Not one to waste an opportunity, Marvel Studios has signed a deal for Kathryn Hahn to reprise her role as Agatha Harkness for a full spinoff series. But it does not stop there. Find out the details of the deal made for the future of the fan-favorite Marvel Cinematic Universe wicked witch.
Who is Agatha Harkness?
The origins of Agatha Harkness go way back in the Silver Age of comic books. Created by the legendary tandem of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Agatha Harkness first appeared in Fantastic Four #94 (1961). Reed Richards and Sue Richards approached the old witch to serve as the babysitter and caretaker of the couple’s young son, Franklin. As Franklin had begun to manifest his powerful cosmic abilities, it would be prudent to have someone with the abilities of Agatha to ensure his safety. Although Ben Grimm (aka The Thing) initially had misgivings about the trusting someone as mysterious as the old witch, Agatha proved herself time and time again. She was able to fend off the entire Frightful Four on her own (and without even disturbing Franklin’s sleep) and assist in many of the Fantastic Four’s adventures, particularly when Reed’s scientific knowledge had little to no benefit against supernatural threats. Later on, Agatha would become involved with the Avengers, particularly the odd couple of Wanda Maximoff/The Scarlet Witch and The Vision. It would be through Agatha’s revelation and tutelage that Wanda would learn her abilities go beyond being a mutant hex power to manipulate probabilities, and that she was a conduit for Chaos Magic in the Marvel Universe. Agatha would be a constant presence in Wanda’s life afterward, serving as a friend and mentor in the mystical arts.
Agatha in WandaVision
The MCU version of Agatha Harkness was brought to life in the Marvel Phase Four WandaVision Disney+ exclusive TV series. Played by actress and comedian Kathryn Hahn, she first appeared as one of the residents in Wanda’s idealized sitcom-like reality of Westview. Calling herself simply Agnes, she played the nosy neighbor type of role, friendly but often snoopy with the lives of Wanda and The Vision. Agnes engendered herself in the daily activities of the couple, even serving as the babysitter for their twin boys, Billy and Tommy. But all of this was simply a ruse, as it was later revealed that Agatha had been manipulating Wanda into projecting her idealized life in order to discover and usurp control of the Chaos Magic. Agatha was really a powerful witch from Salem, and sought even greater power. After a pitched battle in the skies of Westview, Agatha lost and Wanda, now calling herself the Scarlet Witch, enacted a punishment: trapping Agatha into the fictional life of Agnes, both mentally and physically. Now, Agnes had to live her mundane life without the magical power or memory to use them.
Agatha Harkness spin-off series
However, the character of Agatha Harkness received overwhelmingly positive fan reactions. Although longtime fans who were aware of her comic book origins were not surprised by the twist, casual MCU fans were delighted by the revelations. And it is undeniable the charismatic and funny Kathryn Hahn essaying the role greatly helped boost her popularity.
(Per: @Variety) pic.twitter.com/EXd5y1CYJE — FandomWire (@FandomWire) October 7, 2021 The specifics of the spin-off have yet to be fully revealed, but it will apparently be a dark comedy and may be serving as a prequel, following the life of Agatha Harkness before encountering Wanda and The Vision. It will also serve as a sequel, exploring how Agatha might break the spell cast on her and whether or not she will be seeking retribution and/or continue her goal of taking Wanda’s power. Early reports have also revealed the show will be headed by WandaVision head writer Jac Schaeffer, as both writer and executive producer.
Marvel Multiverse appearances?
Aside from the planned spin-off Disney+ series, the deal reportedly will also include Agatha Harkness making appearances in upcoming MCU projects.
— MCU - The Direct (@MCU_Direct) October 7, 2021 Although the details of the additional appearances by Hahn’s Agatha Harkness are still under wraps, it is very likely that she will make her presence known in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, what with her rivalry with Olsen’s Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch being one of the key elements of her newfound popularity. But with how Agatha Harkness is a very versatile storytelling element for the future MCU projects, she could potentially be involved in so many other projects. Stemming from her comic book roots, her ties to the Avengers, the Midnight Sons, and the Fantastic Four could further be explored. And she could provide a link to the MCU’s past that is still largely untapped, far beyond the glimpses we have so far witnessed from previous films such as Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor. Perhaps in the end we will learn that it really was Agatha all along. You can catch Kathryn Hahn’s Agatha Harkness in WandaVision, currently streaming through Disney+.
