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Marvel Studios has put out word of ‘Marvel Zombies,’ a portal into a mere four episodes currently on the Disney+ catalog slated for release on the 24th of September, presently numbering the main antagonist as Scarlet Witch, otherwise called the “Queen of the Dead.” This is a post-apocalyptic universe where superheroes have now mutated into flesh-eating monsters. It marks Elizabeth Olsen’s return to the MCU in an animated form, furthering an already complex legacy of the character created in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.’
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The announcement came with another Instagram upload: an exquisite promotional poster for this terrifying undead world. Under the blood-red sky, the left side of the poster is occupied by a tall zombie with eyes engulfed in a bright red inferno, while floating hauntingly in the center of the Mortal silhouette stands Scarlet Witch. Likewise, the visuals make it incontrovertible that she is the driving force behind this nightmare scenario of heroes turned hideous predators.
Fan reactions began pouring in, with many expressing their excitement on the massive moment given to Scarlet Witch. One exuberant comment translated into English from Portuguese read, “WANDA BEING THE GREATEST” with several heart and fire emojis attached-a testament to the appreciation many others also share for the character. Another said, simply: “Finally giving her the proper treatment,” suggesting that they felt it was about time Marvel treated the character right.
Some of the praise was nearly religious. One comment epitomizing Scarlet Witch read “MOTHER IS SO BACK,” signifying these are the highest levels of respect. Another jokingly said: “I just respawn every time there’s official Elizabeth Olsen Scarlet Witch news,” meaning that a portion of the Marvel fan base deeply resonates with this character.
Then there were dissenting reactions: Some fans expressed suspicions that Scarlet Witch may never live a happy-ever-after version of herself. One plea in Spanish read, “Make a story where Wanda is happy please,” followed by an emoji of crying. This winter-wound scar begins to represent how gutted audiences have gotten concerning Scarlet Witch’s journey, in desperate need of seeing her finally achieve some semblance of peace amidst the ongoing chaos.
The excitement was soon met with more practical questions. Several went on to question the language availability: One person was ribbing, “Can you tell me this serial is available in Hindi language or not?” indicating Marvel’s worldwide audience and how it’s paramount the international fans be able to witness this series in their mother tongue.
There was also some concern over the duration of each episode, “Can’t wait, but why only four episodes it’s look too good to be that short” echoed one voice — an inkling that the audience has already become attached enough to want more.
First premiered in a special episode of ‘What If…?’ during Season 1, the Marvel Zombie universe is an alternate world where most of the superheroes were infected by the zombie plague. The favorable reception to that episode really fueled the extension, with Scarlet Witch standing at the apex of the food chain. Being called “Queen of the Dead” implied that she was the most powerful and feared figure in the hierarchy of the undead.
The series, itself, is another foray by Marvel into darker and more horror-leaning stories on the animated side. Placing the Scarlet Witch in the center of this nightmare world will continue the first of their most conflicted and powerful characters while truly offering fans something quite scary to engage with this fall.
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With the September release date drawing near, and the great weight of positive reaction to the announcement only growing, Scarlet Witch has proved to be one of the more exciting characters in the canon of Marvel who can enliven any fan, whichever way they go-whether to save the world or eat it.