“Let’s approach things with a fresh perspective this time.”
Those are the initial words that greet you as the latest installment of “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” begins, delving into the profound exploration of multiple realities and the potential paths our lives could take. The underlying message is crystal clear: We possess the power of choice. Circumstances are not fixed; they can be molded. You are undeniably yourself, but hold on – you may also be versions of yourself that exist across various dimensions.
The world we inhabit can often be overwhelming and isolating, particularly during times when the prevailing sentiment is “This wasn’t how it was supposed to be.” Yet, what if there were alternative outcomes? What if, in some distant realm, those alternative outcomes came to fruition? Here lies the realm of the multiverse, a concept that has captivated popular culture in recent years, serving as a vessel for the yearning and longing that accompany an era characterized by uncertainty.
Parallel dimensions have become a ubiquitous presence in today’s entertainment landscape, exemplified by the highly-anticipated release weekend of “The Flash,” a film that interweaves a remorseful, history-altering narrative, complete with diverse iterations of Batman. Evidently, there exists a profound yearning to delve into the realm of possibilities, to witness the unfolding of alternate paths resulting from the slightest deviation.
This hunger stems from a fundamental curiosity about the roads not taken, an innate desire to comprehend the potential outcomes had a solitary event transpired differently.
“The conventional belief used to be that our world is fixed in its current state, without any alternative possibilities,” explains Douglas Wolk, who extensively immersed himself in the Marvel comic universe by reading 27,000 comics spanning several decades for his book, “All of the Marvels.”
Wolk observes a significant shift in cultural perception, asserting, “What has occurred in our culture is the recognition that this shared reality we perceive is not the only conceivable reality.”
The concept of exploring divergent paths and alternative timelines has a long-standing presence, albeit in various forms. The iconic Christmas film, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” released in 1946, depicts the journey of George Bailey, who is transported to a timeline where he never existed, revealing the profound impact he had on the world. As his hopeful guardian angel, Clarence, tells him, “You’ve been given a remarkable gift, George—a chance to witness what the world would be like without you.”
Since then, the exploration of alternate realities has gained momentum, manifesting in narratives that contemplate fictional and real events alike, speculating on the outcomes resulting from different choices made along the way.
What if the outcome of the Civil War had favored the South, as explored in “CSA: The Confederate States of America”? What if Germany and Japan had emerged victorious in World War II, as depicted 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 beaten the Americans in the race to the moon, as imagined in “For All Mankind”? What if the events of 9/11 had unfolded in a drastically altered manner, as depicted in “The Mirage”?
These examples highlight the fascination with alternative histories that captivate audiences. By envisioning alternative outcomes to pivotal moments in our past, these narratives prompt us to contemplate the vast spectrum of possibilities and the profound impact they could have had on our present reality.
Fictional worlds possess a greater degree of malleability, allowing for a wealth of content to be explored. This flexibility enables creators to take beloved characters, who already have established stories, and transport them into new and alternative narratives through books, TV shows, and movies. It’s a concept that transcends genres, spanning from romantic comedies like “Sliding Doors” (1998), where missing a train splits a young woman’s life into diverging paths, to quasi-musicals like “Yesterday” (2019), where a musician finds himself in a universe where the Beatles never existed.
In the realm of comic books, we encounter alternate realities such as the one in Marvel Comics’ “Brand New Day,” where Spider-Man never married Mary Jane Watson. Additionally, we witness universes where versions of Doctor Strange have succumbed to insanity, as depicted in “Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness.” Furthermore, there are instances where Ben Affleck’s Batman never existed, while Michael Keaton’s Batman continues to age and persist, as explored in “The Flash” (which we won’t spoil since it has been revealed in the trailers).
These examples illustrate the endless possibilities that arise when fictional characters are reimagined within different contexts, offering fans and audiences a fresh and captivating take on beloved narratives.
The concept of the “mirror universe” in “Star Trek” introduces a dark and aggressive Terran Empire, providing a glimpse into the baser instincts of beloved characters. Additionally, the recent series of “Trek” movies ventures into yet another reality, fractured when an aging Spock travels back in time.
“It’s a way to explore a problem that’s never actually happened in the main story,” explains Nic Lemire, a 13-year-old co-host of the podcast “Marvel Mondays” alongside his mother, Christy Lemire, a former film critic for the Associated Press. This approach allows storytellers to tackle unique challenges and scenarios that deviate from the established narrative.
An exemplary illustration of multiverse success is the film “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” released last year. It delves into the various lives that the main character, played by Michelle Yeoh, could have lived, emphasizing the enduring significance of family across the multiverse. The film received widespread acclaim and garnered seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
These examples exemplify how the exploration of multiverses and alternate realities has become a fertile ground for creative storytelling, captivating audiences with its ability to present fresh perspectives and imaginative scenarios while retaining core themes and relationships.
