DDoctor Strange in the multiverse of madness became a source of controversy over the weekend. In addition to criticism and praise for the dark tone, script, and ending, there is a flashpoint at the center of the debate. Is Marvel again making the mistake of turning one of its characters into a lazy stereotype? Wanda Maximoff, a powerful figure categorized as unstoppable and violent by Sam Raimi, is one of the film’s controversial elements. Especially since the Scarlet Witch character was completely removed from her latest story. Does Marvel betray the character?
In Raimi’s film, Wanda Maximoff goes through an intellectual and emotional involution. At least, this was the case with the persistent criticism of critics and a considerable number of fans. After the film’s release, it was noted that Marvel was returning to the image of a “wounded woman, unable to cope with her emotions.” Is it a simple resource to show the power of an increasingly relevant character? Actually, Wanda Maximoff in Raimi’s hands is not a monster, but a tragic creature. And he’s been that way ever since his comic book version took the rocky road to redemption.
It’s not just a reflection. After all, Wanda Maximoff Elizabeth Olsen has had an intricate and well-built arch over the past decade. The character encountered Ultron in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) Joss Whedon. Then he stopped black order from Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War (2018) Russo brothers as well as destroyed the Mind Stone. Finally, he came face to face with Thanos himself in Avengers: Endgame (2019), also the Russo brothers.
In the fourth phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the studio paid special attention to the character. tagged WandaVision, an origin series and the studio’s first show on the Disney+ platform. And now he’s featured prominently in the first film to explore the multiverse, the publisher’s traditional concept.
AT Doctor Strange in the multiverse of madnessWanda Maximoff shows itself in full force. But instead of delving into what was told on the TV show, the story takes Wanda to another space of power. And one associated with darkness and loss of control over their feelings. The exception contradicts what is said in the series and in its final chapter. In it, Wanda frees the city of Westview from the corruption that has kept her captive and he admits he learned from his mistakes.
Wanda, darkness and guilt
One of the arguments against the version of Wanda turned into a character of frightening cruelty is that it is stated in WandaVision. In fact, the series and the post-credits scene in its last chapter made things clear. Wanda learned of her powers, redeemed herself, and freed Westview. But he was also looking for something more. The candid image shows the Scarlet Witch in her astral form studying with the Darkhold. And that the book of the damned tempted him with the possibility of the existence of his children. The hint itself made it clear that any attempt to use magic would likely be in that direction.
This is exactly what happened in the Raimi movie. The Darkhold, capable of corrupting not one but two versions of Doctor Strange, gave Wanda power. Also an obsession. The script repeats the obvious over and over again: Wanda’s children are the result of magic and do not exist in the physical reality of the universe they inhabit.
but also the book showed Wanda that in one of the infinite realities of the multiverse, her children are real. And in fact, the argument also properly handles this idea. The Wanda Mother variant has nothing to do with the heroic goal. He also does not reveal the children’s father, which suggests that it may not be Vision. What is clear is that among so many versions of reality, in one of them the character is living the unrealized reality that Wanda-turned-Scarlet Witch dreamed about for herself.
Stephen Strange from a dimension inhabited by the Illuminati believed that only with the help of dark magic could he defeat Thanos. Indeed, the Sorcerer faced the Darkhold for the second time in another dimension and lost. So the possibility that he can confuse, exploit, and eventually make Wanda into a fearsome creature is one possibility. Much more, using the opportunity to be a mother. In fact, the narrative thread links the on-screen character to his comic book version in more than one way.
Wanda Maximoff in all her glory
In the comics, Scarlet Witch has very different abilities – and much more – than those shown in the films and series of the franchise. In the films, he has so far been able to induce hallucinations and effectively concentrate his power for destruction. But in the comics, his abilities are more related to his ability manage time and reality
The Marvel Cinematic Universe doesn’t explain its origins in much detail. Until now, there have been only a few sentences in which he talked about his tragedy in Sokovia. This is after she was shown next to Quicksilver in the film’s post-credits scene. Captain America and the Winter Soldier. AT WandaVision, the narrative expands and, in fact, we see the tragic loss of parents. But in reality, the original Wanda is much more than just a victim.
The daughter of the mutant villain Magneto, Wanda Maximoff was born into the comic book world in 1964 when she first appeared in Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s X-Men #4. At the time, she was a supervillain and a founding member of the Brotherhood of Mutants, a semi-underground organization of famed Gen X supremacists. In her debut, her powers have yet to be fully defined. It was only clear that Wanda could change the laws of physics and that these abilities were directly related to her genetics.
But in the 1970s, screenwriter Steve Englehart changed Wanda’s story. The writer decided character powers are related to magic. An element that has come to have a special meaning in the Marvel Universe. Under the tutelage of the powerful and ancient witch Agatha Harkness, Wanda Maximoff, this magic could give her the ability to become much stronger. But along with the power came the mental breakdown of the character.
The true and contradictory power of the Scarlet Witch
In the world of comics, Wanda Maximoff goes through a series of mental crises. The disclaimer makes it clear that he is not only one of the most powerful Avengers, but also one of the most unstable. Wanda’s first great tragedy in a comic book, partially broadcast in the series. WandaVisionIt was the loss of their children. This happened when, after spending a short time as a happy wife and mother, Vision was kidnapped, dismembered, and eventually lost all of his memories, which completely ruined his relationship with Wanda.
As if such a tragedy wasn’t enough, Scarlet Witch also learned that her twin sons weren’t real. In paper history, they were created from fragments of the soul of the demon Mephisto. In Wanda’s opinion, the combination of both was too much.. She joined her father Magneto in his fight for supremacy and was for a time a fearsome villain that plagued the Marvel world. Shortly thereafter, she earned redemption – one of several she’s had in her path as a hero – after Agatha Harkness had her memory erased as a mother.
In the 1990s comics told how Wanda Maximoff learned about Chaos magic and how to control time. Later Avengers: Disassembled (2000) by Brian Michael Bendis and David Finch Wanda found that she had lost her memories of her mother’s life.. In the midst of a fit of rage, he changed reality simply by wanting it. The character then reached the zenith of his power, and though he was eventually defeated—and redeemed again—the message was clear. Wanda’s mental instability signaled the use of her powers. The same thing happened in Sam Raimi’s film.
What will happen to Wanda Maximoff in the future? In the comic, after all the events and tragedies in which she was involved, Wanda appears with no memory and no use of her powers. Chances are the character may return, again in redemption, opening doors to a new story. And also, to a broader understanding of the character.
Our Special Report on Doctor Strange
- criticism Doctor Strange in the multiverse of madness: the most perverted version of Marvel
- Kevin Feige talks about the premiere: ‘Sam Raimi is turning Doctor Strange in the multiverse of madness in something special”
- Marvel changes details WandaVision coincides with the premiere of Doctor Strange.
- If you’ve already seen the movie, you must be wondering who this unexpected character is. Doctor Strange in the multiverse of madness
- Doctor Strange, CENSORSHIP: 12 seconds Doctor Strange in the multiverse of madness missing in 5 countries
Source: Hiper Textual
