Alleged details from earlier versions ofDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnesspresent a much less controversial role for Wanda Maximoff. AfterWandaVision, Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch became one of the most popular characters in theMarvel Cinematic Universe. Wanda’s journey in the Disney+ series was followed by a major role inDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. However, theMCU’s exploration of the multiversefeatured a villain turn for the Scarlet Witch, and that became one of the franchise’s most controversial decisions. Now, it seems like that could have been avoided.
According to formerX-Men ‘97showrunnerBeau DeMayoon Twitter,Scarlet Witch was originally meant to be a hero inDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Since DeMayo has been fired by Marvel and is currently at odds with the studio, his claims remain unconfirmed. However, they fall in line with the originalDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnessdirector, Scott Derrickson, having left over creative differences. According to DeMayo, theMCU’s former Sorcerer Supremewould have used Wanda’s help to stop the villain Nightmare across the multiverse. Scarlet Witch would have trained America Chavez instead of hunting her.
What These Scarlet Witch Story Details Mean For The MCU
Wanda Maximoff’s Current Situation Would Have Been Totally Different
As it stands, Wanda Maximoff is currently dead, having sacrificed herself to destroy all versions of the Darkhold across the multiverse. That might not have happened ifDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ original plans had been kept. The early versions of the movie seem much more in line withWandaVision’s ending, connecting toScarlet Witch’s MCU timelinein a better way than making her a murderous force like was seen in theDoctor Strangesequel.
Wanda could have now been developing a loving relationship with America Chavez as her mentor.
The newly-revealed Scarlet Witch story details would have made her current situation in the MCU very different, also affecting other characters. For instance, Wanda could have now been developing a loving relationship with America Chavez as her mentor, perhaps also staying at Kamar-Taj with her instead of trying to kill America and destroy the temple like she did in the movie. Wanda’s sadness over losing her kids would also have been explored in a much less destructive way, reaching a similar conclusion she did in the released movie, but with no bloodshed coming off it.
Reportedly, Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch could return in the MCU’s upcoming Vision series.
Helping save the multiverse, finding a new young character to keep her going, and seeing multiverse variants of her happy with her kids could have given Wanda the catharsis she needed. The alleged original story details fromDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnesswould have been the natural continuation ofWandaVision, addressing the Scarlet Witch’s trauma in a much healthier way. Wanda’s villain turn proved itself extremely controversial, hurting the MCU. Perhaps a version of that story could happen if/when Wanda returns from the dead, with her and Strange working together as she attempts to redeem herself.
Doctor Strange In the Multiverse of Madness
Cast
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness follows Doctor Strange as he navigates diverse and perilous alternate realities in the Multiverse with the aid of mystical allies. Directed by Sam Raimi, this installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe introduces a mysterious new adversary.
