In the comic book version of the Marvel Universe, the "What If?" stories are very much standalone and have no sort of impact on what's going on in the main continuity. Fans have suspected that might be the case in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well, especially as What If...? is an animated show.
However, during yesterday's global press conference for the series - which ComicBookMovie.com was in attendance for - executive producer Brad Winderbaum cleared up the show's place in the canon.
"It’s no coincidence that the show picks up right after Loki," he said, referring to the creation of the Multiverse in that show's season finale. "The Multiverse has erupted in every possible direction. What if…? gives us a chance to explore that."
"I think that without going into great detail, I can tell you that What if…? as a project, as a story that exists in the MCU, is as important as any other and is woven into that tapestry," Winderbaum concluded, making it clear that this isn't a show fans of this shared world should consider skipping.
There have been a lot of rumours about characters from What If...? appearing in live-action, with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness a likely destination for at least some of them.
However, with the God of Mischief stranded in an alternate timeline following the events of Loki, it's easy enough to imagine him also crossing paths with the Variants we meet in this show. Time will tell on that front, but it's clear What If...? is going to take us to some crazy, unexpected places.
What If...? premieres on Disney+ on August 11.
Also Read: What If...? Director Bryan Andrews And Jeffrey Wright Get Emotional Discussing Chadwick Boseman's Episode