There is a lot of change going on over in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Between the game-changing plot developments in the ongoing Multiverse Saga to the behind-the-scenes changes involving the studio's new shift in its general release strategies, the MCU is in an era of transition, still trying to reach the highs of its classic Infinity Saga while slowly setting the stage for its impending "Mutants Era" (which may or may not be officially titled the Mutants Saga).
Speaking of changes, one of the biggest in the Multiverse Saga was Wanda Maximoff's evolution into the Scarlet Witch. It was a moment audiences had been waiting years for, but that moment - which took place in Disney Plus' WandaVision - led to the character's apparent demise in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. See what we mean? Constant change in the MCU.
The character's comeback seems inevitable at some point (especially with two Avengers movies on the horizon) but it may also be a short-lived return according to one report.
Billy and Tommy Maximoff may take over from the Scarlet Witch in the MCU
Wanda Maximoff may return in one of the two upcoming Avengers movies. She may even stick around for MCU titles after that. But, according to one insider, the character may not be around for long in the franchise's next chapter. During one of his monthly Q&As with fans (via The Cosmic Circus), insider Alex Perez was asked about whether the Scarlet Witch will stick around after 2027's Avengers: Secret Wars (which is set to act as the Multiverse Saga's conclusion). The response was this:
"I think so, but they’re already prepping Billy and Tommy to take over."
It's hard to argue with Perez's insight, as the MCU is clearly focusing on bringing Wanda's sons, Billy and Tommy Maximoff (a.k.a. Wiccan and Speed), back for a greater role. Having been created as part of the Hex in WandaVision, the pair ceased to exist whenever Wanda brought the magical spell down. But Billy managed to reincarnate in the body of William Kaplan, resurfacing in Agatha All Along and vowing to find his brother. With the help of Agatha Harkness, he placed Tommy's soul into a body and now the pair have set out in search of him.
Billy and Tommy are both expected to play a role in the MCU's long-rumored Young Avengers project (currently titled Champions) whenever it comes to fruition and some Avengers: Doomsday concept art even teased their potential involvement in that film. With all of that in mind, it's clear that the pair are being prepped to play major roles in the MCU going forward, representing its somewhat underpopulated field of magic users. If the franchise loses the Scarlet Witch, they are needed more than ever.
Elizabeth Olsen has denied any involvement in Avengers: Doomsday which is currently filming in the UK. However, she has also denied involvement in previous Avengers movies which she was ultimately in. So, Wanda death or no Wanda death, fans are expecting to see her in either that film or its sequel Avengers: Secret Wars. And with Agatha All Along finally vocalizing the ambiguity surrounding her apparent death in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, it is pretty clear that she will return at some point in the future.
That being said, if she were only to return for a short stint before being written out again, that would be a disappointment. As awesome as Billy is - and as excited as we are for Tommy's return - the Scarlet Witch is an icon in the Marvel Comics and Olsen's performance has seen her transcend that genre, becoming one of the most popular characters in the entire franchise. It wouldn't be right to replace her with anybody.
Fans aren't happy about the idea of Wanda having any kind of replacement or successor simply because we're already in the "Where's Wanda?" era of the MCU. If she were to return for an extended role in the two Avengers movies (along with the opening portion of the Mutants Era) only to disappear again shortly afterwards, it would feel like a huge missed opportunity.
After years, Wanda Maximoff has finally started achieving her full potential as the Scarlet Witch. It simply wouldn't make sense to end her story before it really got the chance to begin.
Now, Wanda being a guide and mentor to her sons to prep them for a time when they might become her successors? That we can get behind!