Uatu the Watcher made his first appearance in The Fantastic Four #13 in April 1963. He was created by the legendary duo of writer-editor Stan Lee and artist-plotter Jack Kirby, the architects of the burgeoning Marvel Universe. Uatu's introduction was a pivotal moment in Marvel's Silver Age, representing a significant expansion of the universe's scope. At the time, Lee and Kirby were systematically building a grander, more interconnected cosmos. Following the creation of cosmic-level characters like the Skrulls, they introduced Uatu not as a hero or a villain, but as something entirely different: a neutral, god-like observer. This concept added a layer of mythological grandeur and cosmic mystery to their stories. Uatu's presence implied that the adventures of Earth's heroes were not isolated incidents but events of such magnitude that they warranted the attention of ancient, omnipotent beings. His debut, in a story where the Fantastic Four travel to his home on the Blue Area of the Moon, immediately established the scale and stakes of the Marvel Universe. He would go on to become a key narrative device, his appearance often heralding a story of immense consequence.
The origin of Uatu is inextricably linked to the history of his entire race and the tragic events that led to their sacred vow. This history is consistent in its core elements, though the details of Uatu's specific journey differ between the comics and the MCU.
The Watchers are among the oldest sentient species in the universe. Billions of years ago, they were a technologically and intellectually advanced race led by Uatu's father, Ikor. Believing their knowledge should be used to help uplift less developed races, Ikor spearheaded a mission to the planet Prosilicus. The Watchers gifted the Prosilicans with the knowledge of nuclear energy, hoping it would usher in a golden age for their society. The Prosilicans, however, used this newfound power not for prosperity but for warfare, developing atomic weapons that quickly led to a global nuclear holocaust, annihilating their entire civilization. Devastated by the cataclysm they had inadvertently caused, the Watchers, led by Ikor, collectively swore a solemn, unbreakable oath: they would henceforth only observe the universe and its myriad events, but they would never interfere, no matter the circumstance. This vow became the defining principle of their existence. Uatu was a young Watcher at the time of the Prosilican tragedy and took the oath along with his brethren. He was later assigned to observe Earth's solar system from a base he established in the ruins of a Kree/Skrull outpost on the Blue Area of the Moon. From this vantage point, he watched the evolution of humanity. Unlike his fellow Watchers, who maintained a cold, detached perspective, Uatu developed a deep and profound fascination and empathy for humanity. He was particularly captivated by the dawn of the heroic age, starting with the emergence of the Fantastic Four. His first recorded interaction with humans was when the Fantastic Four journeyed to the moon and discovered his citadel. Though he initially tried to deter them with illusions, he ultimately revealed himself and his purpose. This encounter marked the beginning of Uatu's long and conflicted history of “almost” interfering, a pattern that would define his character for decades.
The MCU's depiction of the Watchers' origin is less explicitly detailed than in the comics, but the core tenets remain. The Watchers are established as an ancient, incredibly powerful race of observers. They were first seen in a brief, non-speaking cameo in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), where they are seen on a desolate asteroid listening to an informant—who is revealed to be a disguised Stan Lee—recounting his various adventures. This scene confirmed their existence as passive observers within the cinematic universe. Uatu's full introduction came in the Disney+ animated series What If…? (2021), where he serves as the narrator and guide through the divergent timelines of the multiverse. Voiced by Jeffrey Wright, this version of Uatu is presented as the sole guardian and chronicler of the multiverse, observing all realities from a crystalline dimension he calls the Nexus of All Realities. In the series, he repeatedly recites his oath: “I am the Watcher. I am your guide through these vast new realities. Follow me and ponder the question… 'What If?' But I cannot, will not, interfere.” Throughout the first season, Uatu struggles with this vow as he witnesses immense tragedies, such as the destruction of Doctor Strange's universe and the zombie apocalypse. His empathy and frustration grow until a new, unprecedented threat emerges: a version of Ultron who has acquired the Infinity Stones, killed Thanos, and become aware of the multiverse itself. This “Infinity Ultron” transcends his own reality and attacks the Watcher in his nexus. Recognizing that this threat could destroy all of reality, Uatu is forced to shatter his oath completely. He actively intervenes by gathering heroes from across the multiverse—the Guardians of the Multiverse—to fight and defeat Ultron. This act represents a significant evolution from a passive storyteller to an active, universe-saving hero, a character arc that is the central focus of the series' first season.
Uatu's power level places him among the most formidable beings in the Marvel cosmos, on a scale comparable to entities like Galactus or the Celestials. His capabilities are largely consistent across both comic and screen adaptations, though their application differs based on his adherence to his oath.
As a Watcher, Uatu's physiology and intellect are far beyond human comprehension. His abilities are vast and derive from his innate control over cosmic energy.
Uatu is defined by a deep, internal conflict. He is intellectually and philosophically committed to the Watchers' vow of non-interference, yet he possesses a powerful sense of empathy and compassion, particularly for the flawed but resilient human race. This makes him appear melancholic, somber, and deeply burdened by the knowledge he carries. He is not a cold machine; he is a being who feels the weight of every tragedy he is forced to witness in silence. His “interferences” are often subtle—a cryptic warning, a shared piece of knowledge, a pointed look—allowing him to technically uphold his oath while still guiding heroes in the right direction.
The Uatu of the What If…? series showcases a similar power set, but the narrative allows him to unleash it in a way rarely seen in the comics.
Jeffrey Wright's portrayal gives Uatu a distinct personality that evolves over the course of the series. He begins as a detached, almost academic observer with a booming, theatrical voice, treating the stories of the multiverse as cautionary tales or interesting thought experiments. However, his narration reveals a growing emotional investment. He expresses sorrow for Doctor Strange Supreme, admiration for Captain Carter, and genuine fear of Infinity Ultron. His ultimate decision to break his vow is portrayed not as a moment of weakness, but as a necessary, heroic choice, cementing his role as the guardian of the multiverse, not just its chronicler. He is a being who learns that observation without action can be a prison.
Despite his vow of solitude and non-interference, Uatu has formed several profound and impactful relationships over his long watch, particularly with the inhabitants of Earth.
Uatu's appearances almost always signify a moment of great importance. A few storylines stand out as being fundamental to his character and his impact on the Marvel Universe.
This is arguably the most important story in Uatu's history. When Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer, arrive at Earth, Uatu makes his most decisive stand. Initially, he attempts to hide the planet from the Surfer using illusions. When that fails, he confronts Galactus directly, stating that Earth is under his protection. Though powerless to stop the devourer, Uatu takes the monumental step of sending the Human Torch to Galactus's worldship to retrieve the Ultimate Nullifier, the only known weapon in the universe that Galactus fears. This act of direct, tangible interference saves the planet and establishes the core conflict of Uatu's character: his oath versus his conscience.
This major crossover event begins with a shocking premise: Uatu the Watcher has been murdered. His eyes have been gouged out, and his citadel on the moon has been ransacked. The mystery of his death drives the entire plot, as Captain America, Nick Fury, and a collection of heroes investigate. The investigation reveals that Uatu's eyes function as living records of everything he has ever seen. The villain known as the Orb detonates one of the eyes, releasing every secret Uatu ever witnessed into the minds of the heroes present, causing chaos and mistrust. The storyline culminates in the revelation that an elderly, dying Nick Fury was the killer. Fury killed Uatu to prevent his secrets from falling into the wrong hands and to take on the mantle of Earth's “Man on the Wall,” a clandestine protector against cosmic threats. The event ends with Uatu dead and Fury transformed into The Unseen, forever chained to the moon in Uatu's place.
Years after his death, the Empyre event brought about Uatu's surprising return. During the war between the Kree/Skrull alliance and the plant-like Cotati, Nick Fury (as The Unseen) discovers that the Cotati are using technology that can re-catalyze life from any biological material. Realizing this could be used to resurrect Uatu, Fury manipulates the unfolding events. He acquires the necessary technology and uses it on Uatu's remains. Uatu is reborn, but not as he was. He is now fused with the advanced technology and the knowledge of his own citadel, evolving from a simple Watcher into something more: a “Watcher of Worlds.” This resurrected Uatu possesses all his old knowledge plus everything The Unseen witnessed in his stead, making him more powerful and knowledgeable than ever before.
As a being who observes all realities, Uatu has naturally appeared in many alternate universe stories, often as the narrator who introduces the divergent timeline.