“Let’s approach things from a different perspective this time.”
Those are the opening words you encounter as the latest installment of “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” begins, offering a profound contemplation on multiple realities and the potential paths our lives could take. The underlying message is evident from the start: We possess the power of choice. Our circumstances are not set in stone. You are undeniably yourself, yes, but what if you could also be someone else, or even multiple versions of yourself?
The world can be a stressful and occasionally isolating place, particularly during times when the sentiment “This wasn’t how it was supposed to be” echoes all too frequently. However, what if there were alternative outcomes waiting to be discovered? What if, in some corner of existence, they already exist? Welcome to the domain of the multiverse and alternate realities, a realm that has captured the imagination of popular culture in recent years—an outlet for the yearning and desire that accompanies living in an era defined by uncertainty.
Alternate universes have become ubiquitous in our present times, as evidenced by the long-awaited premiere of “The Flash,” showcasing a narrative imbued with regrets and history-altering twists (alongside multiple interpretations of Batman). It appears there is a profound desire to explore the realm of what-ifs, to witness the potential outcomes if only a single event had unfolded differently.
“The previous cultural assumption was that our current reality is the only possible way things could be,” explains Douglas Wolk, author of “All of the Marvels,” who delved into 27,000 Marvel comics spanning several decades.
Wolk elaborates, “What we are witnessing in culture is a shift in perspective, where people are challenging the idea that this consensus reality is the only valid one.”
The concept of investigating the intricacies of existence through alternate timelines has a long and diverse history, albeit presented in different forms and contexts.
In the classic Christmas film “It’s a Wonderful Life” from 1946, the lovable protagonist George Bailey is thrust into a timeline where his existence is erased, offering him a glimpse of the profound impact he has had on the world. “You’ve been given a remarkable opportunity, George—to witness what the world would be like in your absence,” his aspiring guardian angel, Clarence, informs him.
Since then, this concept has gained momentum, leading to an increase in narratives that explore alternative choices and their consequences, extending beyond the realms of fiction to contemplate real-world events as well.
The exploration of alternate outcomes extends beyond real-world events to fictional scenarios as well. Numerous works of literature, television shows, and movies have delved into the possibilities of alternative histories. What if the South had emerged victorious in the Civil War, as depicted in “CSA: The Confederate States of America”? What if Germany and Japan had triumphed in World War II, as imagined in “The Man in the High Castle”? What if John F. Kennedy had not been assassinated, as portrayed in “11/22/63”? What if the Soviets had reached the moon before the Americans, as depicted in “For All Mankind”? What if the events of 9/11 had unfolded differently, as explored in “The Mirage”?
Fictional worlds offer greater flexibility and imagination, allowing for a wealth of content. Consequently, beloved characters with established stories are often transported from one reality to another in books, TV shows, and movies. This concept transcends genres, ranging from romantic comedies like “Sliding Doors” (1998), where missing a train splits a young woman’s life into divergent paths, to quasi-musicals like “Yesterday” (2019), where a budding musician finds himself in a universe where the Beatles never existed.
These examples highlight the extensive range of alternate realities and multiverses that have captivated audiences across various mediums. In Marvel Comics’ “Brand New Day,” there exists a reality where Spider-Man never married Mary Jane Watson. In the upcoming film “Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness,” one variant of Doctor Strange descends into madness. The upcoming movie “The Flash” showcases a universe where Ben Affleck’s Batman never existed, while Michael Keaton’s Batman continues to age. The “mirror universe” in “Star Trek” reveals the darker side of beloved characters, and the recent “Trek” movies unfold in a splintered reality created by an aging Spock’s time travel.
These multiverse narratives allow storytellers to explore scenarios and problems that have never occurred in the main storyline. As highlighted by Nic Lemire, a 13-year-old podcast co-host, and his mother Christy Lemire, former Associated Press film critic, the multiverse offers a means to examine different realities for entertainment, enlightenment, and escapism. In the acclaimed film “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” multiple lives of the main character, played by Michelle Yeoh, are portrayed, emphasizing the enduring importance of family across the multiverse. The film garnered seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Regardless of the subject matter, these works share a common theme: the existence of endless possibilities, both positive and negative. Exploring these possibilities serves as a source of entertainment, enlightenment, and an escape from the challenges faced in the post-COVID world, including climate change, racial injustice, political polarization, and the rise of artificial intelligence. The constant flux of tumultuous changes can make it feel as though convulsive transformation is the only constant in our lives.
Moreover, the exploration of alternate universes is not only artistically enriching but also a lucrative business move. Marvel’s “What If…?” series is entirely dedicated to exploring alternate realities, and the popularity of this concept ensures its continued presence in our single world, where the nature of reality is frequently questioned. Remixing popular characters across various properties while preserving the potential for a reset in the “prime universe” allows for limitless creative possibilities. However, the trope’s abundance can sometimes dilute its impact as a plot device. Despite this, the allure of multiple universes persists, as it enables the resurrection of characters and the existence of reversible outcomes, raising questions about the stakes and consequences within these narratives.
Matt Ruff, author of the 9/11 novel “The Mirage,” which presents an alternate universe where Christian extremists attacked the Twin Towers in Baghdad, acknowledges that the ability to reverse or alter events can diminish the significance of choices and consequences. In the real world, there are no magical solutions, and grappling with this reality is a crucial aspect of engaging with the complexities of our existence.
Nevertheless, the resonance of the multiverse concept lies in humanity’s inherent desire to explore different possibilities, try on various outcomes, and potentially experience different lives. Stories have always provided a means to satisfy this yearning. With advancing technology allowing for instant access to a vast array of stories and endings, it is not far-fetched to imagine a future narrative era akin to immersive choose-your-own-adventure experiences, where all possibilities are on the table. This evolution in storytelling raises intriguing questions about our evolving relationship with narratives and the potential impact on our perception and engagement with stories.
According to David Newman, a sociologist at Colgate University who has extensively studied second chances, the abundance of cultural images promoting the idea of self-improvement contributes to the desire for better versions of ourselves. People yearn to believe that problems are solvable and that they can be fixed.
In the Marvel Comics offshoot “Marvel 1602,” a universe is depicted where Earth’s most powerful superheroes emerged in the early 17th century. In this alternate reality, Reed Richards of the Fantastic Four suggests that they exist in a universe that favors stories, a universe where no story truly concludes but instead continues indefinitely.
Regardless of how these narratives unfold, they offer a multitude of possibilities. Over the past two decades, popular culture has demonstrated that continually exploring the question “What if?” is not only a creative pursuit but also a profitable one. It serves as a reminder of the enduring fascination with alternative outcomes and the limitless potential of storytelling.
