The second episode of What If...? season 3 is now streaming on Disney+ and, for fans of WandaVision, Agatha All Along, and Eternals, it's an absolute must-watch.
We learn that, in this reality, Agatha Harkness discovered the existence of Tiamut deep in the Earth during the 1940s. However, a spell big enough to steal a Celestial's power requires Hollywood money so she becomes the lead star in Howard Stark's new feature film.
Alas, no matter how big a stage he makes for her, it's not enough; there's also a very funny exchange between Howard and Edwin Jarvis which takes a tongue-in-cheek shot at Marvel Studios' penchant for reshoots.
Agatha convinces Howard to hire Kingo and the two face off - on camera - in one of the wildest, most elaborate dance numbers to ever grace the silver screen. Kingo knows what she's up to but the witch is also well aware of the role these Eternals are playing on Earth.
It's revealed that she captured each member of the team and "borrowed" their powers (we're pretty sure they're all dead) and Agatha just needs him to complete her spell. As "Prime Eternal," it's Kingo's job to stop her, though he soon comes around to the idea of saving Earth when he's reminded of his glorious acting career and promised the return of his friends...along with a three-picture movie deal.
Arishem becomes aware of his betrayal and makes the journey to Earth. Kingo, meanwhile, reveals the team's spaceship and Howard admits to knowing about both his and Agatha's true nature. But hey, it saved money on special effects.
Heading to Griffith Observatory, Agatha borrows Kingo's powers and completes the spell. She then takes Tiamut's energy as well, transforming into an almost Godlike celestial being. This being Agatha, though, her true villainous nature is soon revealed and she demands the world bows down to her after an awesome battle with Arishem ends with her taking his powers too!
Kingo pleads with his co-star to see sense, pointing out that there's no need to be feared when she can be adored as a movie star. They can work together and be loved, and it's this that wins Agatha around and helps her see sense.
Howard gives up making weapons to focus on filmmaking and Cosmic Queen premieres to great fanfare. However, The Watcher warns that Kingo was right; the rest of the Celestials have arrived on Earth looking for revenge and, like many great films, this story ends with a cliffhanger.
Howard Stark may have helped the Allies win World War II...but what he really wants to do is direct! On the set of Stark Pictures’ first production, the playboy auteur quickly finds himself enchanted by his bewitching lead actress, Agatha Harkness. Little does she know there will be another superpower co-star on the call sheet...Kingo.
The cast in episode 2 includes Jeffrey Wright, Kathryn Hahn, Kumail Nanjiani, Dominic Cooper, and James D’Arcy. The episode is directed by Bryan Andrews, with a story by Bryan Andrews, Matthew Chauncey, and Ryan Little and a teleplay by Matthew Chauncey and Ryan Little.