Wanda Maximoff, portrayed by Elizabeth Olsen, is one of the most complex and intriguing characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Known for her powers of telekinesis and reality manipulation, Wanda’s journey across the MCU has been marked by personal tragedy, emotional growth, and immense power. From her debut in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) to her pivotal role in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), Wanda has become a fan-favorite character whose story resonates with many viewers. Let’s take a closer look at Wanda Maximoff’s evolution in the movies.
1. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) – The Beginning of Wanda’s Journey
Wanda Maximoff first appears in Avengers: Age of Ultron, where she and her twin brother, Pietro Maximoff (aka Quicksilver), are introduced as antagonists. They initially side with Ultron, the film’s primary villain, seeking revenge against Tony Stark for the death of their parents.
Wanda’s abilities are first revealed when she uses her telepathic powers to manipulate the minds of the Avengers, especially Tony Stark. However, by the end of the film, after witnessing Ultron’s true destructive intentions, Wanda decides to join the Avengers in their fight against him. This marks the beginning of her journey from an antagonist to a hero, though the road ahead will not be easy.
2. Captain America: Civil War (2016) – Struggling with the Weight of Her Powers
In Captain America: Civil War, Wanda Maximoff is an established member of the Avengers. The film sees her grappling with the consequences of her powers, especially after an incident in Lagos where she accidentally causes a building to explode, killing innocent people. This leads to the Sokovia Accords, which create tension among the Avengers, ultimately splitting the team.
Wanda is conflicted about her role within the Avengers. She is still relatively young and inexperienced, and the weight of her powers, along with the moral dilemmas she faces, make her vulnerable. This film marks an important chapter in her development as she starts to question her responsibilities as a hero.
3. Avengers: Infinity War (2018) – A Heartbreaking Loss
In Avengers: Infinity War, Wanda Maximoff plays a crucial role in the battle against Thanos. However, this film is also the most emotionally taxing for Wanda, as she faces unimaginable personal loss. In an effort to protect the Mind Stone—which houses part of Vision’s (played by Paul Bettany) essence—Wanda is forced to make a heart-wrenching decision: destroy the stone to prevent Thanos from obtaining it, ultimately killing her lover, Vision, in the process.
Her sacrifice is for nothing, as Thanos uses the Time Stone to reverse her action and take the stone from her. This loss, combined with the devastating Snap, where half of the universe is wiped out, leaves Wanda in deep mourning.
4. WandaVision (2021) – Grief, Loss, and the Power of Reality
The Disney+ series WandaVision marks a significant shift in Wanda’s story. After the events of Infinity War and the Snap, Wanda is deeply affected by the loss of Vision. Unable to cope with her grief, she unwittingly creates an alternate reality in Westview, a small town where she manifests an idealized version of her life with Vision.
As she becomes more aware of her powers, Wanda fully embraces her identity as the Scarlet Witch, the being prophesized to bring destruction. The series explores themes of grief, trauma, and loss, while Wanda struggles to come to terms with her immense powers. She ultimately confronts her own darkness, learning to let go of the fabricated life she created and confronting the consequences of her actions.
5. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) – The Descent into Darkness
In Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Wanda Maximoff’s story reaches new emotional heights. Fueled by the desire to reunite with her children, Billy and Tommy (whom she created in the WandaVision series), Wanda becomes one of the film’s primary antagonists. She seeks the Book of Vishanti to take control of the multiverse and be with her children, even if it means using dark magic and sacrificing innocent lives.
Wanda’s transformation into the Scarlet Witch is complete as she becomes a force to be reckoned with, battling Doctor Strange and others in the multiverse. Her descent into darkness and obsession with her children leads to tragic consequences, showing the power and danger of unchecked grief and pain. In the end, Wanda redeems herself by destroying the Darkhold and embracing her role as a mother, acknowledging the need to face her trauma rather than escape from it.
6. The Future of Wanda Maximoff in the MCU
The future of Wanda Maximoff in the MCU remains uncertain after the events of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. While Wanda’s story arc has reached a major turning point, with the destruction of the Darkhold and her self-sacrifice, it’s clear that she remains one of the MCU’s most complex and powerful characters.
Her journey is far from over, and fans are eager to see what comes next for Wanda. Will she return in future MCU phases, and if so, in what capacity? Will she become a force for good, or is there still darkness within her? Only time will tell.
