The Scarlet Witch has worn many costumes in the MCU to reflect her evolution as an actor. Here’s how they rank.
For a character who wasn’t supposed to have a formal costume, the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s version of the Scarlet Witch has gone through a surprising number of incarnations. Wanda Maximoff started her career as a civilian and her first incarnations were close to non-superheroic clothing. That has slowly changed as her character evolved along with the MCU itself however until she arrived at what looks to be a stellar take on her comic-book attire from the upcoming Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Here’s a quick examination of the Scarlet Witch’s five primary costumes in the MCU, ranked in order from most to least successful.
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5. Scarlet Witch’s Avengers Age of Ultron Costume Was Practical but Not Perfect
Wanda remained largely in ordinary clothes during the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron as she took on Earth’s Mightiest Heroes before joining them to take on Ultron. This included a black short dress, a red jacket, knee-high black pants, boots, and accessories such as rings and wristbands. However, while it was an effective “origin” outfit, invoking the character’s visual look without seeming outlandish or unrealistic, it was lacking the pizzazz of other characters’ costumes.
4. From Civil War to Endgame, Wanda’s New Look Is Lackluster
Wanda wore the same outfit in Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, and it consisted of a red trench coat and top along with black leggings and boats. The ensemble is a civilian cut — stylish and practical, with the leather coat providing protection — but is intended to evoke the character’s superheroic side as well. The balance works, neatly dividing Wanda’s early Goth look with the more overt costume she would later adopt. However, it is difficult to stand out against the more formal outfits of later years, making it very low-profile.
3. WandaVision Reintroduces a Silver-Age Scarlet Witch
Although superhero projects have moved beyond the brightly-colored spandex that shaped the genre’s early days, Marvel still finds ways in which to honor those roots. That includes Wanda’s Halloween costume from WandaVision Season 1, Episode 6, “Halloween Spooktacular,”This was a Silver-Age style that eschewed practicality for accuracy. It includes a red leotard with sleeves, pink tights, red boots, and opera gloves. A red cape with a tie around her neck and a horned hat framing her face makes it look as if she bought them at a local department shop.
2. WandaVision finally reveals the true scarlet witch
WandaVision Season 1, Episode 9 “The Series Finale,”Wanda was seen for the first time in a formal superhero costume. It’s a sleeker and more updated version of her classic look, with the leotard, cape and opera gloves being replaced by high-end fabrics with more distinctive patterns. Wanda’s upper arms are also bare — evoking the classic comics look for the character — and the more elegant headpiece completes the look.
1. Multiverse of Madness Takes Wanda’s Costume Down a Dark Path
The trailer for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness reveals Wanda’s new costume, which is an upgrade from her phenomenal costume at the end of WandaVision. Her arms are now covered. The red of her top, gloves, and headpiece are brighter than the Disney+ series. The leggings appear to be a more pronounced red as well, and all of the clothing contains more elaborate patterns than ever seen before. Wanda seems to have also dropped the cape. However, it remains to see if she wears one in film.
Wanda’s new costume is Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness, which will be shown in theaters May 6.
About the Author
Robert Vaux
(607 Articles Published)
Rob Vaux, a native Californian, has been a critic, entertainment writer, and editor for more than 20 years. This includes work for Collider. Mania.com and the Sci-Fi Movie Page. He lives in Los Angeles, supports the Angels and is old enough that he can remember when Splinter Of The Mind’s Eye was big.
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