According to the merchandise related to Marvel’s What If..?, it appears that a previously unannounced character will be introduced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Images of a new Funko Soda figure named Kahhori, featuring a woman with Native American features dressed in a heroic outfit and pose, were shared on Instagram by user lasvegasfunkoholics. However, the identity of the character remains unknown. The Funko Soda Kahhori is reportedly scheduled for release on March 8th, as per lasvegasfunkoholics’ post, which has since been taken down. Nevertheless, the images have surfaced on the MarvelStudiosSpoilers Subreddit.
Who is What If..?’s New Character?
On Reddit, there have been discussions among several commenters regarding the identity of the new Funko Soda Kahhori character. The debate has led to various theories, with some speculating that she might be a rendition of one of the heroes from the upcoming What If..? Season 2 episode, which adapts the 1602 comic run featuring heroes during the Elizabethan era. Among the possibilities, some believe she could be the 1602 version of Echo, who is set to debut in 2021’s Hawkeye before her solo series. Alternatively, others suggested that she could be a variation of Joe Gomez, the Native American Captain America from The United States of Captain America #3 by Lipan Apache writer Darcie Little Badger and Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation artist David Cutler.
Furthermore, a Reddit user suggested that the new Funko Soda Kahhori character could be Kushala, an 1800s Ghost Rider who also holds the title of Sorcerer Supreme. Marvel introduced Kushala in 2021 through an eight-part comic book series called Ghost Rider: Kushala, co-written by Jaime Luis Gomez (known as Taboo in the Black Eyed Peas) and B. Earl, with artwork by Guillermo Sanna and Vanesa del Rey, and colorist Jordie Bellaire. The series features Kushala’s journey through time as she defends her ancestral lineage.
What If..? Inspires Live-Action MCU Films
Since its inception, What If..? has presented various alternate timelines that have occasionally intersected with Phase 4’s live-action films. MCU’s head, Kevin Feige, directed the creative team behind Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness to seek inspiration from the animated series to construct the movie’s chaotic world. According to What If..? director Bryan Andrews, Feige provided the Doctor Strange team with the show’s ideas and advised them to take notes, stating, “You guys better watch out, ’cause this shit’s good.” After viewing the show, the Doctor Strange team was bewildered, wondering how they would approach creating the movie. Finally, they took inspiration from What If..?’s the episode, resulting in the Peggy Carter/ Captain Britain variant making an appearance in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
The second season of What If…? is scheduled to debut on Disney+ in 2023.
