With WandaVision, Marvel and Disney+ kickstarted the fourth phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The series is a welcome surprise in the MCU, offering scenes that cater to every taste. From classic American sitcoms to typical superhero action scenes, it has it all. With WandaVision, Disney+ has another gem on its hands after the successful run of The Mandalorian.
SPOILER ALERT
Marvel’s Phase 3 reached its climax with Avengers: Endgame (2019). In this movie, the remaining Avengers reverse Thanos’s snap from Avengers: Infinity War (2018). WandaVision takes place after the events of Infinity War and Endgame. Thanos needs the Mind Stone to snap his fingers and wipe out half of the world’s population. Coincidentally, the Mind Stone is the source that brings the AI superhero Vision to “life.” Vision’s subsequent death marks the beginning of WandaVision.
Classic sitcom meets The Truman Show
After the victory over Thanos, Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) mourns the loss of her great love, Vision (Paul Bettany). Using her powers, she takes over the American town of Westview, including all its inhabitants, and resurrects Vision with her memories. The first few episodes pay homage to sitcoms from the 1950s to the present day. References to shows like The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-1966), Bewitched (1964-1972), The Brady Bunch (1969-1974), Full House (1987-1995), Malcolm in the Middle (2000-2006), Modern Family (2009-2020), and The Office US (2005-2013) are abundant.
The series may take some getting used to for Marvel fans who particularly value the action scenes, as the early episodes focus heavily on sitcom homages. However, these tributes to sitcoms are excellently executed and somehow fit perfectly within the MCU. But don’t worry; the action scenes do come, and they are worth the wait.
Is everything going smoothly in Westview for Wanda and Vision? Of course not! Right from the first episode, it becomes clear that Wanda has created a new reality reminiscent of The Truman Show (1998). Vision and the other residents of Westview seem unaware that Wanda is controlling them and the sitcom’s storyline.
This is also noticed outside of Westview. The FBI and S.W.O.R.D. are determined to find out what happened in Westview and what is really going on inside. Familiar MCU faces make appearances here, such as FBI agent Jimmy Woo from Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018), Dr. Darcy Lewis from Thor (2011), and Monica Rambeau, the daughter of Maria Rambeau from Captain Marvel (2019). They are introduced from the fourth episode onwards, providing a nice contrast to the scenes with Wanda and Vision. While these scenes occasionally slow down the pace, they generally deepen the story, which the series needs.
Disney+
With a new episode every week, Disney and Marvel have built up anticipation for the finale. From the first episode, the internet was flooded with theories about the series’ possible outcome. Several twists were predicted, but they were executed in such a way that they were still surprising. For instance, the true identity of the curious neighbor Agnes (Kathryn Hahn) was predicted, but Marvel and Disney executed this twist exceptionally well and in an entertaining manner.
The success of WandaVision owes much to the actors. Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany are perfectly cast in the lead roles. Both have excellent comedic timing and know how to portray superheroes. But perhaps even more important are their scenes together. The chemistry between them is palpable, which is necessary in a series born out of mourning for a loved one. Old favorite Kat Dennings as Darcy Lewis and newcomer Kathryn Hahn are great comedic additions to the MCU. Hahn may not seem like a typical Marvel actress at first glance, but she is perfectly cast as the curious neighbor Agnes and witch Agatha Harkness. Her talents shine through, both in the sitcom style and as the villainous witch.
For streaming service Disney+, this is now the second monster hit after The Mandalorian (2019-). The two series couldn’t be further apart, but both appeal to a huge fanbase. And besides, they’re just really great series. It seems that Disney, in its collaborations with Marvel and Lucasfilm, has embarked on an important new and successful chapter that shows no signs of ending anytime soon. The schedule is packed with new original films and series set within the MCU and the Star Wars universe. In just two weeks, the new Marvel series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) will be ready to stream on Disney+.
WandaVision (2021) – Disney+
Blends the style of classic sitcoms with the MCU, in which Wanda Maximoff and Vision – two super-powered beings living their ideal suburban lives – begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems.
Cast: Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Kathryn Hahn, and others.
Creator: Jac Schaeffer
Studios: Marvel & Disney
