Deadpool & Wolverinefeatured a strange and surprisingMarvel Universereference toScarlet Witch, and while the scene originally caused some controversy,I’m now convinced that it was an excellent way to honor her character and set her up for the future.Among the manyEaster eggs inDeadpool & Wolverine, the film brought some notable attention to Elizabeth Olsen’s Wanda Maximoff, a beloved character who has been dead sinceDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. After so many projects have gone out of their way to reference Wanda, I can’t help but think she’s coming back soon.
Scarlet Witch’s fate has been confirmed in the MCUseemingly multiple times, yetthis status still seems to be in question, with many convinced she will return.With all of this in mind, there is still hope that the character will one day reappear in the franchise. With Robert Downey Jr.’s return as the powerful Doctor Doom set forAvengers: Doomsday, there has never been a better time to bring back characters like Wanda Maximoff. Looking back atDeadpool & Wolverine, this unusual scene now may actually set up the character for the future in a surprising way.
Deadpool & Wolverine’s Scarlet Witch Reference Originally Felt Like An Insult
An Effigy Of Scarlet Witch Appears In The Film
Deadpool & Wolverine’s reference to Scarlet Witchoccurs when the titular characters enter the resistance hideout. They see an image of Wanda on the ceiling, in an effigy encased in stone, and the scene initially feels strange.Wanda had not been seen in the universe since her death inDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and featuring her unceremoniously in this callous image seemed an odd choice.Without any plans yet revealed for Wanda’s future, many felt that using this image was in poor taste.
I’ve wanted to see Wanda return to the MCU for quite some time. Despite herending inDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnessbeing effective,the character is simply too rich and compelling to leave off the table.With so much audience expectation and hope that Marvel will return to the character, including a simple effigy as an Easter egg felt like a cheap gimmick. Fortunately, Wanda has since been discussed further, in both MCU news and inAgatha All Along. This has helped to change the perception of this scene.
Deadpool & Wolverine’s Scarlet Witch Reference Explanation Honors Her MCU Legacy
The Scene Was Intended As A Fun Easter Egg For Fans
Fortunately, Wanda has been given some further attention in the MCU, with discussions of the character inAgatha All Alongand a confirmed Scarlet Witch return coming inMarvel Zombies. This helps to make this scene feel less shallow, especially since conversations have continued concerning Wanda. More recently, Kevin Feige spoke toOmelete, where he addressed if Scarlet Witch is really dead, saying: “all I can say is we are excited to find out when and how Scarlet Witch can return.“With this in mind, it seems that only one chapter of Wanda’s story is done, not the entire thing.
Scarlet Witch’s Complete 8-Year MCU Timeline Explained
Wanda Maximoff, aka the Scarlet Witch, has had a long and exciting story so far in the MCU that’s seen her bounce between hero and terrifying villain.
The whole purpose of including this image inDeadpool 3was as a reference for fans to enjoy, not to poke fun at Scarlet Witch’s disappearance from the universe. DuringAssembled: The Making of Deadpool & Wolverine, production designer Raymond Chan explained the impetus for this image’s inclusion:“the brief from Shawn [Levy, director] and Wendy [Jacobson, executive producer] was ‘We’d like to put in some Easter eggs for our fans.'“With this in mind, the scene is only supposed to be a tribute, and with more Scarlet Witch returning to the MCU ahead, it can finally feel that way.
I’m Convinced Deadpool & Wolverine’s Scarlet Witch Reference Sets Up Her Return
This Idea Makes Thematic Sense Considering The Scene
Many characters in the history of Marvel films were given unsatisfactory endings, and this is referenced clearly in thisDeadpool 3scene.Jennifer Garner’s Elektra’s last appearance was in the disappointingElektra, and Wesley Snipes’ Blade was last seen in what he considered the worst of his trilogy,theRyan Reynolds-starringBlade: Trinity. Even Channing Tatum, who was previously confirmed as Gambit but never appeared in the role, follows this thematic link during the scene.
Like the rest of these characters, it seems that Scarlet Witch has more story to tell, and there is finally hope that she will be able to tell it.
Simply,the hideout is a place that is set up for heroes with unresolved endings to come together for redemption.Putting Scarlet Witch’s image on the ceiling of that hideout feels very intentional with that consideration in mind. Just like many of these characters, Scarlet Witch’s final appearance inDoctor Strange 2gave the character what seemed to many a rushed heel-turn, and a disappointing ending. Like the rest of these characters, it seems that Scarlet Witch has more story to tell, and there is finally hope that she will be able to tell it.
How Scarlet Witch Can Return In The MCU Despite Her Death Being Confirmed
Some characters, including Wasp, may be recast inAvengers: Doomsday,but Elizabeth Olsen seems willing to return to the role at some point. It would be strange if she did not appear in a future project, especially with so many options for how this can be done.Agatha All Alongsaw Agatha Harkness return from death as a ghost, and this could easily work for Wanda as well.However, with the multiverse being blown open in the upcomingAvengersfilms, there are much easier ways to do this, exemplified by howGamora returned to life inAvengers: Endgame.
There have been rumors that a Scarlet Witch variant will work with Doctor Doom inAvengers: Doomsday, and this could be a great way to bring the character back.Bringing in an evil version of Wanda from another universe, but giving her the opportunity to see the error of her ways and join the Avengers team, could be an excellent inverse of what occurs inMultiverse of Madness. Following Billy Kaplan’s restoration inAgatha All Along, there are also even ways the original Earth-616 version of the hero could return.
“I Think It’s Going To Challenge Audiences”: The Russo Brothers Promise “Surprise” Story For Avengers: Doomsday & Avengers: Secret Wars
The Russo Brothers have further teased their MCU return with Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, promising a surprising, challenging story.
Wanda’s MCU return is practically inevitable, and this scene inDeadpool & Wolverinemay actually set it up perfectly. With so many variants appearing from other universes to redeem themselves, Wanda follows along this set path perfectly. Whether inAvengers: Doomsday,Avengers: Secret Wars, or another MCU project altogether,a live-action return by Wanda will surely occur sometime in the future.In the meantime, her character will next appear inMarvel Zombiesin what I hope is an important role compared to herDeadpool & Wolverinereference.
