Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch, appears in What If…? Season 2, Episode 9, titled “What If… the Avengers Assembled in 1602?” This episode reimagines the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s heroes, including Wanda, placed within a 17th-century setting and facing a multiversal threat linked to a rupture in the space-time continuum.
Wanda in 1602: A Multiversal Anomaly
Wanda’s appearance in “What If…? the Avengers Assembled in 1602?” is not merely a cameo. She plays a significant role in the episode’s central conflict, which involves the arrival of Captain Carter from a parallel universe into the 1602 reality. This unexpected influx of interdimensional energy causes disturbances, threatening the fabric of existence.
The episode portrays Wanda as a powerful sorceress referred to as the “Scarlet Witch” even in this historical context. Her inherent abilities, though perhaps manifested differently due to the era’s prevailing understanding of magic and science, are still a source of immense power and potential danger. The Avengers, assembled in this altered timeline, seek her out, recognizing the anomaly she represents and hoping to understand the cause of the universe’s instability.
Wanda’s integration into the 1602 setting allows the writers to explore different facets of her character. Removed from the technological advancements and societal structures of the modern MCU, Wanda’s reliance on raw, untamed magical power is highlighted. The episode showcases her struggles to control her abilities within a reality grappling with the implications of multiple universes colliding.
The Significance of Wanda’s Role
Wanda’s presence underscores the overall theme of “What If…?”, which focuses on the butterfly effect—how seemingly small changes can lead to drastically different outcomes. Her existence in the 1602 universe, possibly caused by a variant event stemming from the multiversal incursions seen in other MCU properties, creates a ripple effect that necessitates the formation of the 1602 Avengers.
Furthermore, the episode explores the nature of Wanda’s powers across different realities. Her abilities are consistent, representing a fundamental constant in the multiverse, while their manifestation and impact adapt to the specific context of each universe. This provides valuable insight into the innate nature of her chaos magic and its potential for both creation and destruction.
Visual and Narrative Adaptations
The episode creatively adapts Wanda’s visual representation to fit the 17th-century aesthetic. Her costume, while still recognizable as the Scarlet Witch, incorporates elements of period-appropriate attire. This attention to detail enhances the immersive experience of the altered timeline.
Narratively, Wanda’s dialogue and interactions are tailored to reflect the language and social norms of the 1602 era. This adds depth to her character and emphasizes the challenges she faces in navigating a world vastly different from her own. The storyline also raises questions about the origin of her powers in this new context, leaving room for speculation and further exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Wanda in “What If…?”
Q1: Does Wanda have the same powers in the “What If…?” episode as she does in the main MCU timeline?
Yes, Wanda retains her core powers of chaos magic, reality warping, and telekinesis in the “What If…?” episode. However, the specific ways she manifests these abilities might be different due to the 1602 setting and the prevailing understanding of magic in that era.
Q2: Is this Wanda a variant from a different universe, or the same Wanda we know from the MCU?
The “What If…?” series presents alternate realities. Therefore, this Wanda is a variant—a version of Wanda Maximoff who exists within the 1602 universe and whose experiences and origins might differ from the prime MCU Wanda.
Q3: What impact does Wanda have on the Avengers in the 1602 timeline?
Wanda’s presence necessitates the Avengers’ formation. Her arrival, alongside Captain Carter, causes the anomalies prompting the 1602 Avengers to unite and investigate the multiversal disruption.
Q4: Does Wanda use her chaos magic for good or evil in the episode?
Wanda is portrayed as being more of a source of imbalance in the 1602 reality than explicitly evil. While her powers contribute to the instability of the universe, she is ultimately motivated by a desire to understand and control her abilities, rather than malicious intent.
Q5: How does the “What If…?” episode explain the origin of Wanda’s powers in the 1602 setting?
The episode does not explicitly detail the origin of Wanda’s powers within the 1602 universe. It is left to the viewer to speculate whether they stemmed from the same source as in the prime MCU (the Mind Stone) or a different catalyst unique to that timeline. The mystery surrounding their source adds to the intrigue of her character.
Q6: Is Wanda’s character design different in the “What If…?” episode compared to the MCU?
Yes, Wanda’s character design incorporates elements of 17th-century fashion, while still retaining recognizable aspects of her Scarlet Witch attire. This includes adjustments to her costume and hairstyle to fit the historical setting.
Q7: Does Vision appear in the “What If…?” episode with Wanda?
No, Vision does not appear in “What If…? the Avengers Assembled in 1602?”. The episode primarily focuses on Wanda’s role and interactions with the Avengers of that era.
Q8: How does Wanda interact with Captain Carter in the 1602 timeline?
Wanda and Captain Carter work together to understand the multiversal anomaly. Carter, being another displaced individual, shares a unique connection with Wanda, which allows them to unite and restore stability to the 1602 timeline.
Q9: Is the “What If…?” episode canon to the main MCU timeline?
While the events of “What If…?” are considered part of the multiverse canon, they do not directly impact the main MCU timeline. They explore alternate possibilities and timelines without altering the core events of the prime MCU.
Q10: Does Wanda learn anything from her experiences in the 1602 timeline?
It’s implied that Wanda gains a greater understanding of her powers and their potential impact on different realities. This experience contributes to her character development and her ongoing struggle with controlling her abilities across the multiverse.
Q11: Can we expect to see more of Wanda in future seasons of “What If…?”
Given the multiversal nature of “What If…?” and Wanda’s prominence in the MCU, it is highly likely that she will appear in future seasons, exploring other alternate realities and scenarios.
Q12: What are the implications of Wanda’s presence in the 1602 timeline for the broader MCU multiverse?
Wanda’s presence, and the multiversal rift it causes, demonstrates the interconnectedness of different timelines and the potential for chaos when these realities collide. It highlights the ongoing challenges faced by those tasked with maintaining stability across the multiverse. This serves as a reminder of the delicate balance and the constant threat of incursions.