has renewed the show for Season 2. After enlisting the Guardians of the Multiverse to stop Infinity Ultron, The Watcher will return to meet new heroes and explore more strange new worlds in the ever-expanding multiverse.

Its success is leading a growing charge into the animated arena, with Disney+ also announcing Marvel Zombies. The animated series from Marvel Studios reimagines the Marvel Universe as a new generation of heroes battle against an ever-spreading zombie scourge. It will again be directed by Executive Producer Bryan Andrews, and written by Executive Producer Zeb Wells.

Also on the slate is I Am Groot, an animated series of shorts that follows Baby Groot’s glory days growing up, and getting into trouble, among the stars. It will be directed by Executive Producer Kirsten Lepore.

And finally, Spider-Man: Freshman Year will follow Peter Parker on his way to becoming Spider-Man in the MCU, with a journey “unlike we’ve ever seen” and a style that celebrates the character’s early comic book roots. It will be written by Executive Producer Jeff Trammel.

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