Marvel’s WandaVision series isn’t required viewing before watching Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, according to MCU head Kevin Feige. The MCU’s first TV series came to an end last week, and not only did it prove to be a big success in terms of viewership and the unique manner in which it explores Wanda Maximoff’s grief through a sitcom format, but it also started Marvel’s new journey of intertwining their TV series with their films. Most notably, WandaVision dropped various teases and connections to the upcoming Doctor Strange sequel, which will also feature Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch.

Olsen’s role in Sam Raimi’s Doctor Strange film, which is currently filming in London, was known before the premiere of WandaVision, and the series’ director Matt Shakman even told Screen Rant that he consulted with Raimi on Wanda’s story arc. So Agatha Harkness saying that Scarlet Witch is stronger than the Sorcerer Supreme (expected to be Doctor Strange) and Scarlet Witch reading the Darkhold book in the post-credit scene all seem to be set-ups for an interesting dynamic between Wanda and Doctor Strange, one that may even see the two butt heads as Wanda embraces the dark magic. Despite the seemingly clear connections between the two, Marvel has apparently ensured that fans do not have to see WandaVision before watching Doctor Strange 2.

Related: Why Doctor Strange Didn't Know About WandaVision

In an interview with The Companion, Kevin Feige dived into subjects like WandaVision, upcoming series like The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and the connections between their Disney+ shows and films, like WandaVision and 2022’s Doctor Strange sequel. Feige revealed that there “were lots of conversations” with Raimi and the Doctor Strange team that the film work for fans that watched WandaVision, and “more importantly,” for those who haven’t. The MCU head explained that they don’t want to create “a barrier to entry” for the less diehard fans.

“We’ve already said that Lizzie Olsen will go from WandaVision into the new Dr. Strange film. There were lots of conversations with Sam Raimi and Michael Waldron and the entire Dr. Strange team that this movie needs to work for people who watched WandaVision but, more importantly, needs to work for people who didn’t, who maybe Endgame was the last time they saw Wanda, or one of the earlier movies, or maybe she’s a character they’re meeting for the first time. There will always be different layers of understanding, but we don’t want there to be a barrier to entry.”

Scarlet Witch levitates while using magic in WandaVision.

One of the interesting points of conversation about the connections between Marvel’s new TV shows and films was if people would be able to watch the big screen releases without watching the shows, as the combination could be too much content for some fans. However, Feige’s comments and his insight into the creative process of making Doctor Strange 2 work for both sections of fans is great to hear. Fans who only want to watch the films will be encouraged to know they won’t enjoy Doctor Strange’s next theatrical outing any less because they have not seen WandaVision. It also potentially explains why Doctor Strange did not appear in WandaVision’s finale, as that may have been too big of a scene to miss for fans who choose to not watch the series.

Feige does, however, acknowledge there will be different levels of understanding, and although Doctor Strange 2 is being tailored for less knowledgeable fans to enjoy it as well, it will not take away from those that can connect small (or big) links between the series and the film. Raimi’s film will explore the multiverse, and in WandaVision’s post-credit scene, Wanda can hear the voices of her children, Tommy and Billy, who many assumed had disappeared with the Hex. Again, this may be a setup for the multiverse and also explain what Olsen meant by Doctor Strange 2 being a natural progression from the series. Fans will no doubt be excited to see how Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness ties into WandaVision, but luckily, fans who don’t watch Wanda’s story on Disney+ won’t enjoy the film any less.

Next: WandaVision Explains Endgame’s Cut Doctor Strange & Wanda Scene

Source: The Companion

Key Release Dates