Marvel was planning a T’Challa as Star Lord What If…? spin-off series before the death of star Chadwick Boseman

What If…? is an engaging animated anthology series produced by Marvel Studios, which debuted on Disney+ on August 11, 2021. The Watcher narrates the story of several universes and timelines in the series, providing a novel viewpoint on pivotal events within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Chadwick Boseman's ultimate portrayal of T'Challa is undeniably memorable.

In such a potential situation, T'Challa becomes Star-Lord and goes on a new journey as he leads a heroic group of Guardians. They engage in thrilling heist missions that take them throughout the universe. His unique acting gave the role a richness and aura and attracted the attention of fans.

Initially, there were deliberations on the development of a spin-off series focused on Star-Lord T'Challa. Nevertheless, those concepts were deferred in tribute to Boseman, who died in August 2020.

More about What If…? and Chadwick Boseman

What If…? arrived as Marvel’s first animated series for Disney+. This was primarily done by the MCU film canon as a branching point to explore alternate realities. Among the most celebrated episodes was “What If… T’Challa Became a Star-Lord?" This majorly recasts the Wakandan prince as a Ravager whose diplomacy even sways Thanos.

Chadwick Boseman recorded multiple sessions for the role before his death in August 2020, and his performance later received a posthumous Emmy. According to director Bryan Andrews and other creatives, Marvel explored a dedicated Star-Lord T’Challa spin-off. This was mainly done after the highly enthusiastic response to the character received from the audience.

"If we had Chadwick, he would’ve had his own Star-Lord T’Challa spinoff show long before we did the zombie thing," Andrews said.

Those exploratory plans did not proceed with What If…?. This was due to Boseman’s passing due to cancer, and this also explained his absence from later animated spin-offs. The timeline tracks cleanly with the show’s August 2021 debut and with interviews that surfaced afterward, where producers acknowledged the idea while paying tribute to Boseman’s impact on the role and the series.

The result is a poignant what-might-have-been that underscores how central Boseman’s interpretation was to the character’s appeal and to the tone of that standout episode.

Cast of What If…?

What If...? is a very large cast of MCU alumni who appear to voice their roles once again. Jeffrey Wright is the star of the show to play Uatu the Watcher, the all-knowing narrator who takes the audience through every different timeline.

Chadwick Boseman plays T'Challa and his episode features Karen Gillan as Nebula, Michael Rooker as Yondu, Djimon Hounsou as Korath, Josh Brolin as Thanos, and Benicio Del Toro as Collector.

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Kurt Russell is back as Ego, John Kani is T'Chaka, and Danai Gurira is Okoye. Throughout the anthology, there are numerous other star names that include Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange, Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner, and Paul Bettany as Vision, in addition to series regulars and veteran voice actors who fill out the existence of multiversal variants.

The continuity between the live-action films is preserved with the aid of this returning cast, and the format of animation is allowed to explore tone and character dynamics. The appearance of Boseman in season one is still the highlight of the What If…? season and one of the graceful performances in the MCU.

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