Summary
One of theMCU’smost mysterious and fascinating characters to emerge from the post-Endgameera would have to be Agatha Harkness. Portrayed in theMCUby Kathyrn Hahn, the character made a splash in the original Disney+ seriesWandavision. She became the primary antagonist, facing off against Wanda in the series' final episode. However, she would continue to survive her encounter with Wanda, albeit changed forever. With her ties to Marvel Comics history and being a primary player in the supernatural world, Agatha’s upcoming series begs the question: will deepening her character arc allow the doors to be opened to Marvel Comics' ownStrange Academy?
The school for gifted supernatural youngsters,Strange Academy, is a recent addition to the Marvel Comics universe. Introducing readers to new and influential players in the magic side of the Marvel Universe, teachers at the school include Wanda, Nico Monrou of the Runaways, Magik of the X-Men, and school leader Doctor Voodoo, with, of course, Dr. Strange himself being a guest speaker and founder of the school. So how does Agatha Harkness tie into the school, and will it lead to anMCUdebut?
Who is Agatha Harkness?
Agatha, set to start in her original series,Agatha All Along, is one of the original witches who survived the Salem Witch Trials. Ironically enough, her first introduction to Marvel Comics in the 70s was not in a supernaturally-based comic series but inThe Fantastic Four. Becoming the governess of Franklin Richards, son of Reed Richards and Sue Storm, she later revealed to the parents that she was a witch after helping to defeat the Frightful Four. She would also go on to help defeat Annihilus, become Wanda Maximoff’s mentor, and help restore Wanda’s painful memories of the loss of her children to help the Avengers stop Immortus, a version of Kang the Conquerer.
She would later become a ghost after her untimely demise and help Wanda several times over the years in the wake of theHouse of Mstoryline. Eventually, she would be brought back to life, becoming a mentor and teacher at theStrange Academy. There, she would face one of her long-lost sisters from her coven to prevent the end of the world alongside theMidnight Sunsteam. The resulting battle somehow restored her youth, allowing her to face the threats of the supernatural world again.
What is the Strange Academy?
A new series that began in 2020,Strange Academyis a Marvel Universe school in New Orleans. Dr. Strange started the school to bring magic users from all walks of life and different worlds together to hone their skills and teach them to use their gifts responsibly. The school hosts children from Earth, Asgard, the Dark Dimension, and many other realms. Led by Doctor Voodoo, the school has hosted guest speakers like Blade, Magik, Man-Thing, and Wong.
The students have unique stories and pasts, from the children of Asgardian villain Enchantress to the son of Marvel Universe threat Dormammu and so much more. The school has faced many magical threats from outside forces and within their own school. The students became fractured when powerful magical student Emily turned from the other students, embracing the dark magic of Dormammu and leading an attack on the academy, eventually facing her former friend Doyle, the son of Dormammu.
Yet it is Agatha Harkness’s recent connection to the Academy that is the most fascinating, revealing that student Zoe Laveau is the descendent of former Salem Witch Marie Laveau and helping the half-zombie witch survive an apocalyptic vision sent to all magic users, including the Midnight Suns. The confrontation with her former friend and ally from her days in Salem led to a powerful explosion, restoring her youth and taking on the form mostMCUfans would recognize fromWandavision.
Strange Academy in the MCU?
So many existingMCUcharacters and connections could make aStrange AcademyDisney+ series possible in the future. From the founder himself, Doctor Strange, to the newest Sorcerer Supreme Wong, and of course, Agatha, the academy staff is building itself in the MCU. Characters like Blade,Clea, and even Moon Knight all represent the future of the supernatural in the Marvel Universe. Even the Halloween specialWerewolf by Midnightintroduced the likes of Elsa Blood, Man-Thing, and the titular character, giving viewers and fans of the MCU a new aspect of the comics to come to life on the screen.
Strange Academywould be the next natural progression of the supernatural realm in the MCU. With Kamala Khan now forming theYoung Avengers, exploring the next generation of heroes and supernatural practitioners would make the most sense, and bringing Agatha Harkness into the mainstreamMCUwould give those heroes the platform to have their stories told.
