The multiverse presented in the upcoming Marvel animated anthology What If....? is officially canon, according to head writer AC Bradley. In an interview with IGN, Bradley put to rest any lingering doubts or anxiety that may have been looming over how real the hypothetical alternate plot lines explored might really be.

　　"The events of What If...? are canon," said Bradley. "It's part of the MCU multiverse. The multiverse is here. It is real, and it is absolutely fantastic, people." Of course, what this really means is largely unknown until we can see what stories the show, which debuts on Disney+ on August 11, has in store.

　　Largely, Bradley's insight seems to so far be fueling speculation that any new animated characters introduced in these alternate timelines could also wind up finding on-screen, live-action life. But the overlaps on what would happen if major moments from the Marvel Cinematic Universe occurred differently and what's currently going down in the MCU are at the moment, well, confusing and still being negotiated. For example, IGN also recently reported that Bradley pitched a storyline for What If…? That was rejected because it was already half the plot of James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3. Somewhat relatedly, Dave Bautista was kept from reprising his Guardians of the Galaxy role in What If...? for, according to Bautista himself, unknown reasons.

　　All will be revealed on August 11, when a nine-episode season will kick off on Disney+. Season 2, also running nine episodes, is reportedly already in development.

　　David Wolinsky on Google+