WARNING: Spoilers ahead for Marvel's TVA #3

It seems that MCU. Now, Marvel Comics artist Pere Pérez has further proof that this scene is more than a clever cameo.

In TVA #3, Spider Gwen finds with a popular fan theory claiming the TVA captured Wanda and imprisoned her just before her supposed death in the multiverse of Madness.

Initially, it seemed like a clever move by writer Katharyn Blair to spark speculation. However, after Pere Pérez confirmed on Twitter that the Wanda seen in the series is Elizabeth Olsen's Scarlet Witch from the MCU, the Scarlet Witch's return to the MCU seems inevitable.

Is Wanda Alive In the MCU?

The Scarlet Witch And The TVA Fan Theory Explained

Fans' speculation about the TVA's involvement in faking Wanda's death started after a statue of her was seen in Multiverse of Madness. Given that there is only one darkhold in the multiverse, the presence of this statue in the void means the TVA pruned the statue before its collapse.

If they rescued this artifact before Wanda's death, nothing stops them from doing the same for the Scarlet Witch herself. If captured by TVA, she would likely be imprisoned for her multiversal crimes, which seems to be the exact situation Spider-Gwen has discovered in this TVA issue.

Having Wana As a Secret Hostage Of The TVA Could "Fix" The MCU

A Fan Theory with Plot Armor

The implications behind this narrative decision could have huge implications for the MCU, but also may provide a convenient retcon for the MCU's recent missteps. In TVA #3 Spider-Gwen is led to her discovery through her dreams after learning that reality shards were used to injure Mobius in the previous issues. This implies that Wanda is behind these events and can access her reality-bending abilities even within her confinement.

A similar approach in the MCU could create a clever opportunity to attribute the more wild and controversial choices in the multiverse saga to Wanda's influence on the multiverse. This presents a potentially streamlined solution to Marvel's Kang problem, Robert Downey Jr's return as Doom, or even the introduction of the Secret Wars saga itself.

Are Comics Now Required Reading For The MCU?

Is This Too Much Homework for Casual Fans

However, while this fan theory might be gaining credibility, the method of revealing it raises questions. Some fans argue that revealing such a significant plot twist in a comic book, rather than on-screen in the MCU, feels like asking too much from the audience.

While comics fans may appreciate these nods and connections, casual MCU viewers who don't follow the comics might be left in the dark. If this is the direction the MCU decides to take, they shouldn't expect the audience to pick up the TVA comic series to understand the larger narrative.

Marvel risks losing its audience by expecting fans to keep up with the comics to understand key developments in the MCU. At the same time, this could also be an attempt to elevate the importance of its comics and tie them more directly into the broader narrative. Whatever the case, if Wanda’s return is truly in the works, fans should expect a more accessible and clear explanation—one that reaches far beyond just the pages of a comic.

Marvel's TVA #3 is available now at your local comic shop!

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  Scarlet Witch

  Alias

  Wanda Frank

  FIRST APP

  Captain America: The Winter Soldier

  Created By

  Stan Lee, Jack Kirby

  POWERS

  Chaos magic, reality manipulation

  TEAM

  The Avengers

  RELATIONSHIPS

  Vision (Lover), Quicksilver (Brother)

  Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the Scarlet Witch debuted, along with her twin brother, Quicksilver in X-Men #4 (March 1964). Also known as Wanda Maximoff, she first appears as a member of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, before she eventually became a member of the Avengers. In the comics, she is a mutant who uses chaos magic to alter reality. 
  
  Scarlet Witch is played by Elizabeth Olsen in the MCU, having debuted in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

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  TVA

  Release Date

  September 29, 2023

  Episode Number

  15

  Season

  Marvel Studios: Legends - Season 2

  Explore the mysterious origins of the Time Variance Authority.

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