The Multiverse of Scarlet Witch: Exploring Wanda Maximoff's Multiversal Journey in the MCU

The Multiversal Scarlet Witch

The Scarlet Witch, portrayed by Elizabeth Olsen, has been a pivotal character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) since her debut in the post-credits scene of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. However, it was in Phase 4 that Wanda Maximoff's journey took a multiversal turn, embracing her identity as the Scarlet Witch in WandaVision and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Scarlet Witch attacking Kamar-Taj in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

In Marvel Studios' What If...?, alternate variants of the Scarlet Witch have been introduced, including a powerful zombified Scarlet Witch and a Merlin-inspired iteration. Recently, exciting MCU fan art shared by Skaiwitch depicted a brand-new version of the powerful witch, imagining her in Doctor Strange's MCU costume, complete with the Cloak of Levitation, the Eye of Agamotto, and the dangerous Darkhold. This art showcases the potential for a multiversal variant of the Scarlet Witch, combining the formidable magic of Wanda Maximoff and Doctor Strange.

Scarlet Witch being comforted by her Earth-838 variant in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Instagram article posted by skaiwitch

The Future of Scarlet Witch in the MCU

At the end of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Wanda Maximoff's Scarlet Witch sacrificed herself using her Chaos Magic to destroy the castle on Mount Wundagore and every version of the Darkhold across the multiverse. This act of redemption seemed to mark the end of her MCU journey, leading to speculation about the Scarlet Witch's survival.

Scarlet Witch in WandaVision series finale costume

The Marvel Cinematic Universe: An Official Timeline book all but confirmed that the Scarlet Witch is indeed dead, and Elizabeth Olsen has revealed that she is not contracted to appear in any future MCU projects, taking a break from portraying the character. However, there has been speculation about her return in the upcoming Agatha: Darkhold Diaries, the first spinoff of WandaVision in 2024. While not confirmed by Marvel Studios or Olsen, there are hints and teasers about the Scarlet Witch's potential return in future MCU projects such as Doctor Strange 3 or Avengers: Secret Wars.

Scarlet Witch in her comic-accurate costume in WandaVision Halloween episode

The Possibilities of Scarlet Witch's Return

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Scarlet Witch's fate, the potential for her return to the MCU remains high. The character's multiversal journey and the introduction of alternate variants in What If...? open up numerous storytelling opportunities for Wanda Maximoff. While Elizabeth Olsen's future involvement in the MCU is unclear, the speculation and teasers hint at the Scarlet Witch's possible return in upcoming Marvel projects, leaving fans eager to witness her future adventures in the multiverse.

Scarlet Witch speaking to Doctor Strange in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness