Marvel’s Multiverse Dilemma: A Deepening Inconsistency and Unanswered Questions

In the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Marvel Studios seems to be struggling to maintain consistency in the ideas related to the multiverse theme.

Despite the ambitious exploration of the multiverse theme in the MCU’s Phase 5 projects, particularly through the intriguing series “What If…?,” the more in-depth the exploration, the more it raises concerns about the coherence and logic of Marvel’s multiverse operations.

In a recent episode titled “What If… The Avengers Assembled in 1602” from the second season of the animated series, Steve Rogers unintentionally triggers an incursion phenomenon, a concept first introduced in the blockbuster film “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” This phenomenon causes two realities to collide, putting both at risk of destruction.

To remedy this situation, a variant of Scarlet Witch from the year 1602 summons Captain Carter from the modern-day timeline. As Carter collaborates with other MCU superheroes who find themselves in this altered reality, each with new memories and roles, she discovers that this incursion has inadvertently “mixed” the 17th century with the 21st century. The crux of the story originates from the person she loves most—Steve Rogers.

Of note, this isn’t the Rogers from the main MCU timeline. Instead, he inadvertently travels back to the past when hitting the time stone during the battle with Thanos in Infinity War. With this seemingly minor action, Rogers disrupts the multiverse, leading to the incursion mentioned earlier. The narrative returns to normalcy only when Carter brings Rogers back to the present, ensuring all other superheroes return to their respective timelines.

This development raises numerous questions about Captain America’s actions in the conclusion of Avengers: Endgame, where he time-travels to return the Infinity Stones and opts to stay in the past with Peggy Carter. This decision has been a contentious issue among Marvel fans for years, and “What If…?” Season 2 only adds more confusion to the mix. Did Rogers’ actions in Earth-616 cause an incursion as depicted in this animated series? Why did the sacred timeline remain unaffected after such a bold, unnatural move by Cap?

The MCU attempted to provide an explanation for this matter in the first episode of the series Loki, suggesting that Rogers’ actions were predetermined and, therefore, he wasn’t pursued and “pruned” by the TVA. However, this answer evidently fails to convince the entire Marvel audience, especially after the events in “What If…?”

So far, Marvel Studios appears to be sticking to the idea that “the less interference with the multiverse, the less likely incursions will happen.” However, Steve Rogers’ return to the past to be with his love clearly alters both his and Peggy Carter’s lives entirely. Furthermore, if he chooses a simple life, distancing himself from superhero duties, he could potentially reshape the entire MCU, deviating from what has unfolded on the big screen for over a decade.

Ultimately, if Doctor Strange’s use of the Darkhold to travel to another timeline caused an incursion, there’s no reason why Rogers’ actions wouldn’t have similar consequences. This remains an unanswered and perhaps perpetually unresolved mystery, as Marvel Studios may never provide a clear explanation in their future projects.