Marvelhas an inconsistent track record with its television shows, but I’m convinced the next MCU series,Agatha All Along, will be a hit. Marvel debuted its first television show,WandaVision, in 2021. The series was a massive hit on Disney+, but Marvel has struggled to have that same consistency since.Lokiis regarded as one of Marvel’s best shows, but others, likeShe-Hulk,Moon Knight, andThe Falcon and the Winter Soldierreceived mixed reviews, and many viewers, including myself, would like toforget aboutSecret Invasionentirely.
The MCU’s next series,Agatha All Along, is aWandaVisionspinoffcentered around the villain played by Kathryn Hahn. The series will follow her journey down the Witches' Road with a coven of fellow witches asAgatha tries to regain her powers. While Agatha Harkness was a fan-favorite character, anticipation for her show has been rather low, perhaps due to the low expectations for Marvel’s TV shows. However, there are a few reasons I’m looking forward to this show, despite Marvel’s inconsistent television trend.
Agatha All Along Comes From The Creators Of One Of Marvel’s Best Shows
The Upcoming Spinoff Has A Reliable Person Leading Its Creative Direction
Agatha All Alongis created by Jac Schaeffer, who also createdWandaVisionand wrote two episodes for the show. She’s returning to this spinoff in the same role and will also direct the series. Schaeffer’s return is promising for the series, asthe Marvel shows haven’t had a lot of creative direction. They were created by several people, rather than one showrunner who served as the main creative lead. It also means thatAgathawill have the same tone asWandaVision, an interesting blend of comedy and sci-fi/mystery.
8 Marvel Movies & Shows To Watch Before Agatha All Along
Before Agatha All Along premieres on Disney+ on September 18, you may want to brush up on your magical knowledge with these eight MCU projects.
WandaVisionis also regarded as one ofMarvel’s best shows, the argument being between it andLoki. I loved the show’srecreation of sitcoms from the 1960s up to the modern era, and how it blended with a fantastical sci-fi story. Audiences were captivated by the show, and every week led to rampant speculation about what would happen next, who could show up in the next episode, and how the show would impact the MCU. It also featured Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany at their best and introduced new, likable characters, like Monica Rambeau.
I’m Excited To See Marvel Return To Horror In Agatha All Along
Marvel Embraced The Horror Genre In Doctor Strange 2
WandaVisionexplored horror slightly with its creepier tone, butDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnessfully embraced the horror genre.Sam Raimi brought his A-game to theDoctor Strangesequel, with disturbing scenes and shocking moments that I’m still surprised Marvel let him get away with.Zombie Doctor Strangeand Scarlet Witch crawling out of the mirror like a possessed woman had inklings of Raimi’sEvil Deadfranchise, and it was great to see Marvel let Raimi’s vision fully play out.
I’m excited thatAgathafeels distinct from other MCU projects.
One thing I’ve loved aboutAgatha All Along’s marketing is that it’s leaning into its horror tone. The atmosphere looks likeHocus Pocus, but there is much darker, haunting imagery, such as a woman screaming with bugs coming out of her mouth, and a contorting woman who looks like Linda Blair inThe Exorcist. I’m excited thatAgathafeels distinct from other MCU projects, and Marvel has succeeded before with other projects that have a unique style.
Marvel Has Always Been Strongest When Using Other Genres & Tones
Marvel Needs More Projects That Have Unique Identities
Many ofMarvel’s most memorable projects stray away from the generic MCU style and utilize other genres and tones. For example,Captain America: The Winter SoldierandCivil Warare both inspired by classic espionage thrillers. They are more grounded than other MCU films and have intriguing mysteries that keep audiences hooked for the entire duration. TheBlack Pantherfilms have many classic MCU characteristics, but they embrace African culture and imagery, creating a world that feels isolated from the MCU.
Agatha All Alongwill premiere with two episodes on Wednesday, September 18 on Disney+.
Multiverse of Madnesssteered into horror territory, but it isn’t the only MCU project to explore that genre. I enjoyed what Marvel did with itsWerewolf By NightHalloween special, where it recreated the tone and atmosphere of classic Universal monster movies. It is an isolated project, but it showed thatMarvel shouldn’t be afraid to experiment more often. After seeing the trailers, I have hope forAgatha All Along, as it should deliver a unique blend of horror and comedy that Marvel proved it can do well.
