Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was certainly one of the more odd films from Marvel’s recent difficult years. Even though the first film did excellently well, and the sequel featured the beloved Wanda Maximoff, the 2022 film ended up being disappointing in a completely new way for audiences.
Rather than hating on new characters or disliking the concept of a show, fans were upset at the franchise for the way that they dealt with fan-favorite characters like the Scarlet Witch and Steven Stange. One of the most frustrating points in the film was also the fate of Maximoff by the end.
The fact that after everything she went through over the years, Marvel decided to kill off Wanda rather than help her get back on her feet made more than a few angry. However, it would seem that the original plan for the film was a lot different and better.
Doctor Strange 2 Was Almost Very Different
One of the most tragic and disappointing parts of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was the way that the movie treated Wanda Maximoff’s character. More specifically, the fact that she ended up dying by the end of the film. Although the character arc was interesting, fans could not help but wish for a better storyline for her.
While some may find this to be impossible with her track record in the MCU, it would seem that their wishes almost came true. It was recently revealed by MyTimeToShineHello on X that the 2022 film almost had a very different storyline, as a whole. Although the film featured Elizabeth Olsen’s Wanda in the role of an antagonist, it was reported that, originally, the movie was supposed to have her as a hero.
Instead, the Fear Lord, Nightmare, was supposed to make his live-action debut as the villain. However, the writer of the film, Michael Waldron, had a different plan in mind. Despite having not seen WandaVision, he wanted her character to be the main villain of the film.
Due to this want, the script and plan for the film were completely changed, and what was supposed to be a breath of fresh air for Wanda, damned her further.
Wanda Maximoff Deserved Better
Although many may argue that witnessing Wanda Maximoff be the villain of a story was rewarding enough for the change to be worth it, there is no denying that her character needed a break. Since her very first appearance in the MCU, Wanda has rarely seen peace. From her brother dying to becoming a fugitive, and then having to watch Vision die time and time again, she had experienced nothing but pain.
Although the trauma that she has experienced over the years is ideal for an insanity storyline and does go hand in hand with the comics, there was a lot more that could have been done with her character. It wasn’t until WandaVision came out that audiences finally got the confirmation that she was, in fact, the all-powerful Scarlet Witch.
Having such a powerful figure be killed off so soon after their entry into the MCU seems far too reminiscent of the blunder of Ultron. There was a lot that could have been achieved with Wanda’s story, even if it was as an antagonist. With this in mind, it is not surprising that fans were upset when she was killed off in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Knowing that there was an alternative storyline in mind and the fact that it was changed by someone who hadn’t even seen WandaVision seems like a downright insult to the character. Although fans expect Elizabeth Olsen to come back in the role eventually, there is no denying that this betrayal will be remembered by fans.
