In the fourth episode of Season 2 of "What If…?", titled "What If... Iron Man Crashed Into the Grandmaster?", we dive into an alternate universe where the Battle of New York takes an unforeseen detour. Rather than culminating in the dramatic conclusion depicted in the 2012 film "The Avengers," the portal hovering above the city shuts abruptly, stranding Tony Stark in the vast emptiness of space. In a stroke of cosmic irony, Stark is not propelled back to Earth but rather shot across the galaxy, ultimately crashing onto the exotic planet of Sakaar, the domain of the eccentric and whimsical Grandmaster.
The episode unfolds with a scene that is at once familiar and surreal, as Stark awakens to find himself in the midst of an eccentric celebration of his arrival, meticulously orchestrated by the Grandmaster. The ruler of this bizarre planet, renowned for his passion for games and grand spectacles, has taken a special fascination with the fallen Avenger, elevating him to the status of a local celebrity. To commemorate the occasion, as well as Stark's birthday, the Grandmaster introduces him to a harrowing death race, a high-stakes event filled with recognizable faces, including Korg and Valkyrie.
As the race progresses with relentless intensity, Stark's heroic instincts ignite, prompting him to intervene and rescue Korg from a perilous predicament. This bold act of defiance earns him the wrath of a vengeful Gamora, who has ventured to Sakaar with a mission for the Avenger, courtesy of Thanos himself. Both Stark and Gamora are then apprehended by Topaz, the Grandmaster's ruthless enforcer, and imprisoned within the Grandmaster's towering stronghold alongside other gladiators, each marked by their own tales of hardship and valor.
Within the restrictive confines of their imprisonment, Gamora confides in Stark her secret mission, igniting a spark of ingenuity within Stark's mind, crafting a daring plan to break free and liberate Sakaar from the Grandmaster's oppressive reign. With the valiant support of Valkyrie and Korg, Stark meticulously crafts a new suit of armor, challenging the Grandmaster to a race that would ultimately decide the fate of Sakaar.
The Grandmaster, the ultimate showman, gleefully accepts Stark's challenge and enlists Gamora to bolster his chances of victory. The race that unfolds is a chaotic spectacle, with the Grandmaster deploying every devious tactic in his repertoire to eliminate his rivals and secure a triumphant victory. As the race intensifies, narrowing down to its fiercest contenders—the Grandmaster, Topaz, Gamora, Stark, Valkyrie, and Korg—Stark inches closer to the Grandmaster, all while persuading Gamora to abandon her mission and join him in his crusade for Sakaar's liberation.
Stark's brilliance and relentless determination culminate in a victorious crossing of the finish line. However, the Grandmaster, aided by Topaz, attempts to backtrack on their agreement. Fortunately, a fortuitous intervention by Valkyrie alters the course of events, as her melt-stick inadvertently disables the Grandmaster, transforming him into a mere puddle. Following the race's dramatic conclusion, Valkyrie is crowned as Sakaar's new ruler, with Korg serving as her esteemed advisor, while Stark bids farewell to the planet, embarking on a journey with Gamora, their sights firmly set on defeating Thanos.
"What If... Iron Man Crashed Into the Grandmaster?" is a heart-pounding and humorous exploration of an alternate reality where Tony Stark's journey leads him to the farthest reaches of space. This episode serves as a testament to the enduring essence of heroism, even in the most improbable of circumstances. With a mesmerizing blend of high-stakes action, unexpected alliances, and a sprinkle of cosmic humor, this episode of "What If…?" expands the Marvel Multiverse in a delightful and unanticipated direction.
