Agatha All Along Showrunner, Cast Reveals Influence of Pop Culture Witches on Marvel Series

As a gamer with over two decades of pop culture immersion under my belt, I can confidently say that I’m beyond excited for the upcoming Disney+ series, Agatha All Along. Growing up, I was captivated by the enchanting world of witches in various movies and TV shows, from Dorothy’s Glinda to the Owens sisters in Practical Magic. Now, it seems that the creators of this new series have taken a cue from these iconic figures, blending them seamlessly into their unique narrative.

In a perfect match, pop culture and witchcraft have a long and captivating history together. From “The Wizard of Oz” to “Practical Magic,” not forgetting the enchanting essence of Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks, witches have held a significant role in our entertainment landscape. This timeless theme and ambiance is what the upcoming series “Agatha All Along” will draw from when it premieres on Disney+ on September 18th. In an interview with EW, showrunner Jac Schaefer, along with the cast, discussed the references to and inspirations derived from these witches in the upcoming series.

Schaefer explained that when it comes to integrating elements of popular culture witches into the show, they like to approach it in a playful and somewhat unconventional manner, often taking creative liberties.

In various previews for the show “Agatha All Along“, certain aspects of inspiration have been unveiled, such as visual elements reminiscent of the classic tale “The Wizard of Oz“. The teaser in particular hinted at references to this story, while the ominous pathway known as the “Witches’ Road” bears a striking resemblance, seeming like a more sinister version of the famous Yellow Brick Road. Furthermore, images from the series have shown Agatha (Kathryn Hahn) and her coven in a band with a ’70s aesthetic that echoes Fleetwood Mac’s style.

As a gamer, I’m right in the midst of ‘Season of the Witch’. It might not have an obvious narrative path like some games, but our team has worked hard to weave an enjoyable experience into this season.

Joe Locke, the actor portraying the enigmatic Teen on the show, elaborated on how the intricate set design played a significant role in the overall narrative as well.

He noted that each collection contains an incredible amount of detail, from the specifics like it being a pentagonal room, to subtler elements, such as the presence of music as another layer within it. However, it’s important to clarify that this isn’t a play with songs, but rather, music serves as a distinct aspect in its overall feel.

WandaVision‘s Iconic Television References Helped Create the Structure for Agatha All Along

The theory that “Agatha All Along” draws upon references and influences from famous pop culture witches extends a pattern established in “WandaVision.” In “WandaVision,” we saw a sorrowful Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) trap the town of Westview under a spell, causing reality to change thematically to mirror her favorite TV sitcoms from history. This brought about references to popular shows like “The Dick Van Dyke Show“, “Bewitched“, “The Brady Bunch“, and many others. As stated by Schaeffer, they aimed to carry on this concept in “Agatha All Along,” but in a unique manner.

As a gamer, I couldn’t help but draw inspiration from the delightful pastiche element in WandaVision. It was not only satisfying to watch, but also incredibly fun to think about creatively. However, we couldn’t simply replicate it. Instead, we opted for a broader approach that would encompass a more expansive world-building experience.

Apart from the portrayal of witches and witchcraft, the series Agatha All Along will also delve into retro-horror elements. This was hinted in the latest teaser for the show as well as some recently unveiled posters. The horror genre plays a significant role in Agatha All Along, as stated by Marvel Television head Brand Winderbaum, who mentioned that although the MCU isn’t focusing on horror as a genre, they are allowing creators to explore darker narratives.

In a recent interview, Winderbaum explained that the horror portrayed in different movies varies based on the director’s vision. For instance, the horror in “Agatha” will be distinct from that in “Marvel Zombies,” “Blade,” or even “Moon Knight.” This isn’t limited to horror films; this principle applies to any genre we encounter in storytelling. After all, there are numerous ways to tell a single story.

Agatha All Along debuts on Disney+ September 18th.

2024-09-07 01:10

WandaVision‘s Iconic Television References Helped Create the Structure for Agatha All Along

Read More