WandaVision might have reached the finish line, but it's clear that the impact of the series on the landscape of the MCU is far from over. Serving as the first Marvel project in Phase 4, the Elizabeth Olsen-led series finally confirmed the transformation for Wanda Maximoff into the Scarlet Witch while also showcasing new roles for several characters of the franchise.
Aside from Wanda, one of the characters that received a huge upgrade was Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau . After debuting as a kid in 2019's Captain Marvel , Monica made a triumphant return in WandaVision as a major figure of SWORD while also confirming the character's heroic transition into Spectrum.
Monica's power upgrade could hint that she will also join the Avengers sometime soon, and an interesting comment from one of the writers of WandaVision may tease a massive shift in terms of the character's role moving forward.
MONICA RAMBEAU AS LEADER OF THE AVENGERS?
WandaVision co-executive producer Mary Livanos and creator Jac Schaeffer sat down with Marvel Entertainment to talk about the recently-concluded MCU series, and one of the topics discussed was the leadership potential of Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau.
Livanos opened up by describing the relationship of Wanda and Monica in the series, admitting that the former is aware that the latter is “here to help.” The Marvel producer continued by saying that Wanda “needs an advocate on the outside,” which clearly fits the role of Monica:
“On a subconscious level, Wanda knows that Monica is here to help. And at the core of it, Wanda needs an advocate on the outside.”
Meanwhile, Schaeffer explained that she “loved the idea” that Monica would “fulfill the best friend trope” in the sitcom world. The head scribe then pointed out the fact that Monica “has an inherent empathy” that other characters don't have, considering the fact that the MCU hero knows that there were aliens from outer space way back when she was 10 years old:
“I loved the idea that we would meet [Monica] in the sitcom and that she would fulfill the best friend trope. Monica knew there were aliens from outer space when she was 10. No one else in the MCU has that, really, and so she has an inherent empathy that others don't. She was taught very early on experientially that there is a side to every story. She's a soldier, and she's an astronaut, and she follows orders, and is inclined to find a 360 degree [view] of any scenario, and that makes her the perfect ally. That was really what we wanted to draw out for her, that she would want to solve the situation that is the Westview anomaly, but she would also know that the way to do that is to talk to the woman who's doing it, not by attacking her.”
Livanos, who is also the executive producer of Captain Marvel 2 , chimed in by sharing the best traits of Monica, describing the character as an “incredibly adaptable character” and “a leader among heroes.”
“Monica is a character who's incredibly optimistic, and empathetic, and unusually wise beyond her years. I think what we see Monica really do in WandaVision is rise to the occasion in whatever situation she is set in. She's an incredibly adaptable character and person who — I think I've probably said this before, but she's a leader among heroes, and she understands other people.”
By connecting the dots, it's reasonable to assume that this comment could allude to the idea of Monica serving as one of the leaders of the Avengers, and evidence from the comics suggest that it could happen in the MCU down the line.
A BRAND NEW SET OF MCU HEROES
As it is, both Schaeffer and Livanos made it clear that Monica Rambeau has a bright future in the MCU. WandaVision ultimately served as the perfect primer of things to come for Monica, and the show managed to set up the character in a big way by showcasing her backstory and origin as a bonafide superhero.
Livanos' comments about the dynamic between Monica and Wanda in WandaVision should provide a preview of the character's relationship with other MCU heroes, and it's pretty fitting that she was featured alongside arguably the franchise's most powerful Avenger.
Meanwhile, Schaeffer's rundown of Monica's MCU history perfectly provides a reminder of how the character is a “perfect ally” to the Avengers. Monica's approach of not attacking Wanda is honorable, and this seems to mirror the ideology that a hero like Steve Rogers stands for.
In many ways, it will be interesting to see how Monica's relationship with other heroes will evolve. Given SWORD's prominence and her involvement with Nick Fury, Monica is poised to meet several MCU veterans along the way.
At this point, only time will tell if Monica will rise to the occasion to lead Earth's Mightiest Heroes, but WandaVision proved that she can stand toe-to-toe with the MCU's best and brightest at any given moment.
WandaVision is currently streaming on Disney+.
