How WandaVision Set the Stage for Scarlet Witch’s Dark Turn and the Future of the MCU

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) took a bold leap into television with WandaVision, marking a pivotal moment for both fans and the future of the franchise. Following the massive success of Avengers: Endgame, WandaVision was the first Disney+ series to expand the MCU in new and unexpected ways, introducing an innovative blend of superhero action, sitcom nostalgia, and psychological depth. The show wasn’t just a hit, but a ground breaking entry that redefined the boundaries of the MCU.

While WandaVision is packed with fascinating subplots, complex character development, and shocking reveals, its most significant impact was how it closed Wanda Maximoff’s story, transforming her into the Scarlet Witch, one of the most powerful and dangerous beings in the Marvel universe. The ending also set up a chain reaction of events that will ripple through future MCU movies and series, such as Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Agatha All Along, and Vision Quest.

Here’s a breakdown of the climactic WandaVision finale and how it reshaped the MCU.

Agatha Harkness: The Witch Behind the Curtain

One of the biggest twists in WandaVision was the true identity of Agnes, the nosy neighbour. Kathryn Hahn’s character was revealed to be Agatha Harkness, an ancient and powerful witch with a deep interest in Wanda’s abilities. From the moment she dropped her Agnes persona, Agatha’s sinister plan became clear: she wasn’t merely an observer in Westview, but a manipulative villain who sought to siphon Wanda’s Chaos Magic.

Agatha’s ability to absorb the magic of others made her a formidable foe, and her revelation about Wanda being the mythical Scarlet Witch was crucial to the MCU’s magic lore. According to Agatha, the Scarlet Witch is an entity born from a combination of extraordinary circumstances a figure even more powerful than the Sorcerer Supreme (Doctor Strange). Agatha’s true plan was to take Wanda’s power for herself, offering to stabilize the town of Westview in exchange for control of the Scarlet Witch’s chaotic abilities.

Agatha’s motives added another layer of complexity to WandaVision, showcasing her as both an antagonist and a reluctant mentor. While she wanted to manipulate Wanda, her knowledge of magic foreshadowed her importance to the MCU’s future, especially in the upcoming series Agatha All Along.

The Creation of White Vision: Hayward’s Plan Unveiled

While Agatha was orchestrating magical chaos, Director Hayward of SWORD was executing his own nefarious plan in the background. His creation of the White Vision was a calculated move designed to discredit Wanda and seize control of Vision. By manipulating footage to suggest Wanda stole Vision’s body, Hayward justified his rogue actions, presenting White Vision as a new weapon.

White Vision, a colourless and emotionless version of the original Vision, was sent to Westview with one mission: to destroy Wanda’s version of Vision, who was conjured from her memories and the power of the Mind Stone. However, in a twist that perfectly encapsulated Vision’s character, the battle between the two Visions wasn’t resolved through brute force, but through philosophy.

Vision used a classic thought experiment, known as the Ship of Theseus, to question the nature of identity and existence. By unlocking White Vision’s memories, Vision transferred his essence into his counterpart, prompting White Vision to declare, “I am Vision,” before flying off to parts unknown. This moment didn’t just signify Vision’s survival but hinted at his return in the MCU, likely to be explored in the Vision Quest series.

The Scarlet Witch Awakens: Wanda’s Transformation

The most pivotal moment of WandaVision came during the final showdown between Wanda and Agatha. In a cunning move, Wanda appeared to surrender her Chaos Magic to Agatha, but she was secretly laying runes around Westview, preventing Agatha from using magic within its boundaries. This was a call back to Agatha’s own lesson in an earlier episode and showed how quickly Wanda was mastering her newfound abilities.

This battle wasn’t just a fight for power it was Wanda’s acceptance of her true identity as the Scarlet Witch. The transformation scene was visually stunning, with Wanda donning a new costume that reflected her dark and powerful nature. This was the birth of the Scarlet Witch, a character rooted in chaos and capable of reshaping reality itself. Agatha’s warnings about Wanda unleashing something terrible were not merely villainous posturing they foreshadowed Wanda’s future descent into darkness, which was later fully realized in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

The Moral Dilemma: Wanda’s Final Choice

As the Hex surrounding Westview began to collapse, Wanda faced a heart-wrenching choice: free the town’s residents from their painful enslavement or keep her family intact. This moment encapsulated the emotional core of WandaVision, as Wanda had to confront the consequences of her actions. The people of Westview had been trapped in a false reality, forced to live out sitcom-inspired lives under Wanda’s control. While her motivations stemmed from grief, the moral implications of her actions were undeniable.

In the end, Wanda chose to dismantle the Hex, sacrificing her family in the process. Vision, and her two children, Billy and Tommy, were products of Wanda’s magic, and their existence was tied to the continuation of the spell. As the walls of the Hex fell, Wanda had to say goodbye, not just to the life she had created, but to the last remnants of her happiness.

This decision was a turning point for Wanda, as it solidified her role as a tragic figure in the MCU. Although she saved Westview, the cost was immense, and the emotional scars left behind would fuel her darker path in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

The Post-Credits Scene: Wanda’s Dark Future

WandaVision’s final post-credits scene left fans with more questions than answers. Wanda was shown in a remote cabin, seemingly at peace. But as the camera panned, it revealed that while one version of Wanda was relaxing, her astral form was frantically studying the Darkhold, an ancient book of dark magic. This eerie moment hinted at Wanda’s future as a villain, as she heard the voices of her lost children, Billy and Tommy, calling to her from another universe.

This set the stage for Wanda’s storyline in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, where she would stop at nothing to reunite with her children, even if it meant tearing apart the multiverse.

Vision’s Legacy: What Comes Next?

Although WandaVision concluded with Vision’s apparent death, the story left several loose threads regarding his future. With White Vision now carrying the original Vision’s memories, it’s clear that this character’s journey is far from over. The Vision Quest series, likely slated for release in 2026, will delve into White Vision’s search for his identity and purpose, exploring what it means to be Vision without Wanda.

The rebirth of Vision also raises questions about his potential role in the larger MCU. Will he reunite with Wanda? Or will he seek out answers about his creation, possibly revisiting his connections to Tony Stark and Ultron? Vision’s return could have profound implications for the future of the Avengers and the MCU at large.

Agatha Harkness and the Future of Magic in the MCU

Agatha Harkness, despite her defeat, remains a key player in the MCU’s magical realm. Wanda’s decision to trap Agatha in her “Agnes” persona wasn’t just an act of mercy, but a setup for future conflicts. Agatha warned Wanda that she would need her help in the future, and with the upcoming Agatha All Along series, it’s clear that Agatha’s story is far from over.

In the comics, Agatha serves as a mentor to Wanda, guiding her through the complexities of magic. Although their relationship in the MCU started off as adversarial, there’s potential for Agatha to return as a reluctant ally, especially now that Wanda has fully embraced her Scarlet Witch persona.

WandaVision’s Lasting Impact on the MCU

WandaVision was more than just a television show it was a game-changer for the MCU. It expanded the universe, introduced new magical lore, and transformed Wanda Maximoff into the Scarlet Witch, one of the most powerful and tragic figures in Marvel history. The show’s ending set the stage for future storylines, from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness to Agatha All Along and Vision Quest, ensuring that the consequences of Wanda’s actions will be felt for years to come.

With its blend of emotional depth, magical intrigue, and superhero spectacle, WandaVision stands as one of the most innovative and impactful entries in the MCU, forever altering the course of its future.