Disney+ actually has some of the best original fantasy content currently available, with one show that managed to create a whole new franchise. While Netflix stands out as the dominant force in terms of original streaming content, with Prime Video following behind, Disney+ is often seen as lagging due to its overreliance on its large library of legacy material.
Of course, that makes sense considering the monopoly that they hold on several major franchises and the acquisitions of major studios like 20th Century Studios, Lucasfilm, and Marvel Studios, to name a few. However, with recent originals like WandaVision, Disney+ is proving that what it lacks in quantity, it more than makes up for in terms of quality.
WandaVision Is One Of The Most Underappreciated Disney+ Originals
The MCU had a spectacular run as the undisputed leader in the box office for over a decade throughout the Infinity Saga. However, while the movies had a long period of thriving and dominating, the Multiverse Saga’s efforts to branch out into the TV space have not gone over quite as well.
No one wants to have more subscriptions than they can count on both hands, and sometimes, because Disney+ is just bringing back the classics, it can feel like a subscription that is worth skipping. However, shows like WandaVision are a decisive argument for why Disney+ is worthwhile.
As a fantasy series, it is stunning, taking audiences on a journey through the decades of sitcom TV, while also playing with a magical element that sees Wanda Maximoff, aka the Scarlet Witch, start to wake up from a dream world that she built to help her through her grief.
WandaVision Spawned A Mini Franchise Of Its Own Inside The MCU
And as powerful as WandaVision is as a standalone miniseries, the 9-episode run also introduced fascinating characters that demanded they get to tell their own stories. As a result, Agatha All Along managed to thrill and delight audiences as a series that many people had low expectations for, but managed to become an instant classic about a group of witches on a quest to find answers.
Beyond that, the story of WandaVision itself breaks out onto the big screen, as Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness serves as a sequel continuing the story of Wanda Maximoff. And finally, VisionQuest is set to debut on October 14, which will, of course, carry on the story of Wanda’s beloved Vision after the events of WandaVision.
All in all, while these stories all take place inside the MCU, they’ve managed to create a smaller franchise within the larger MCU. With well-developed characters, through lines, and a significant impact that will likely continue beyond these shows.
Wanda Maximoff’s Story Isn’t Over Yet
While Wanda Maximoff appears to have had her story largely resolved, the character remains one of the most captivating and engaging in the MCU. On top of that, Elizabeth Olsen’s performance in the role earned her widespread praise, and many fans would be happy to see her return.
With that, there has been plenty of speculation of how and why the character could return, and with major movie crossovers coming in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, the rumor mill has been churning out ideas for a Wanda return before the Multiverse Saga comes to an end.
Add to that the fact that VisionQuest is set to debut on Disney+ a few months before Avengers: Doomsday, and it seems like there is a strong possibility that the story of the Scarlet Witch could be revisited soon. However, that is pure speculation.
So, in the meantime, WandaVision will have to suffice, and thankfully, it is a truly stunning series with plenty more story to dig into through the sequels, spin-offs, and expanded storytelling that takes place in various points across the MCU.
- Release Date
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2021 – 2021-00-00
- Network
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Disney+
- Showrunner
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Jac Schaeffer
- Directors
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Matt Shakman
- Writers
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Cameron Squires, Megan McDonnell, Laura Donney
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Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch
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Grey DeLisle
Commercial Announcer (voice) (uncredited)