Marvel Studios and ILM Immersive are venturing into new territory with the launch of What If…? – An Immersive Story, an interactive mixed-reality experience set to redefine fan interaction with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This hour-long narrative-driven show, exclusive to Apple Vision Pro users, marks Marvel’s first foray into immersive VR storytelling, premiering as a free limited release on 30 May.
What If…? – An Immersive Story allows users to plunge into the alternate realities of the MCU, engaging directly with scenarios that explore the ‘what ifs’ of key events. The experience incorporates familiar characters such as Wong the Sorcerer Supreme and the Watcher, and introduces them to the real world through the Apple Vision Pro’s mixed reality capabilities. The trailer released by Marvel Studios showcases a user journeying through the Multiverse, encountering threats and learning to manipulate mystic spells and the Infinity Stones.
In this immersive adventure, players will interact with alternative versions of iconic Marvel characters like Thanos, Hela, the Collector, and Red Guardian. These encounters take place in an interactive environment where players’ decisions influence the storyline and the fate of the universe. The trailer hints at immersive gameplay elements, including spell-casting and portal creation that mirror the abilities of MCU sorcerers.
Shereif M. Fattouh, the executive producer of the project, emphasised the innovative spirit of the collaboration between Marvel Studios and ILM Immersive, “This project touches upon the cornerstone of the desire that our studios share to constantly experiment and innovate, and thanks to the capabilities of Apple Vision Pro, we get to place you directly inside a Universe that means so much to us all. I can’t wait for fans to become the hero in this completely new way.”
This venture into mixed reality builds on the success of the animated series What If…? which debuted on Disney+ in 2021. The series, known for its creative reimaginings of pivotal MCU moments, has already been greenlit for a third season and a spinoff, Marvel Zombies. ILM Immersive, known for their work on VR experiences like Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge and Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series, brings a wealth of experience in creating engaging, narrative-driven VR content.
What If…? – An Immersive Story is poised to offer fans a unique opportunity to engage with the MCU in a manner that’s as innovative as it is immersive, with its release set for 30 May.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing Honkai: Star Rail, cosplaying, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
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