Will Bringing Scarlet Witch Back Really Fix How She Was Treated?

Screen Rant

Scarlet Witch has a troubled and painful past that has led to her demise, but if she survives, here’s what can be done to fix her story.

Due to her sacrifice in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Scarlet Witch's story has a deeply unsatisfying end for a character with so much unresolved grief; but whether bringing her back will fix the treatment of her character in the MCU is questionable. Wanda Maximoff has always been an emotional character with a traumatic past since her MCU debut. Tragedy continued to follow Wanda through other films and series until her untimely death.

While this may be a part of her prophetic destiny to become the Scarlet Witch who would "destroy the world," the multiverse provides the opportunity for Wanda to prevent that destiny in her universe. Unfortunately, Scarlet Witch's MCU survival is currently sealed with the Darkhold, an abrupt and sad fate for the Avenger only yearning to be reunited with her family. That being said, Scarlet Witch was originally set to be pitted against the Avengers instead of Kang (per Assembled on Disney+). Still, the days of Scarlet Witch were cut too soon.

Why Just Brining Scarlet Witch Back Won't Be Enough

How Wanda should return in Phase 5 or beyond, and in what capacity, could further aggravate Wanda's story if she continues to be Marvel's tragic punching bag. Wanda's brief heel turn as Scarlet Witch could warrant a redemption story if she seeks to rejoin the Avengers. Though Scarlet Witch is one of the strongest Avengers, fighting as a hero no longer seems to be of interest to her. A cameo in the WandaVision spinoffs is possible, but it's unlikely her story would be resolved there. WandaVision added the character depth and motivation Wanda needed to become Scarlet Witch, and her return would need to be just as meaningful and compelling.

What The MCU Needs To Do To Fix Scarlet Witch's Story

It may be necessary for Scarlet Witch to move on from the Avengers if she returns. Her longing for family and a place to belong would be better suited among the X-Men. There, she could atone by leading the next generation of mutants as a hero and grow to become a parental figure for them. A similar role could be had among the Young Avengers. Marvel could even forgo a redemption story if a Wanda variant were to replace the villainous Scarlet Witch altogether, possibly becoming Marvel's New Doctor Strange in the process.

In any case, Wanda/Scarlet Witch must return. Her emotional journey and exploration of her powers are far too great to be underserved. Wanda's loss after loss needs to pave the way for her to triumph over her past and pain beyond relentlessly taking it out on the next villain or Avenger. Without love, a home, or something to protect, Wanda has no motivation or future as a hero. Such persistent pain and trauma without proper reconciliation to allow the character to heal and grow is abusive storytelling, and Scarlet Witch deserves better.

More: How Powerful Scarlet Witch Is In Each MCU Movie And Show