I Still Can’t Believe the MCU Turned One Avenger Into a Villain (& Then Wasted Them)

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Discussing questionable aspects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe often brings up a familiar list: an abundance of films and shows, unmemorable villains, plot inconsistencies, and excessive fan service. However, what particularly bothers me is not just the impact on individual characters, but rather the handling of certain Avengers. Given the size of this universe, it’s understandable that character introductions aren’t always straightforward. Yet, it’s perplexing when a studio invests in a compelling character arc for an Avenger in one project, only to abruptly change their allegiance and turn them into a villain, which tends to feel unsatisfying (and I’ll explain further down why that didn’t work).

The most disappointing aspect was that following their introduction, the character seemed to be sidelined and made less important, almost as if they were irrelevant. On first glance, it appears that they may have a chance to re-emerge at some point, though this hasn’t been officially confirmed. However, it raises questions about whether they are being strategically saved for a crucial moment or simply put on hold until needed conveniently. The speculation suggests we might not learn more until after 2027, potentially with the launch of Avengers: Secret Wars.

Yes, I’m talking about Scarlet Witch.

Did the MCU Change Scarlet Witch’s Path and Then Forget Her?

Reflecting on it now, it’s disheartening to realize all that untapped potential squandered. In “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” her character introduction was effective – Wanda was portrayed as traumatized, somewhat antagonistic, yet there was a sense she could evolve into a hero. The approach worked. By the time we reached “Captain America: Civil War,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” and “Avengers: Endgame,” she had become an integral member of the team, and audiences accepted her as having significant stakes within the group. Then came “WandaVision,” and it finally seemed like Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) truly appreciated her worth. Considered one of the most cherished series, it delved deeply into her grief and trauma, demonstrating that personal narratives could thrive even in a congested superhero universe. Indeed, in my opinion, it was one of the finest offerings post-“Endgame.

After the release of “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”, things took an unexpected turn that left many disappointed. I’m generally open to the concept of a protagonist turning antagonist, especially when executed well. However, this wasn’t one of those instances. The character’s transformation into a villain seemed hasty and lacking in finesse.

While her motives might appear rational at first glance, the transition from the end of “WandaVision” to the beginning of “Multiverse of Madness” felt abrupt, as if several important story chapters were omitted. A hero who demonstrates introspection about her actions and the capacity to learn from her mistakes was suddenly replaced by a ruthless, single-minded villain ready to go to any lengths to be reunited with her children.

The script failed to provide room for moral contemplation, essentially stating, “she’s evil now, accept it.

Indeed, Elizabeth Olsen played a crucial role in keeping the film engaging (which was definitely beneficial). There’s no denying she dominated every moment she graced the screen. Yet, even a brilliant performer can’t salvage hasty creative decisions. Transforming Scarlet Witch into an antagonist might have been effective, but it required a substantial, impactful storyline. Regrettably, it seemed more like a quick fix: they needed a formidable adversary, so they opted for the most convenient choice. The audience can easily spot such shortcuts.

The issue lies in the fact that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) often executes character transformations effectively, as demonstrated by Loki’s evolution. His story was well-crafted with ample time, intricate layers, and setbacks, ensuring a convincing transition from villain to hero. However, Scarlet Witch’s narrative seems to have been hurried, lacking the same level of development. With abundant material spanning multiple movies at their disposal, her character was unfortunately reduced to a one-movie antagonist, which is disappointing given her potential.

Her abrupt demise at the end, while possibly leaving room for future appearances (which we now know are planned), felt unsatisfying and somewhat ambiguous. It suggests that the creators didn’t fully commit to the narrative they established, as she has yet to reappear years later. This lack of follow-through leaves a sense of incompleteness in her character arc.

Scarlet Witch Is Being Completely Wasted

As a true cinema enthusiast, let me express my thoughts on Wanda Maximoff’s character development in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Her power is undeniable, demonstrated by her near-solo battle against Thanos in Avengers: Endgame – a moment that resonated deeply with fans. With such immense potential, it seemed only natural for her to play a pivotal role in the MCU’s multiverse saga. Yet, regrettably, she was reduced to being merely an interim hurdle in Doctor Strange’s storyline – a move that feels myopic when considering Wanda’s unparalleled strength and popularity among fans.

In simpler terms, you could say that while there’s an upcoming appearance of a character as a zombie in “Marvel Zombies,” her most significant return is actually in an unrelated animated series. This seems to lessen her significance within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and it appears that the MCU struggles with what to do with this particular character. Furthermore, it seems like the studio is relying heavily on convenient plot devices, rather than consistently developing characters and their journeys. In other words, they’re using characters when the story requires them, but discarding them when they’re no longer needed.

In “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” Sam Wilson assumed the role of Captain America, yet his emotional depth was hurriedly addressed (one reason why “Captain America: Brave New World” didn’t resonate). Shang-Chi temporarily vanished, risking being relegated to a character brought back merely to supplement the team. Hawkeye was absent until his dedicated series, where the narrative mostly revolved around passing the mantle to Kate Bishop rather than concluding Clint Barton’s emotional journey. When characters such as Scarlet Witch are handled in this fashion, the impact isn’t only felt by her; we, the audience, also suffer the loss. Fans who invested themselves emotionally into “WandaVision” were left with a disappointing anticlimax and an enigmatic disappearance.

In my opinion, it’s clear that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is jam-packed with characters, making it a challenging feat to maintain balance among them all. However, this very complexity is what underscores the importance of not neglecting established characters who have already garnered significant weight in the narrative.

With each new phase, we see an influx of fresh heroes, yet there seems to be a lack of resolution for those who’ve already built a solid foundation. The Scarlet Witch serves as the most evident example of this predicament. She has gained prominence, won over fans, and her actress is more than prepared to continue bringing her character to life. Yet, what she seems to be lacking is a clear vision for her character arc.

Ultimately, it boils down to inconsistency. You might find yourself appreciating the complexity of ‘WandaVision’ and then feeling overwhelmed by ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’. For my part, I believe that’s one of the MCU’s most significant strategic blunders. They had a chance to develop one of their most captivating characters fully but left her story arc incomplete, offering no satisfying resolution.

It’s possible that Wanda Maximoff could appear in “Secret Wars” or another project in the future. However, her treatment thus far in the Marvel Cinematic Universe leaves much to be desired. After setting up a powerful journey for her, the MCU seems to have squandered an opportunity for a compelling arc due to hasty choices and lack of foresight (a play on words). If handled correctly, Wanda’s return could prove to be one of the MCU’s most significant storylines. Given her prolonged absence, it’s expected that her return will be impactful, and I eagerly await seeing how the MCU handles this potential comeback.

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2025-09-13 02:42