Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is set to bring back Elizabeth Olsen's Wanda Maximoff to the big screen, teaming up with Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Strange as they deal with the concept of alternate realities. The upcoming sequel is expected to continue story threads from several MCU projects, such as Spider-Man: No Way Home, and WandaVision. The latter seems to be an integral part of the plot as elements such as the Darkhold and Wanda's transition into the Scarlet Witch are set to be explored in the sequel.
Marketing for Multiverse of Madness has mainly focused on the Scarlet Witch, with official footage showcasing the character's killing spree and villainous intentions. This has led to fan debate online about whether Wanda is the film's villain or the character's Variant is the one doing the damage.
Now, as the film's release inches closer, Disney+ has provided fans with more content about the Scarlet Witch that should prepare them for the sequel.
Scarlet Witch's Thrilling MCU Journey
Disney+ officially released a new episode of Marvel Studios: Legends revolving around Elizabeth Olsen's Scarlet Witch. This installment mainly focuses on a recap of WandaVision, with less time given to her film appearances from the Infinity Saga:
"Episode 17: After the events of “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Endgame,” Wanda Maximoff was left devastated and mourning the loss of her beloved Vision. Unable to properly cope with the overwhelming grief, Wanda used her immense power to manifest a seemingly idyllic life in a small town called Westview. LEGENDS recounts Maximoff’s journey from playing the part of happy homemaker, to emerging as the dreaded Scarlet Witch..."
Prior to her Disney+ show's debut, Wanda Maximoff also received an episode, with it chronicling the Avenger's story during the Infinity Saga. This also makes Wanda the only MCU character so far to receive two installments of Marvel Studios: Legends.
This episode prepped viewers on the character's history leading up to the first Phase 4 project, WandaVision:
""Episode 1: Marvel Studios LEGENDS traces Wanda Maximoff’s evolution from an adversary of The Avengers to a powerful ally, and highlights one special relationship destined to shape her future in unexpected ways."
Is Scarlet Witch A Villain?
Based on this new Marvel Studios: Legends episode, it seems that characters will receive updated installments once they return to new projects on the big screen. This should serve as a precedent for future projects, meaning that characters like the Guardians could receive two episodes as well since they will be featured in Thor: Love and Thunder and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
This installment of Legends focusing heavily on WandaVision should be a clear sign that the solo series will have a greater impact on Wanda's role in the Doctor Strange sequel than any other MCU project. The names of the installments are also telling, firmly establishing that Wanda's position as the Scarlet Witch will come into play.
At the end of WandaVision, it is unknown if Wanda has accepted her fate as a dreaded villain or if she is still a hero. Multiverse of Madness' trailers depicted Wanda as both being heroic and villainous, thus leading to more confusion. That said, it's possible that the Doctor Strange sequel will showcase another inner challenge for Wanda, similar to what the Disney+ series did.
Among the heroes in the MCU, Wanda has had one of the most complicated journeys, with the character experiencing tragic deaths and overwhelming public scrutiny. It seems that all of those will push Wanda to the limit, thus unleashing the Scarlet Witch with all her might.
Ultimately, this could lead to an emotional encounter between her and the titular Sorcerer, with Strange being the only one capable of holding off Wanda's dominance.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is set to premiere in theaters on May 6.
