Marvel Studios is reaping the rewards of its first new adventure in Phase 4 of the MCU, WandaVision . Marvel CCO Kevin Feige remained adamant that series like this would be deeply interwoven within the MCU upon their release, and that promise is proving itself early and often in the MCU’s first Disney+ series.
The show is giving starring actors Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany the opportunity to explore their characters more deeply than in any of their previous appearances in the Infinity Saga. With three sitcom-style episodes and one classic epic MCU episode under their belts thus far, it's abundantly clear that Marvel Studios' Disney+ shows will be the perfect way to expand on heroes who haven't enjoyed the same spotlight as icons like Iron Man or Captain America.
In addition to WandaVision expanding on the lead characters' stories for fans, it's just as meaningful for the actors playing the heroes as well.
ELIZABETH OLSEN FEELS WANDA MAXIMOFF'S STORY IS EARNED
In a recent appearance on the Still Watching Podcast from Vanity Fair , Elizabeth Olsen went into detail on how WandaVision is helping her find a "new ownership" of Wanda Maximoff within the MCU. She expressed how excited she is for "the next thing" , describing how the transition from this series into Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is "all so earned." :
"It just became something that I absolutely adored and loved, and because of this show, it made me love this character more than I ever had. And it makes me feel like I have such a new ownership of her because of the time I got to spend creating this show. And now, I’m excited for the next thing… I just signed on because I liked the character, because of the comics, and I thought the Age of Ultron story was really powerful and fun, angsty and rebellious, and really an honorable story to tell. Now, it’s this completely new thing that it never was at the beginning. The transition from WandaVision to Doctor Strange 2, I just feel like it’s all so earned."
WHAT'S AHEAD FOR WANDA MAXIMOFF?
Elizabeth Olsen is currently enjoying a run as the most popular celebrity on Earth thanks to her revitalized performance in WandaVision as the Scarlet Witch. As the hero creates an expansive alternate reality home for herself and Vision, toeing the line between hero and villain along the way , she is quickly becoming a key player as the MCU's narrative slowly advances.
With over half of WandaVision still waiting to release, it's a mystery where the plot will take Wanda before she teams up with Benedict Cumberbatch's Stephen Strange in the 2023 Doctor Strange sequel. Reports have pointed to these two projects and the untitled Spider-Man 3 sharing a connection via the multiverse, and it's becoming clear that Wanda will have a huge impact on the outcomes of all three Phase 4 entries.
Through the first four episodes of WandaVision , Olsen has shown a vast range of emotions in her acting as the story progresses through Wanda's serious emotional struggles . The series is already delivering on a deep look into mental health through Wanda's traumatic experiences , and this is only set to continue over the coming weeks.
The first four episodes of WandaVision are now available to stream on Disney+. Episode 5 will premiere on February 5.
