The Marvel Cinematic Universe recently teased a possible replacement for a prominent Marvel hero highlighting an ongoing question concerning that character’s established timeline. Marvel Studios has been showcasing previously loved characters including some characters in X-Men 97 which are popular in the mainstream right now. The new Deadpool & Wolverine film has further established various characters from previous marvel productions into current series.
A New Marvel Hero Emerges in What If...? But Timeline Concerns Rise
Marvel’s What If...? Season 3 episode 6 presents a new Marvel hero during late 2024 demonstrating another character reveal of sorts this is similar to the appearances of Dafne Keen's Laura and Jennifer Garner's Electra in Deadpool & Wolverine where many unresolved questions were resolved for movie fans. This new narrative from What If...? brings in new queries on timeline questions. However What If...? does further develop the possibility for future inclusion of this key Marvel hero for the main timeline in future MCU movie and series.
'What If...?' Season 3 Episode 6 Unveils Possible Iron Fist Replacement for MCU Fans
What If...? season 3 episode 6 dedicates a part of its storytelling focusing on a young boy accompanying Shang-Chi plus Hawkeye showing glimpses into his developing hero persona. The initial reveal came with the child’s name Jun-Fan which made reference to longtime Marvel fans however the major reveal was seeing this young character utilizing advanced martial arts abilities during the episode. The finale includes Hawkeye commenting that Jun-Fan has "some iron fists" confirming he is Kwai Jun-Fan of comic books where that character serves as the Iron Fist within the Wild West.
The Watcher's Narration Foreshadows Rise Of New Hero Via the Tragic Past
The Watcher's voice provides context before the final scene saying "one person's tragic fall is often just the origin story of a new hero’s rise" showing a future path of Jun-Fan character. His interactions with Xu Xialing and Sonny Burch will form the beginnings of the characters long journey of transformation into an established comic book hero who takes on the name and responsibility. Marvel comics presents the Iron Fist in many ways throughout its extensive history giving storywriters opportunities to explore the heroes capabilities.
Alternate Universes and Continuity Issues Complicate MCU’s Iron Fist Future Plans
While Marvel uses What If...? to create Iron Fist through the character of Jun-Fan it creates confusion because of alternate timelines from what’s commonly considered MCU canon with differences that exist. Jun-Fan's established background as Wild West version of Iron Fist in comic books makes it seem unlikely he will be seen within the main MCU timeline despite having a successful What If...? introduction in episode 6 season 3. Marvel’s Netflix series including Daredevil Born Again follow continuity within MCU canon timeline yet it remains uncertain if this will affect how the studios view the shows version of Iron Fist.
MCU's Iron Fist Timeline Remains Unclear Even With New Introductions via Animated Series
The previous version of Iron Fist in Netflix is a character in the canon universe however with in-universe timelines they could alter character creation according to plans from the studio for new creative storylines for future projects. Iron Fist has seen a number of heroes take the mantle in comic books leaving all options on the table till studio decides to make their plans fully public. What If…? version hopefully helps further solidify the need to get concrete info regarding main hero. Marvel movies and shows typically include character continuity using all previously existing material to build each future film, which makes studio release very important for timelines for character inclusions and production plans.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe initially took off with Iron Man featuring actor Robert Downey Jr from Paramount Studios back in 2008. Disney eventually acquired Marvel Entertainment in 2009 propelling significant growth. The MCU presently has a large catalogue with countless movies plus TV shows. Avengers Endgame WandaVision and Loki are all notable entries from that roster which demonstrates great cultural and economic relevance.