In "What If...? Season 2," Bill Foster's Goliath emerges as a fascinating addition to the series. The second episode delves into the potential menace posed by Peter Quill, alongside unveiling a revamped Avengers lineup. Among this new ensemble, we find Bill Foster's Goliath, a character previously introduced in the MCU. His role in "What If...?" deserves a closer examination, as we will detail below.
Who Is Foster In What If: A Closer Look At The Goliath
Source: What If...?
In the gripping second episode of "What If...?" Season 2, the storyline takes an intense turn with Peter Quill's arrival on Earth, wreaking havoc under the influence of his father, Ego. Tasked with triggering the celestial seedling to commence the Expansion, Quill's actions prompt Howard Stark and Peggy Carter to respond.
They realize the urgency to form a team equipped with superpowers to counter this celestial menace. One of the earliest recruits is the acclaimed scientist, Bill Foster, more popularly known as Goliath.
Goliath, portrayed by Bill Foster, possesses abilities akin to his counterparts in both the MCU and comic books. His most notable power is his capacity to grow to tremendous heights, enhancing his physical strength and durability proportionately. Just like others in the Ant family, Goliath's abilities are augmented by a specialized suit, enabling him to better harness and control his size-shifting powers.
The episode vividly showcases Goliath's endeavors. We witness him struggling to subdue Peter Quill with a metal roof, only to find Quill's celestial powers too formidable. Goliath's involvement is also crucial in the Mojave Desert battle against Ego's Stone Men.
Initially, he effectively combats the early waves of adversaries, but ultimately, he faces overpowering odds. The tide of the battle shifts only when Peter experiences a change of heart and defeats his own father, bringing a dramatic conclusion to the conflict.
Who Is He In The Original MCU?
Before his towering role as Goliath in "What If...?" where he joined Earth's Mightiest Heroes, Bill Foster made his cinematic debut in "Ant-Man and the Wasp" (2018). Portrayed by Laurence Fishburne, Foster emerges as a supportive p for Ava Starr, also known as Ghost. As Hank Pym's former collaborator, he was deeply involved in Project G.O.L.I.A.T.H., aimed at augmenting body mass. Despite reaching a remarkable height of 21 feet, a disagreement with Pym led to his departure from the project. Following Pym's exit from S.H.I.E.L.D. after Janet's disappearance, the project was put on hold.
In Earth-616's narrative, Bill's journey takes a turn as he becomes a former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent after its collapse, revealed during "Captain America and the Winter Soldier." The discovery of HYDRA's infiltration into S.H.I.E.L.D. marked a pivotal moment. Post-S.H.I.E.L.D., Bill focuses on aiding Ava in mastering her powers.
Contrastingly, the "What If...?" series set in 1988 presents an alternate reality. Here, Bill remains dedicated to Project G.O.L.I.A.T.H., despite his rift with Pym and the latter's exit from S.H.I.E.L.D. On this Earth, Bill even improves the suit initially crafted by Pym, achieving greater heights and mass.
With Pym's eventual return to New York and joining the alternate Avengers, this version of Bill steers clear of the path taken by his original counterpart, fostering friendship instead of resentment.
As for the original Bill Foster, last seen assisting a more stable Ava, there's anticipation around his potential return alongside Hannah John-Kamen's Ghost in "Thunderbolts." However, conflicting reports about John-Kamen’s involvement in the film have cast some doubt on this expectation.
Laurence Fishburne's Role In MCU
Laurence Fishburne, celebrated for his diverse and iconic roles, ventured into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Bill Foster in "Ant-Man and The Wasp" (2018). Although his performance was impactful, it's often overshadowed by the film's other elements. Fishburne's character, known in the comics as Black Goliath, Goliath, and Giant-Man, is notably connected to Ava Starr, or Ghost, who is slated for a return in the "Thunderbolts" movie. This connection fuels speculation about Foster's potential involvement in the upcoming film.
During a promotional interview for "John Wick: Chapter 4," Fishburne revealed his MCU future, confirming his return as Bill Foster in "What If...?" Season 2, this time taking on the mantle of Giant-Man. It's hinted that he might be part of an earlier Avengers team, likely with Hank Pym, given their shared history with Pym particles.
Fishburne's entry into the Marvel universe isn't his first foray into superhero films. His voice role as the Silver Surfer in "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" and his appearances in "The Matrix," "John Wick," and "Man of Steel" showcase his versatility across major franchises. A lifelong comic book enthusiast,
Fishburne has expressed joy in realizing his dream by stepping into the MCU. His character, while not the main villain in "Ant-Man & The Wasp," holds significant potential for further development in the MCU, especially considering his link to Ghost, a key character in the upcoming "The Thunderbolts."