Originally posted June 29, 2021
In my opinion, no. But I wouldn't be disappointed if this was her villain origin story.
DISCLAIMER: This series includes spoilers to ‘Infinity War’ and the ‘WandaVision’ finale.
Superheroes have to pay the price that comes with great responsibility - an involuntary tax that just takes and takes.
Having the ability to save the world is both a privilege and a burden, because the world doesn’t see the grief, fear of failure, disappointment, or pain behind every call. No matter how overwhelmed or in pain and regardless of the cost, when you have the power to help the helpless, it would feel irresponsible to not even try.
Wanda Maximoff is the perfect subject of observation as we delve into this topic in a three-part series consisting of Wanda’s background, a perspective on her before the events of ‘WandaVision,’ and a perspective following the phenomenal show.
Even if you have seen all of the movies, I recommend reading all three parts as one cohesive piece. I hope you enjoy it!
PART 1
Let’s talk: Wanda Maximoff in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Heroes like Wanda, the most powerful of them all, often navigate their abilities entirely on their own. The exclusivity of their powers makes it nearly impossible for anyone to train these unique individuals, and their constant state of self-discovery comes with a high risk of error. This vulnerability to potentially harming people they are trying to save leaves them isolated as the world’s gaze turns critical with fear.
Because no matter the purity of a hero's intent, the casualties that come with saving the world are unforgivable. What is the cost of being saved by the Avengers? This is a never ending dispute among world leaders that arose alongside the first heroes and were only amplified upon Wanda’s rise to heroism.
Take a deeper look at Wanda’s evolution.
Wanda and Pietro Maximoff’s powers came from HYDRA’s experimentation with the Mind Stone, transforming the two into what the world considered war weapons. Her and Pietro were good kids who wanted to change the world. Instead, their grief-driven vendetta was exploited to motivate compliance with missions that would revoke the freedoms and peace they were fighting for.
In spite of their anger and trauma, the twins always sought to do good. When Ultron’s true intentions were revealed to them, they were able to sensibly look past their grief and fight alongside their former enemies for the greater good. With great courage and compassion, our beloved Sokovian siblings became the heroes they hoped to become.
Pietro displays great courage, initiative, and responsibility as he sacrifices himself without hesitation to protect Hawkeye and the civilian child in Barton’s protection. Because when you have the ability to save someone’s life, the choice not to may feel irrefutably impossible.
Just prior, Hawkeye delivers a powerful line to Wanda, asserting that “if you walk out that door, you’re an Avenger,” after which we symbolically see Wanda emerge onto the street as a part of the team.
Wanda realizes that the Avengers are doing something bigger than themselves - that their job is to protect the world even when they are terrified of the cost. It is also a moment in which she is given a choice to either run or step up when the world needs a hero. She chose to be a hero, and that is where her story as we know it begins.
If you haven’t already, I recommend watching ‘Age of Ultron’ to see the birth and extent of Wanda’s powers prior to her becoming an Avenger.
Continue to part two, ‘A Perspective on Wanda Maximoff Before The Events of ‘WandaVision’,’ to follow her journey as an Avenger.
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