WandaVision (2021) is a groundbreaking Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) miniseries created by Jac Schaeffer for Disney+. It blends superhero action with an exploration of grief, trauma, and identity, all wrapped in a unique format that pays homage to classic American television sitcoms. The series stars Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch) and Paul Bettany as Vision, two characters previously introduced in the MCU films.

Set after the events of Avengers: Endgame (2019), WandaVision follows Wanda Maximoff as she copes with the death of Vision, her love interest who was killed by Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War (2018). The series begins with Wanda and Vision living an idyllic suburban life in the town of Westview, but as the episodes progress, it becomes clear that not everything is as it seems. Each episode mimics the style of different decades of television, starting with 1950s-style black-and-white sitcoms and progressing through the decades to the 2000s.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Wanda has created a powerful reality-altering hex around Westview, trapping its residents in her fabricated world. She unknowingly manipulates reality to bring Vision back to life and create an idealized family. The series explores her deep sense of loss and trauma, while also introducing a new villain, Agatha Harkness (played by Kathryn Hahn), who seeks to exploit Wanda’s immense powers for her own gain.

WandaVision delves into Wanda’s transformation into the Scarlet Witch, one of the most powerful beings in the MCU, and sets up major future storylines for the franchise, including Wanda’s role in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022). The series also introduces Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), who gains superpowers during the events of the show, setting her up as a key character for future MCU projects, including The Marvels (2023).

The show was praised for its originality, Olsen’s and Bettany’s performances, and its clever use of television tropes to explore complex emotional themes. It also marked a significant departure from traditional MCU formats, using sitcom structures and mystery elements to keep viewers guessing about what was really happening in Westview.