“What If…?” flips the script on the MCU, reimagining famous events from the films in unexpected ways. Marvel Studios’ first animated series focuses on different heroes from the MCU, featuring a voice cast that includes a host of stars who reprise their roles. The series is directed by Bryan Andrews; AC Bradley is head writer.
During a press conference for Mar/vel Studios “What If…?” Right On! Digital got up close with Jeffrey Wright, (he voices Uato/The Watcher). The exclusive press event, hosted by Brandon Davis of Comicbook.com, gave us the opportunity to get the 411 on the first animated series from Marvel Studios, which debuts on Disney Plus on August 11, 2021.
Q: Jeffrey, your character is quite famous in the Marvel Comics lore. Introduce us to who you’re playing in “What If…?” and what his role is in the series?
JEFFREY: I’m playing The Watcher, whose first appearance in Marvel Comics, I think it was in 1963. He’s a fairly dramatic guy. He’s a fairly powerful guy. He plays somewhat of a Rod Serling role (Twilight Zone fame), kind of narrating, kind of not. He watches all that transpires and deals with certain temptations, but at the same time, just kind of living vicariously through these characters.
Q: Jeffrey, what does he make of these people, the heroes and villains?
JEFFREY: I think he, in some ways, he’s kind of defined by them. It’s his life’s passion to observe and connect with them, with their heroisms, with their flaws. So, without them, he’s nothing, in some regard. So, he adores them, and is compelled by them, in a way [LAUGHS] that gives him purpose, that gives his life meaning. I think about, these characters and what they’ve come to represent. I think that the passion behind, the fans’ connection to these characters is this level of trust.
Q: Is The Watcher appearing in the MCU, in a movie or a show, in live action form, something that we could see, also, something that you would want to do in the future?
JEFFREY: What If…? is-is very much about the idea that all things are possible, so that’s a reasonable question and, I guess the answer to it is, well, what if?
PEEP THE TRAILER HERE:
