As Agatha Harkness’ coven brings a significant addition from the Young Avengers into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Agatha All Along, many fans are left wondering if a complete Maximoff family reunion is on the horizon. With Joe Locke’s Billy Maximoff, also known as Wiccan, journeying down the Witches’ Road, and Paul Bettany’s Vision making a return in Vision Quest, the absence of both Tommy/Speed and the Scarlet Witch herself raises intriguing questions. However, it is clear from Agatha All Along that Wanda Maximoff is confirmed to be dead and gone.
Ever since her unforgettable debut in the mid-credits scene of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Elizabeth Olsen’s portrayal of Wanda Maximoff has garnered commendations as one of the standout performances in the MCU. Fans have speculated about her possible return in the upcoming Doomsday/Secret Wars films, but Agatha All Along seems to be quenching these hopes by emphasizing Wanda’s apparent demise.
Wanda Maximoff is No Longer Alive in the MCU
As a quick recap, Wanda took a dark turn in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, fully embracing her Scarlet Witch identity that was hinted at the conclusion of WandaVision. Many long-standing fans were left dissatisfied with how her narrative unfolded in Multiverse of Madness, especially the dramatic conclusion of her character when she was buried beneath the rubble of Mount Wundagore.
Set three years after the events of WandaVision, Agatha All Along follows Billy Maximoff as he seeks his brother on the Witches’ Road. Multiple theories propose that Billy’s ultimate aim is to reunite with his mother. Nevertheless, the MCU appears to be adopting a more deliberate pace regarding Wanda’s potential comeback. For the moment, Agatha All Along is adamant about emphasizing Wanda’s deceased status, even incorporating a nod to The Wizard of Oz with the phrase “really, most sincerely dead,”as well as drawing a parallel to Wanda being ‘crushed’ like the Wicked Witch of the East.
In the October 16 episode titled “Familiar by Thy Side,”the hints regarding Wanda’s death intensified, with at least four confirmations that she has passed away. The most obvious instance was when Billy attempted to untangle the complicated Maximoff family lineage, which was clearly stated on paper that Wanda is dead. The reappearance of Ralph Bohner (played by Evan Peters) further solidified Wanda’s status. Ultimately, Agatha suggested that despite magical interventions, Wanda is irrevocably lost. However, for fans with hope, this could merely be MCU’s classic misdirection.
Moreover, some fans noted Agatha’s comment to Billy, implying that since his secret is now known, “Every witch with a beating heart can hear you now.” This could suggest that if Wanda exists somewhere, she might be drawn toward her son, particularly since the situation with Lilia Calderu’s (Patti LuPone) is precarious. Multiverse of Madness showcased Wanda’s willingness to traverse universes to reclaim her children, and if Tommy is also seeking her, a mother’s love could potentially catalyze her return from the dead.
For now, though, Wanda remains deceased. As referenced in the book Marvel Studios’ The Marvel Cinematic Universe: An Official Timeline, Wanda’s demise is mentioned in connection with Mount Wundagore, stating:
“[Wanda] destroys Wundagore – and collapses it upon herself – eliminating two significant threats to the Multiverse.”
The book emphasizes this event with a symbol indicating a major character mortality within the MCU.
Elizabeth Olsen’s Thoughts on Reprising Scarlet Witch
In addition to rampant speculation and scattered dialogue, various real-world discussions have surfaced regarding Olsen potentially donning her iconic red crown once again. The actress has openly expressed her desire to return to the MCU, even conceptualizing her own narrative for bringing Wanda back to life, and has shown significant interest in exploring Wanda’s ties to the X-Men.
Jac Schaeffer, the showrunner behind WandaVision and Agatha All Along, added to the intrigue when discussing the theory that Wanda’s ‘death’ in Multiverse of Madness only eliminated her Scarlet Witch persona. In an interview with TheWrap, she stated:
“I’m keeping a really good poker face. What I can say is that I truly appreciate your thought process.”
Schaeffer maintained that Agatha All Along is primarily focused on Kathryn Hahn’s character but remained cryptic about the possibility of a surprise appearance from Wanda. More likely, the series will leave audiences with a glimpse of Speed.
Given that Kevin Feige once called Wanda Maximoff the most formidable character in the MCU, her return could be crucial in combating Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom in the forthcoming Avengers films. The returns of stars like Downey Jr., Chris Evans, and Hugh Jackman have shown that even those who claim to have stepped away from the MCU may return someday. Olsen herself has been candid about her enthusiasm to keep portraying Wanda Maximoff.
In conjunction with Olsen’s expected return in Terry Matalas’ Vision Quest, there is considerable speculation surrounding the idea of a standalone Scarlet Witch film. Currently, Wanda’s return is not included in the Phase 6 slate. Nevertheless, a post-Secret Wars film dedicated to her within the looming Phase 7 could serve as a significant draw for fans. Although releasing projects focused on Billy (in Agatha All Along), Tommy (in the speculated Speed spin-off), and Vision (in Vision Quest) before a Scarlet Witch film may seem excessive, the MCU is bustling with activity such that her immediate return doesn’t feel necessary right now.
How the MCU intends to introduce Battleworld or if the Earth-616 version of Wanda will be resurrected, or if an alternate iteration from a different reality will become the new focal point of the franchise, remains uncertain. Yet, there is an air of optimism that this resourceful witch may be down, but she is far from out when it comes to her future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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