What The Events Of Doctor Strange 2 Mean For Scarlet Witch's Future
The Scarlet Witch is currently having a moment. Following the release of "WandaVision” on Disney+ in 2021, Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) has skyrocketed in popularity, becoming a favorite among fans and, arguably, the most beloved heroine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Sokovian spellcaster first debuted alongside her twin brother, Pietro Maximoff aka Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), in a post-credits scene for "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" (2014) before establishing herself properly on the big screen in 2015's "Avengers: Age Of Ultron."
Wanda joined the Avengers following Pietro's death, and was a key player for Team Cap during "Captain America: Civil War" (2016). "Avengers: Infinity War" (2018) and "Avengers: Endgame" (2019) saw her level up against Thanos (Josh Brolin) and the Black Order, but it wasn't until "WandaVision" that fans witnessed the true potential of the Scarlet Witch on-screen for the first time, as she used her classic reality-warping chaos magic from the comics to revive Vision (Paul Bettany) and recreate her ideal sitcom life in the suburbs of Westview.
"Doctor Strange in the Multiverse Of Madness" features Wanda's return to the big screen — and she's back with a bang. Gone is the nose-scrunching witch next door from "WandaVision." Instead, the Scarlet Witch is a ruthless villain hellbent on unleashing the full might of her power, without mercy, in the pursuit of her goals. Wanda's brutal arc in "Multiverse of Madness" culminates with her seemingly sacrificing herself to destroy the Darkhold Castle. But given the character's popularity — and Elizabeth Olsen's new deal with Marvel — it's all but guaranteed that fans haven't seen the last of the Scarlet Witch.
Evil Wanda has risen
Love it or hate it, Wanda is a villain throughout "Multiverse of Madness." Not since Thanos or "Thor: Ragnarok's" Hela (Cate Blanchett) has there been a Marvel bad guy this successful. The Scarlet Witch is near unstoppable: From slaughtering the sorcerers of Kamar-Taj to shredding Reed Richards (John Krasinski), Wanda barrels through her enemies without remorse as she pursues America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) and Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) throughout the multiverse.
This isn't new for comic fans. Wanda has dabbled with the dark side before in her Marvel Comics history, notably in 2005's "House of M" storyline which sees the Scarlet Witch suffer a mental breakdown and rewrite reality to reunite with her children. "Multiverse Of Madness" could be viewed as a loose adaptation of "House of M," following on from Wanda's reality-warping exploits in "WandaVision."
Evil Wanda has polarized critics. Many have praised Elizabeth Olsen's performance while others have criticized her villainous role in the "Doctor Strange" sequel. One thing is clear: Wanda must atone for her actions if she's ever to become a hero again. A redemption arc is on the horizon for the Scarlet Witch ... Or so fans hope.
Wanda shares similarities with Marc Spector
In the penultimate episode of "WandaVision," a newly suped up Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) confronts Wanda after fighting through the hex's barrier and beseeches her to see reason before S.W.O.R.D Director Hayward (Josh Stamberg) razes Westview to the ground. Wanda's not interested in hearing the truth, screaming "Don't talk to me about that! I don't want to hear about it!" The Scarlet Witch shows Monica the door and the two share a confrontation until Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) interrupts.
It's interesting to note how Wanda's reaction is similar to Oscar Isaac's performance as Marc Spector/Steven Grant in "Moon Knight," Marvel's latest Disney+ series. The penultimate episode of "Moon Knight" also features its titular character taking a vivid stroll down memory lane, revisiting past experiences and traumas that shaped their origin stories. Marc, like Wanda, is reluctant to revisit certain memories; he lashes out at himself while telling Steven he "can't make [him]" face the truth of what has happened to him.
This link between the Scarlet Witch and Isaac's Moon Knight is important — but we'll get to that in a minute...
