2025 is shaping up to be a standout year for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), especially following a quieter period in the franchise’s output. With three films and six Disney+ series slated for release, fans are in for a packed lineup of new stories, characters, and surprises. Among these projects, the long-delayed Ironheart is finally set to make its debut—though it seems a key element of the series is arriving earlier than planned.
The Hood to Debut in What If…? Season 3
While Ironheart acts as both a continuation of the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever storyline and a fresh addition to the Iron Man legacy, delays caused by reshoots and production issues have pushed its release back significantly. This has created an unexpected multiversal twist for the upcoming third (and final) season of What If…?.
Episode 6 of What If…?, titled “What If… 1872?”, takes us to an Old West-inspired universe where Shang-Chi and Kate Bishop team up as frontier heroes. The episode’s synopsis reveals they’ll face off against The Hood—a supernatural villain originally intended to make his MCU debut in Ironheart.
For those unfamiliar, The Hood is Parker Robbins, a petty criminal who gains demonic powers after stealing a cloak from a demon. Played by Anthony Ramos (In the Heights), Robbins is confirmed as the primary antagonist in Ironheart and is rumored to share the spotlight with Mephisto (possibly portrayed by Sacha Baron Cohen).
Traditionally, What If…? episodes only include characters who have already appeared in the MCU. For example, heroes like Shang-Chi and Kate Bishop were absent from earlier seasons because their live-action debuts hadn’t yet occurred. The Hood’s appearance in What If…? marks a departure from this policy, suggesting Marvel originally planned for Ironheart to release before the animated show’s final season.
Production delays—including a reported lukewarm reception to early cuts of Ironheart and the disruptions caused by the 2023 strikes—have thrown a wrench into that timeline. While it remains unclear whether Anthony Ramos will voice The Hood in What If…?, the villain’s animated debut provides a tantalizing preview of his role in the larger MCU.
What Else to Expect in What If…? Season 3
The final season promises a mix of wild concepts and beloved characters, with eight episodes delving into alternate realities. Highlights include:
- A comedy-focused episode featuring Howard the Duck and Darcy Lewis as a married couple.
- The Old West-themed “What If… 1872?” with Shang-Chi and Kate Bishop battling The Hood.
With Ironheart now back on track for 2025, the show’s connection to What If…? Season 3 provides an exciting, if unintentional, glimpse into the MCU’s future. Whether The Hood’s unexpected cameo is a happy accident or a strategic pivot, it’s clear Marvel is doubling down on its commitment to supernatural elements and multiversal storytelling.
Brace yourselves—2025 could be the year the MCU reignites its magic.