The latest episode of Marvel’s What If? is here, exploring the scenario where Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa becomes Star-Lord. Taking place mostly in space, it’s an episode jam-packed with cameos from across the MCU, and Marvel comics in general. One adorable inclusion that’s caught the attention of fans is the presence of Cosmo, the spacesuit-wearing dog. He also appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy and its sequel, and returns once more for What If? Another cameo includes Howard the Duck, who briefly makes a voiced appearance in the episode.
What If? Episode 2 cameos: Cosmo, Howard the Duck, Star-Lord
Cosmo’s role in the episode is quite limited, but he provides an adorable canine companion to T’Challa.
We first see him in the Collector’s cellar, as just one of the many artifacts owned by the space gangster. T’Challa is exploring the vaults to find the Embers of Genesis, and he walks past Cosmo, who yelps for attention. Luckily that isn’t the end of Cosmo’s involvement, as he manages to get on T’Challa’s ship to escape Knowhere once the final battle is underway. He ends up flying to sanctuary with Star-Lord and Yondu, meaning he could well crop up in future adventures. It’s an adorable cameo that nods to fans of the Marvel comics, and dog fans alike.
Of course, Cosmo the Spacedog is far from the only cameo in What If? episode 2. We also get an extended look at Howard the Duck, voiced here by Seth Green. The beloved cult figure, subject of the much-maligned 1986 film, has a limited role here. T’Challa frees him from the Collector’s cage, but has to leave him behind when he focuses too much on finishing his martini than escaping.
We also get a very small glimpse at Peter Quill, and how his life would have turned out if Yondu hadn’t abducted him. Instead, he spends his days listening to his Walkman, mopping floors in a Dairy Queen. The episode ends as his nefarious father, Kurt Russell’s Ego, pays his son a visit, with his eyes glistening white. It’s an ominous ending that the Watcher says is “a story for another day.”
If you’re looking for more What If? we’ve got you covered with our review, as well as whether the episode has a post-credits scene.