MOVIE NEWS – Without any exaggeration, we can say that the Marvel comic universe is vast and has become an essential part of mainstream pop culture, with numerous characters. For example, everyone knows who the friendly and popular Spider-Man is, who is worthy enough to lift Thor’s hammer, or why it was a massive problem when Thanos snapped his fingers with the Infinity Gauntlet. Besides the main heroes, there are countless other characters who are exciting and unique enough to deserve their comic book series. However, there has never been an example where a character receives their own standalone prequel series without having had a separate comic book issue before. So, who exactly is Agatha Harkness, whose “Agatha All Along” series premieres on Disney+ on September 19?
Agatha Harkness’s name is not unfamiliar among black-belt Marvel film fans, as she played a significant role in the development of the WandaVision storyline, where she first appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Based on her behavior, it is not easy to determine whether she is a hero or an anti-hero, as her character often balances between good and evil. Despite helping Wanda and others, she has often manipulated them to achieve her own goals. But what does this 500-year-old witch know, and how is she connected to the Fantastic Four?
- “Old” Cat Lady
According to the comics, Agatha Harkness is over 500 years old and one of the oldest witches in the Marvel universe. She was once a member of the Salem witches, with whom she studied dark magic. Having lived as far back as the 17th century, she was present during the infamous witch trials but survived the persecution. She was also a member of the Order of the Druids, one of the oldest wizarding groups in the Marvel universe. This membership gave her greater access to ancient knowledge and magical resources. In the comics, she also has a magical familiar, Ebony, a black cat who can transform and assist her in performing spells.
- Incredible Abilities
While Agatha is primarily known for her witchcraft, her abilities also include telepathy. She can read others’ thoughts and influence their minds, making her even more dangerous, especially when she uses manipulation to achieve her goals. She can also erase memories; in the comics, she once “freed” Wanda from certain painful memories, manipulating her future decisions and behavior.
- Mentor Figure
Agatha is a key figure in Wanda Maximoff’s life. In the comics, she teaches Wanda how to control and harness her chaotic magic and power. She had the opportunity to showcase this “knowledge” on screen as well. In the WandaVision series, she heavily manipulated Wanda to reveal the source of her power and forced her to confront her traumas by revisiting her past. Agatha’s ultimate goal was to obtain Wanda’s power, specifically the power over Chaos Magic, after discovering Wanda is the Scarlet Witch. However, she miscalculated, and Wanda defeated her, reducing her power. Now, she only has one chance to regain her lost strength.
- Superhero Caretaker
At one point, Agatha Harkness was the nanny of Franklin Richards, the extraordinarily powerful mutant child of Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) and Sue Storm (Invisible Woman) from the Fantastic Four. Franklin’s power is so immense that Agatha’s knowledge was useful and, in fact, almost indispensable in controlling and managing the boy.
- Not a Team Player
To regain her strength, Agatha must establish a so-called witch’s circle, which she has always wanted to avoid. She dislikes cooperation, and one of her worst nightmares is having to work with other witches. However, to survive the Witch’s Path and succeed in the trials, she has no choice but to accept her fate and collaborate with women of different backgrounds and magical abilities.
5+1. Dark Humor
The tone of “Agatha All Along” also differs from previous series. The show’s genre is best described as a black comedy, where horror and humor are equally present. Both the protagonist and the other witches have their comedic and darker, more dangerous sides emphasized. The unique visual style of the series is also due to the entirely real sets, with minimal computer effects used in post-production. Almost all the visual elements of the series were realized using traditional film tricks and techniques to create an even more realistic and “magical” feeling.
The above also shows that Agatha Harkness is a multi-layered and intriguing character who, with her magic, experience, and manipulations, can greatly impact the characters in the Marvel world. Although she uses magic for the greater good, she cannot necessarily be called a villain. Additionally, her goals drive her, making her a kind of anti-hero. Whether she succeeds in regaining her power and becoming a strong witch again will be revealed in the “Agatha All Along” series, debuting with two episodes on September 19.
Disney+ has launched a limited-time offer allowing new and returning customers to stream the season’s biggest movies and series for just 999 HUF/month for three months until September 27. For more information or to register, visit the Disney+ offer website.
