Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. 

WandaVision: Agatha Harkness reveal forever changes MCU

The villain has finally been unveiled

Jacob Stolworthy
Saturday 20 February 2021 11:10 GMT
Comments
Marvel releases new miniseries WandaVision: opening credits
Leer en Español

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

WandaVision has finally revealed the truth behind its sitcom reality – and it hints at very dark times ahead.

The seventh episode of Disney Plus’ hit Marvel show may have taken its inspiration from the mockumentary style of The Office and Modern Family, but it still found time to unveil one of the villains lurking behind-the-scenes.

*Spoilers follow – you have been warned*

Titled “Breaking the Fourth Wall”, this episode of WandaVision saw Vision (Paul Bettany) learn the truth about his fate in Avengers: Infinity War. It also saw Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) discover that she might not be as in control as she thought.

Viewers have been led to believe that Wanda is the one behind the Westview antics, rewriting history following in the wake of Vision’s death at the hands of Thanos (Josh Brolin).

Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) has some troubles ahead in the MCU
Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) has some troubles ahead in the MCU (Marvel Studios)

However, many fans have become convinced that she could have been under the spell of a famous Marvel villain – namely Mephisto and Nightmare, whose future presence seemed to be hinted following the arrival of Wanda’s brother, Pietro (played by X-Men star Evan Peters).

Episode seven revealed that Scarlet Witch didn’t create the sitcom world, after all – that was her neighbour Agnes (Kathryn Hahn), who has been unveiled as Agatha Harkness.

In Marvel comics, Agatha is an ancient sorceress whose story intersects with that of Scarlet Witch in the “House of M” storyline, which was referenced in the very first episode of WandaVision.

READ MORE: The crucial line that could reveal huge WandaVision cameo

This story sees Scarlet Witch alter the fabric of reality after suffering a mental breakdown due to losing the children she has with Vision. The children, who were conceived using magic, are taken from Wanda by a villain named Mephisto; it turns out their souls were fragments of his.

Many viewers believe Mephisto actually showed up in this episode – find out where here.

In the comics, it’s Agatha who then wipes Wanda’s memory so that she has no idea she even had children. That is until years later when she finds out and goes on a rampage, creating her own world in order to bring them back.

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free
Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free
Kathryn Hahn having the time of her life as Agatha Harkness in ‘WandaVision’
Kathryn Hahn having the time of her life as Agatha Harkness in ‘WandaVision’ (Marvel Studios)

What’s crucial to note is that Wanda doesn’t realise this for quite some time, and ends up becoming a protégé of Agatha’s. Together, the two resurrect Wonder Man, the character who helped create Vision.

Later, after Wonder Man dies while helping the Avengers, his brother, Grim Reaper, eventually vows to kill them all. The Grim Reaper’s appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was previously teased in the opening credits of WandaVision’s second episode.

Whatever the outcome in the series itself, Agatha’s introduction indicates there are dark times ahead for Wanda. The scene in which she lures Wanda away from Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) may be a sign of things to come – she is well and truly under Agatha’s spell.

READ MORE: Spider-Man film had WandaVision Easter egg without anyone realising

WandaVision continues Fridays on Disney Plus.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in