Why the Scarlet Witch in Multiverse of Madness Fails to Captivate

The character of Scarlet Witch, also known as Wanda Maximoff, has been a significant figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)

Introduction to Wanda Maximoff

Every long-running comic book character has several different interpretations depending on the writer of the particular series of comic books. Wanda Maximoff, AKA the Scarlet Witch, is no exception. Her journey through the MCU, from Avengers: Age of Ultron to Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness, has been marked by inconsistencies and disappointments. While the character has shown emotional depth, her recent portrayal in Strange: Multiverse of Madness has faltered in a way that has left fans unimpressed.

Evolution of the Character

Wanda Maximoff’s character has evolved significantly over the years. In Avengers: Age of Ultron, she is initially depicted as a villain who redeems herself by joining the Avengers and becoming an ally. In Captain America: Civil War, she is portrayed as a trainee with mistakes to make. In the Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, she becomes a fugitive who sacrifices her lover Vision, but her sacrifice ultimately fails. In Avengers: Endgame, she returns with vengeful anger, but her actions are driven by her grief over the loss of Vision.

The Brilliance of WandaVision: Building Depth

The Disney Plus series WandaVision offers a unique and intense look into Wanda Maximoff's psyche. The series starts in weirdness, with Wanda and Vision living in an old-fashioned family sitcom that changes every episode. We see that Wanda is hiding from the misery of losing Vision by living in a world that she created, accidentally trapping innocent and not-so-innocent people inside. The show delves deeply into the character’s grief and trauma, showing emotional depth that is both realistic and surreal. This was a significant development from her previous sacrifices and a step towards a more three-dimensional character.

The Deterioration in Multiverse of Madness

However, the potential for depth and complexity that WandaVision established is discarded in Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness. Wanda is introduced by Doctor Strange in an orchard, and she is portrayed as having undergone a significant transformation into an evil character far beyond her previous incarnation. Her actions in the film are more of a plot device than a believable character arc. Instead of focusing on her motivations, the film relies on the explanation that her mind was corrupted by the demon Chthon via the cursed Darkhold grimoire. However, this explanation is underdeveloped and is not fleshed out to provide a compelling backstory for Wanda’s actions.

Concluding Thoughts

The failure to develop Wanda's character consistently and thoughtfully in Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness leads to a less captivating and believable depiction of the Scarlet Witch. While her new actions in the movie may seem intense, they lack the emotional and narrative depth that make her character resonate with fans. The inconsistency in her portrayal, especially compared to her more compelling arcs in previous series, can be frustrating for long-time viewers of the MCU.

It is the responsibility of the writers and directors to ensure that each iteration of a character adds to the overall narrative and character development. In the case of the Scarlet Witch, this has not been achieved, resulting in a less engaging and less relatable character.