The MCU Just Revealed How Powerful One Of 2025's New Marvel Villains Will Be

Warning! This article contains spoilers for What If...? season 3, episode 6.

What If...? just introduced a powerful new villain to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) , but their on-screen debut won't be until later in 2025. What If...? is one of the most unique shows that has ever been made for the MCU. The entire animated series revolves around a set of odd variables which take the familiar heroes of the MCU and put them into new and unusual settings.

Sometimes, that leads to stories about the heroes becoming zombies, or someone else being given power that was initially a side character in the Sacred Timeline. However, whatever the result, all of these eventualities are closely monitored by the ever-present Watcher. And in What If...? season 3, the show debuted one of the villains who is set to join the MCU in 2025, but the character was very different to what is currently being set up in the MCU.

What If Season 3 Introduces The Hood For The First Time

The Hood Looks A Little Different In The MCU Animated Series

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What If...? season 3, episode 6, explores an alternate history to the Sacred Timeline. While the MCU is mostly contemporary with the release dates, this episode sees familiar characters introduced in the Multiverse Saga, such as Shang-Chi and Kate Bishop, living in the Wild West in 1872. In this new setting, the heroes face off against a powerful rival known as The Hood, but the character's true identity is masked for much of the episode.

Related What If Season 3 Episode 6 Breakdown: Recap, Ending Explained & Easter Eggs What If...? Season 3, episode 6 is the next best thing for Shang-Chi fans in place of an actual (and overdue) sequel. Here's our full breakdown.

However, The Hood is eventually revealed to be Shang-Chi's sister, Xialing, who faced the original Hood years earlier, defeating them, and taking their powers. Xialing is now the owner of the mystical Hood which provides the user with powers such as invisibility and levitation, both of which can be seen in the episode. However, additional abilities such as her mastery of fighting are distinctly hers, as evidenced by Xialing's ability to overpower and defeat the original Hood. Regardless, it sets up important details for the incoming villain.

The MCU Has Already Revealed How Cool The Hood's Powers Will Be In Ironheart

The Hood Will Make A Great Villain For Riri Williams

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In the MCU, Anthony Ramos will appear as The Hood in Ironheart. His version of the character will evidently be different, and the morality and intention behind his position in the series will be explored in that show. However, What If...? delivered a sneak preview of what these powers could look like, and how they could match up against a hero like Riri Williams. Williams is set to be a spiritual successor to Iron Man, who has a suit of armor that gives her similar abilities. While the character initially appeared in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Ironheart will be the first chance for the character to develop her own story.

And having seen the phasing abilities, invisibility, and flight powers shown in What If...? it feels like the villain is a good match for a tech-enhanced superhero. Pitting magic against technology always makes for interesting outcomes, and having the Hood be able to fly and keep up with Ironheart's maneuvers will be essential for the character. What If...? delivered a solid preview, but the live-action debut will be on another level as The Hood joins the Sacred Timeline.

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