Wanda had to choose between Westview and her family
The series finale of "WandaVision" is when everything comes crashing down for Wanda — literally. No longer can she suppress the reality of what she's done. Agatha reveals the extent of Wanda's reign of terror in Westview by releasing the townspeople under her spell, remarking that they're "[Wanda's] meat puppets." Wanda is forced to hear the truth from the innocent people she's hurt — and it isn't pretty. One of the townspeople begs Wanda to let her die. The pain that Wanda's inflicted is too much to bear: The former Avenger lashes out as she loses control, then quickly composes herself when she sees her chaos magic choking the Westview inhabitants. Agatha reminds her that "heroes don't torture people," and we see a sliver of Avenger Wanda come out when she begins to tear the hex down.
But this reveals another devastating truth: Wanda's twins and Vision are tied to the hex. If the hex goes, so do they. This puts Wanda in the ultimate test of morality. Does she do the right thing and release Westview from her control? Or does she do what a villain would do – keep the hex regardless of the consequences, uncaring of the suffering townspeople as long as she gets to keep her family?
Wanda sees herself as a villain
If you've seen "WandaVision," then you know Wanda makes the right choice. This prevents "WandaVision" from being a villainous origin story. After an emotional goodbye to her husband and children, the Scarlet Witch takes down the reality-warping hex, leaving Westview and its people alone for good. Monica comments on Wanda's losses, telling her the townspeople will "never know what [she] sacrificed for them." Wanda answers: "That wouldn't change how they see me." Then she's off, away to study the Darkhold and learn more about her magical powers.
Wanda's departing line is crucial to her status in "Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness." Despite Monica's compassion, Wanda knows what she did to the people of Westview was wrong. Unforgivable, even. Compare this with the characters' earlier exchange in the previous episode. Monica implores Wanda to not allow Hayward to make her a villain, to which Wanda replies: "Maybe I already am."
Post-Westview, Wanda sees herself as an antagonist. With all the red in her ledger — Westview, Lagos, even the Hulk's chaos magic-induced rampage in "Age Of Ultron" — there's a sense that Wanda no longer views herself as redeemable. When Strange shows up talking about putting her face back on lunch boxes and becoming a poster girl for the Avengers again, she scoffs. Wanda doesn't see herself as a hero. In her mind, she's too far gone. The Scarlet Witch is an irredeemable, unworthy villain whose only shred of happiness is her children.
The Scarlet Witch is a wild card
This justification fuels Wanda throughout "Multiverse of Madness;" if she can get back to her kids, she can go back to being the happy, harmless homemaker she portrayed in "WandaVision." It could be argued that her sons, Billy (Julian Hilliard) and Tommy (Jett Klyne), represent redemption. When they reject her at the end of the movie, it's a big wake up call. Even her children view her as a monster. Who can blame them? She did appear from a glowing red portal and try to kill their mother in the wake of carving a brutal and bloody path through the multiverse, after all.
So where does Wanda go from here? How does Marvel redeem a character that slaughtered countless sorcerers and dissected Captain Carter? After everything Wanda does in "Multiverse of Madness," it's hard to imagine any Avengers' welcoming her back into their roster any time soon. Her reputation in the MCU is, unfortunately, that of a loose cannon. Is there any point trying to redeem the Scarlet Witch? Should she remain a villain, another super-powered opponent for the Avengers to overcome?
Wanda could show up in Agatha: House Of Harkness
Short answer: No. Wanda Maximoff is more popular than ever on social media. Scroll through Twitter and you'll see an assortment of die-hard Wanda stans defending their favorite character. "WandaVision" turned the Scarlet Witch from a supporting character to the MCU's most beloved heroine (sorry Captain Marvel and Black Widow!) Some fans have already voiced their displeasure at seeing Wanda as a villain online, criticizing her arc in "Doctor Strange 2" as well as her ambiguous ending. Others have praised the dark direction, as well as Elizabeth Olsen's astounding acting as an uber-powerful Big Bad. All seem to agree on one thing: They want more Wanda, and they want it soon.