Regardless of the specific subject matter, these works share a common theme: the exploration of possibilities, both positive and negative. Engaging with these narratives provides entertainment, enlightenment, and escapism. This holds significant value, especially in a post-COVID world grappling with the consequences of extreme climate events, persistent racism, political polarization, and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. In a world characterized by constant convulsive change, these stories offer a refuge and a means to examine alternative realities.
“Fictions have implicitly fulfilled a role similar to what alternate universes are doing more prominently now: allowing us to explore a reality that is not actual in order to better understand the actual world,” explains Hannah Kim, an assistant professor of philosophy at Macalester College who has studied the resonance of the multiverse concept. The bombardment of seemingly arbitrary and random events in recent years, such as the pandemic, political upheaval, and the effects of climate change, leaves individuals burdened with anxiety pondering the notion that things could have unfolded differently.
Furthermore, the exploration of the “what if” question remains highly profitable. Marvel Studios, for instance, has an entire show dedicated to exploring alternate realities called “What If…?” While the concept of multiple universes may sometimes feel overused as a plot device, it continues to hold immense relevance in our singular world, where the nature of reality is constantly challenged and questioned.
The enduring popularity and profitability of narratives centered around alternate realities and the exploration of possibilities attest to their ability to captivate audiences and provide a means of grappling with the complexities and uncertainties of our own reality.
Indeed, the remixing of popular characters across multiple properties and the potential for a reset in a “prime universe” presents numerous creative opportunities. However, there is one aspect to consider: If everything is reversible, unlike in real life, how high can the stakes truly be?
“It narratively lets you have your cake and eat it, too – you can kill off a character, have a poignant death scene, and then bring the character back from another universe,” explains author Matt Ruff, whose novel “The Mirage” envisions an alternate universe where the Twin Towers of the “United Arab States” in Baghdad were attacked by Christian extremists. Ruff highlights that when everything is possible, the choices become less interesting, and the consequences lose their significance. Engaging with the real world means acknowledging that there are no magical solutions.
However, it is precisely this desire to explore different perspectives, outcomes, and even alternate lives that resonates with humans. Throughout history, we have yearned to experience different narratives and possibilities. Stories serve as a means to step into other roles and imagine different scenarios. Could we be moving toward a narrative era where the immersive equivalent of choose-your-own-adventure stories becomes the norm, where all possibilities are embraced and explored?
The advancement of technology has revolutionized our access to a vast array of products and services, often customized to our preferences and delivered within a short timeframe. The rise of streaming platforms, offering thousands of television shows and movies at the touch of a button, is a prime example. In this context, it becomes plausible to imagine a future where we have thousands of stories with countless possible endings for characters and plotlines. This proliferation of narratives raises intriguing questions about our relationship with stories.
David Newman, a sociologist at Colgate University who specializes in second chances, suggests that this cultural landscape inundates us with images that reinforce the idea that we can improve and overcome challenges in our own lives. It taps into our innate desire to believe that problems are solvable and that we can become better versions of ourselves.
An interesting example from Marvel Comics is “Marvel 1602,” which depicts a universe where Earth’s most powerful superheroes exist in the early 17th century. In this story, Reed Richards, the leader of the Fantastic Four, proposes something significant.
The exact proposal is not specified in the given context, but it highlights the creative freedom and endless possibilities that emerge when established characters and narratives are transposed into new settings and time periods. This ability to reimagine and remix familiar elements expands our relationship with stories, allowing us to explore uncharted territories and challenge conventional storytelling norms.
In essence, the evolving landscape of storytelling and the potential for multiple endings and variations offer us a sense of agency and optimism, inviting us to engage with narratives that fuel our imagination and offer a glimpse into the boundless potential of human experiences.
The idea that we exist in a universe that favors stories, where no story truly concludes but rather continues on, is an intriguing proposition. It suggests a reality that is abundant with possibilities and perpetually open to new narratives and experiences.
Indeed, the past two decades have demonstrated that the question of “What if?” is not only a captivating and thought-provoking pursuit but also a lucrative one in the realm of popular culture. The entertainment industry has thrived by continually exploring alternative scenarios, remixing characters and plotlines, and inviting audiences to engage with diverse narratives that challenge preconceived notions.
This ongoing exploration of possibilities not only entertains but also allows us to reflect on our own lives and contemplate the potential outcomes of different choices and circumstances. It taps into our innate curiosity and desire to imagine alternative realities, providing an escape from the constraints of our everyday existence.
In conclusion, the notion of a universe brimming with endless stories and possibilities not only provides an enriching and entertaining experience but also proves to be a successful business strategy, prompting creators and consumers alike to continuously ponder the question of “What if?”
