Being the first Marvel Cinematic Universe project released since 2019, Marvel fans have been highly anticipating the Disney+ Marvel series WandaVision.
The cast of WandaVision, consisting of Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Teyonah Parris, and Kathryn Hahn, gathered with director Matt Shakman, head writer Jac Schaeffer, and producer Kevin Feige for a press conference on January 10th to discuss the upcoming Marvel series.
Elizabeth Olsen’s Experience with a Live Studio Audience
When filming the first episode of WandaVision, working with a live studio audience was an experience that “messed with her brain.” Feeding off of the energy of an audience while in front of a camera proved to be an interesting challenge for her. Olsen felt relieved during the filming of episode two with the addition of a fourth wall.
Paul Bettany’s Ridiculous Getup
When asked how Vision can blend into his new living community, Bettany jokingly said “a lot of wigs.” Bettany further joked about Vision’s appearance in the show, citing when the series reaches the 90s period of sitcoms Vision will look so ridiculous that he didn't need to put much effort into a comedic performance. Despite any looks, at the end of the day, Bettany says that Vision “exists for Wanda.”
Kathryn Hahn’s Casting Process
Hahn’s casting in WandaVision came down to being in the right place at the right time. While the crew of WandaVision was discussing who should play Agnes, Hahn was attending a general meeting for the series. Being fans of Hahn, the crew realized she would be a great fit for the role. Director Matt Shakman pointed out these casting situations are “usually never as perfect as this.”
Teyonah Parris steps into the Grown-Up Shoes of an Existing Marvel character
Parris is new to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but the character she plays is not. Parris plays an older version of Monica Rambeau, whom fans might remember as a young girl from Captain Marvel. Parris revealed that viewers will learn about Rambeau's life after the events of Captain Marvel in WandaVision. She also confirmed that she is set to make an appearance in the Captain Marvel sequel.
Matt Shakman’s Sitcom Bootcamp
To prepare the cast of WandaVision for filming, Shakman made them watch countless episodes of popular sitcom shows from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. He hoped to convey how comedy evolved during each period to the cast, wanting WandaVision to be authentic to each period as much as possible.
Jac Schaeffer Writes a Different Type of Superhero
When writing WandaVision, Schaeffer approached the 50s and 60s segments as if she were writing a period piece. She also compiled a list of 50s and 60s catchphrases to interject into the dialog. Jac says she “hadn't done anything like that before'' in writing for a television series.
Schaeffer also described writing Wanda and Vision’s relationship in the series. Building on the “stolen moments'' of romance from their appearances in previous Marvel films, Schaeffer says that the couple gets to partake in cute “homebody stuff that you would never get to seea superhero participate in.”
Kevin Feige’s Family History with Sitcoms and the Excitement of Marvel Studios’ first Television Project
Feige may be the mastermind behind the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but the press conference also highlighted his great grandfather Robert Short.
Short was a successful producer for many sitcoms like The Dick Van Dyke show, which Feige used as an inspiration for WandaVision. Perhaps the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree in the Feige family. Feige is now paying homage to his great grandfather through working on the sitcom-inspired Marvel show.
Besides various sitcoms, Feige shared The Twilight Zone as another influence for WandaVision, which inspired the dark and mysterious elements of the show.
Feige Stays Silent On Marvel Future
For those hoping for any hints on the future of the next phase of Marvel films, Feige shot down any future questions with a simple “no.”
However, Feige shared his excitement for WandaVision, saying how “different” and “bold” the series is compared to other Marvel Studios projects. He also strived to take full advantage of the television format of the series, doing things that “could not be done as a feature.”
About WandaVision
Marvel Studios presents “WandaVision,” a blend of classic television and the Marvel Cinematic Universe in which Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) – two super-powered beings living idealized suburban lives – begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems. The new series is directed by Matt Shakman; Jac Schaeffer is head writer.
WandaVision premieres on January 15th on Disney+ with two debut episodes!
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