Luckily for them, Elizabeth Olsen is rumored to have signed a new deal with Marvel extending her contract, and there have been whispers of a "Scarlet Witch" solo movie in the pipework. Wanda is also rumored to appear in the upcoming Disney+ series "Agatha: House of Harkness," starring her fellow Westview witch Agatha Harkness. Considering it was Agatha who inadvertently gave Wanda the Darkhold after proclaiming her mythic destiny, it's likely the witches will have lots to catch up on. Agatha may take on a mentor-like role for the Scarlet Witch, as her character has done in the comics throughout history.
The MCU needs a Scarlet Witch solo movie
"House of Harkness" should be a stop on the road for Wanda, however. She needs a solo movie. So far, Wanda's been a supporting feature in team ups and other character's solo films, with the exception of "WandaVision" that had her and Vision share the spotlight. But Wanda's outgrown the 'supporting star' role. A "Scarlet Witch" movie would be the perfect continuation of her story after "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness." Finally, the character's connection to the X-Men could be explored. Marvel could bring Wiccan and Speed to the big screen properly by having them feature in Wanda's film as aged up versions of themselves (maybe they go searching for her in the multiverse this time?)
Better yet, the MCU could finally right the wrongs of "Age Of Ultron" and "WandaVision" by bringing back Pietro aka Quicksilver, Wanda's twin brother and a prominent character from the comic books. Why stop there? In the comics, their father is Magneto. Having the metal-manipulating mutant cameo in Wanda's solo film as a multiversal variant would be a great way to establish Wanda's connection to the mutants, while allowing for more super-powered family drama in the MCU. (Move over Fantastic Four.)
Wanda and Vision need to say hello again
Let's not forget the biggest variable in Wanda's future: Vision. Poor Wanda has said goodbye to her synthezoid soulmate multiple times in the MCU. During "Infinity War," Wanda is forced to destroy the Mind Stone in Vision's head, killing him in the process, to prevent Thanos from completing his Infinity Gauntlet ... Only for the Mad Titan to rewind time and kill Vision himself, before the eyes of a grieving Wanda. Ouch.
In "WandaVision," the Scarlet Witch brings Vision back to life (sort of) and the pair live in domestic bliss within the hex's confines. But, because Wanda seemingly can't catch a break in the MCU, she is forced to say goodbye to Vision again, as well as their twin sons Billy and Tommy. Double ouch.
Thankfully, there's a sliver of hope yet remaining for the couple. White Vision is still out there having been repaired by S.W.O.R.D, and he has the memories of his predecessor thanks to his intellectual showdown with the other Vision in "WandaVision's" season finale. There's every chance the new Vision could seek Wanda out in future, capitalizing on their final promise to "say hello again." Let's hope for a happier ending this time.
Wanda could team up with the Midnight Sons
Ultimately though, Wanda needs to cultivate some agency in the next chapter of her story. The Scarlet Witch has a long road back to redemption and she needs people around her who understand, who have also walked a dark path and done things that would make squeaky clean heroes like Spider-Man shudder.
People like Marc Spector. Oscar Isacc's future as the MCU mercenary is currently unclear, though some fans have speculated that Khonshu's Avatar will star alongside Kit Harington's Dane Whitman/Black Knight from "Eternals" in some sort of "Midnight Sons" adaptation.
Marvel is currently building a horror subsection within its sprawling world, spearheaded by "Moon Knight" as well as an upcoming "Blade" movie starring Mahersala Ali as the titular character. The Scarlet Witch could be the perfect addition to that roster rather than trying to rejoin the Avengers. The demonic, Raimi-esque chaos magic she used throughout "Multiverse of Madness" would feel at home in the horror genre, while the various creatures of the night could give her a challenge to overcome – and an opportunity to redeem herself.
