WandaVision sticks the landing, showrunner Jac Schaeffer promises. Marvel Studios' latest project is challenging viewers to exercise patience with its slow-burn storytelling, but if they stick with it until the very end, it will be all worth it.
Marvel Studios' first official TV show is now streaming on Disney+ following a couple of delays and rescheduling due to the coronavirus pandemic; it's a new format that is taking some getting used to. After four episodes, its real narrative is only starting to get clear as much of its early outings didn't feel and look like the traditional MCU offering at all. Not everyone is a fan of this new approach, especially since it forces people to tune in every week as this time when Netflix has firmly established the culture of binge-watching. All that being said, Schaeffer is confident that whatever their vision for WandaVision, it's executed effectively.
Speaking with Deseret, the project's showrunner pointed out that having a cool and unique concept like do with WandaVision will ultimately not matter if they don't have a satisfying pay off at the very end. While there's still a lot of uncertain elements to the show right now, she says that she and her team stand by where the show eventually goes and her hope is that viewers will be as happy with it as they were when they cracked the project's narrative.
"You can come up with a cool concept — lots of people can come up with cool concepts. Sticking the landing is the thing that everything is judged on — how it ends up. I stand by where the show goes, and I’m very proud of my team and so impressed and in awe of all of the collaborators on this enormous show. And it’s my hope that the fanbase feels the same excitement and emotional response that we all had in making it."
It's an understatement to say that there's immense pressure for WandaVision to succeed; following the Infinity Saga and its impressive track record is no easy feat, especially with what they're able to achieve in its last several films. As Marvel Studios go through a rebuilding period, it needs to re-establish itself after Avengers: Endgame closed the first chapter of the universe's narrative. Admittedly, starting off Phase 4 with something so bizarre and unique was a big swing, but the risk could ultimately pay off especially with Schaeffer being this confident that the show will ultimately reward viewers. Assuming that this will be the case, it sends a clear message that the MCU still hasn't lost its touch. It also signals a new era for the franchise — one that is bolder in its creative choices.
Only time will tell if WandaVision really does stick the landing. After its latest episode, however, the interest from viewers is at an all-time high as its real mystery begins to unfold. It's worth noting that how the show ends is also integral to the future of the MCU in general as it leads to various projects like Captain Marvel 2 and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. It could also open the doors for the mutants to finally join the MCU depending on how Marvel Studios tackle the remainder of its ongoing season.
Source: Deseret