The road to redemption
To fully bounce back from the dark side, though, the Scarlet Witch needs her own Anakin Skywalker moment, an opportunity to show the world she's sorry for her mistakes and wants to make amends. Wanda's journey in the MCU is complicated: Despite wanting to make the world a better place, she and Pietro join HYDRA, a Nazi science division, before defecting to the Avengers during "Age of Ultron." Wanda works with the Avengers until an accident in Lagos, whereafter the team is torn apart by the Sokovia Accords. Along with the rest of Team Cap and Black Widow, Wanda spends the next few years in hiding, secretly seeing Vision until Thanos' attack in "Infinity War" calls her to action once more.
The Scarlet Witch is one of the many heroes to face down the Mad Titan and his army during "Endgame." Following this, her arc starts to take a turn toward villainy, however. In fairness, the character's actions in "WandaVision" are, for the most part, subconscious, happening without Wanda's full understanding. In "Multiverse of Madness," however, the Scarlet Witch is one hundred percent Bad Guy.
Wanda's sacrifice at the end of the 2022 movie should be the catalyst for her road to redemption. Despite her terrible actions, there were sympathetic elements to Wanda's story even in her darkest moments. In an interview with Variety, Elizabeth Olsen confirmed that Wanda will "take accountability," and continue to "grow" following her actions. And we know just how she can do that...
Wanda vs. Chthon
The Elder God Chthon is mentioned in "Multiverse of Madness," but is yet to appear onscreen in the MCU. Author of the Darkhold, the god of chaos is revealed in the comics to be the source of Wanda's chaos magic. The MCU has depicted the Scarlet Witch as some sort of Avatar for Chthon, as Moon Knight is the Avatar of Khonshu. (Another "Moon Knight" connection!)
Should Chthon be unleashed on the world, the Scarlet Witch could be the only person with the power to defeat him. This would be an empowering moment for Wanda: Chthon's influence in the Darkhold is what corrupted her during "Multiverse of Madness," and liberating the world from his evil in an ultimate battle of chaos magic sounds like too great a spectacle for Marvel to miss out.
Chthon could also be a great villain to unite Wanda, Blade and the rest of the "Midnight Sons." Witches, vampires and demons together in the MCU would bring together the franchise's best and darkest horror elements, either on the big screen or during a Disney+ series.
The Scarlet Witch could show up in an Avengers movie
Post-redemption arc, Wanda's story should go back to the beginning with the Avengers. Practically, the Scarlet Witch is too powerful to be left off the team if somebody like Kang comes knocking. Thematically, rejoining the Avengers would symbolize a fresh start for Wanda to prove herself as a hero again, a second chance for the Scarlet Witch.
Little is known about Marvel's current plans for the next Avengers movie following "Endgame." The cinematic universe has a lot to set up and new characters to establish, now that fan favorites like Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) and Captain America (Chris Evans) are no longer leading Earth's Mightiest Heroes.
Alternatively, there is always the possibility that Wanda could appear in a Young Avengers movie. Billy and Tommy Maximoff aka Wiccan and Speed are two iconic characters from the Young Avengers' comics roster. With their inclusion in the MCU, as well as the introduction of other characters such as "Hawkeye's" Kate Bishop and America Chavez from "Multiverse Of Madness," the teen team could be making their live-action debut soon. Who better to cameo than Mother Maximoff herself?
The MCU needs Wanda Maximoff
"Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" cannot be the last fans see of Wanda Maximoff. The Scarlet Witch is too powerful and too popular to be benched for the next Phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Marvel fans have stuck with her for so long it feels anticlimactic to have her arc end now. In an interview with Extra, Elizabeth Olsen revealed: "There's a couple different versions of what could happen at the end of this film. Mostly, I want to hear what the fans who know her best, what they would like to see from her next."
Not to mention the almighty antagonists Phase 4 has introduced for the new Avengers to deal with. "Eternals" paved the way for Celestials like Arishem to threaten the planet's safety, whereas Sylvie (Sophia DiMartino) unleashed the multiverse — and Kang the Conqueror — in "Loki." Wanda could be instrumental in saving the world from these cosmic threats and sending a message to every Big Bad in the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Earth is under the Scarlet Witch's protection. Beware.