Jac Schaeffer is a well-known writer, producer, and director. She recently worked on Marvel Studios’ Disney+ series “WandaVision,” which won an Emmy Award. This series introduced viewers to Agatha Harkness, a witch without a coven, played by Kathryn Hahn.
“WandaVision” shook the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) by expanding on witches within its storyline. It also gave Schaeffer the chance to create another series, “Agatha All Along.” This new series can be enjoyed on its own and also connects with the larger Marvel story.
After “WandaVision,” Agatha is still trapped in a spell cast by Wanda Maximoff, played by Elizabeth Olsen. Wanda’s spell keeps Agatha acting as the nosy neighbor, Agnes, in the town of Westview. In “WandaVision,” Agatha was the main villain.
But in “Agatha All Along,” Hahn’s character is in control. She forms a new group of witches, after things did not work out with her old one. She sets off on a path called the Witches’ Road to search for what she needs.
The first two episodes of “Agatha All Along” will air on Disney+ on September 18. Collider’s Perri Nemiroff talked to Schaeffer about the magic behind this upcoming series.
According to “WandaVision,” Agatha Harkness has mastered the craft of Dark Magic over many centuries. She killed her entire group of witches in Salem, Massachusetts when they tried to punish her for using dark magic.
Agatha went on her own and used a dangerous book called the Darkhold, which made her even more powerful but also corrupted her.
When she felt Wanda’s Chaos Magic, she got close to her in Westview, hoping to take this power. In the end, Wanda found out Agatha’s plan and trapped her in the role of Agnes, the nosy neighbor, stripping her of her magic.
So, what happens to Agatha next? Schaeffer says Agatha is still trapped. This time, she is stuck as the female detective in a TV show that mimics a crime drama.
Schaeffer says she always had this idea. She mentions, “From the very beginning, I had the concept for the pilot.” Schaeffer also got the chance to direct the pilot episode, which she was excited to do.
Perri Nemiroff asked Schaeffer how the plot of “Agatha All Along” changed during development. Schaeffer explained that the journey of the character was the biggest question.
They wondered if it would be a story focused on two characters or an ensemble cast. These ideas changed the most as the show took shape. Schaeffer says she can’t give away too much because it would spoil the story.
Marvel Studios has been building an epic cinematic universe since “Iron Man” (2008). The MCU has introduced iconic Marvel characters in movies that connect with each other.
In recent years, Marvel started the “Multiverse Saga,” which allowed for incredible stories like “Loki,” “What If…?,” and “WandaVision.” Now, “Agatha All Along” is part of this journey, focusing on Dark Magic, which was also a theme in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”
Being a spin-off, “Agatha All Along” is linked to past Marvel projects. But in Marvel’s tradition, shows and movies also help set up future projects. For example, look at “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
This gives creators a lot of responsibility. It can make even the most dedicated Marvel fans question if the focus is on quality or on just adding more characters.
Perri asked Schaeffer if the overarching Marvel Universe impacted “Agatha All Along” in any way. Schaeffer said she has never had a situation where Kevin Feige, the head of Marvel Studios, came in and demanded a specific character be included.
However, she mentions that the creative team often gets involved when planning the ending or any additional scenes after the main story. They consider who should appear and what message to send at the end of the show.
So, are there no cameos? Not necessarily. “Agatha All Along” might open doors for future Marvel spin-offs or films, but Schaeffer is not revealing any details yet. Like “WandaVision” and “Black Widow,” which Schaeffer also wrote, Agatha’s series will be a standalone show that Marvel fans can enjoy.
It will have great visual effects and introduce new characters, giving fans more of the witchcraft they loved seeing in Wanda’s last appearance.
Perri asked about the rules that the creative team followed when making the Witches’ Road. Schaeffer says rules are very important to her and help guide the story. The Witches’ Road is a legendary path that only witches can follow. In the comics, it is described as a dangerous and tricky road.
Schaeffer explained that making this road from scratch was a challenge. “WandaVision” was hard to make, but this series was even more difficult because they had to build the concept of witchcraft in the MCU. The Witches’ Road is part of this magical world, and the team had to figure out the rules for this journey.
Schaeffer said that during production, they learned a lot about what rules were important. For example, covens share both blessings and burdens. They also came up with ideas like not stepping off the road, which allowed them to explore what happens when someone does. Schaeffer says it was a fun process that felt like being a kid again.
At the D23 event, the cast performed a song that gave more hints about the Witches’ Road. Perri asked if there would be more music in the show. Schaeffer confirmed that music will continue to be a part of the series in surprising ways.
The show has an ensemble cast, which includes Joe Locke, Sasheer Zamata, Patti LuPone, Ali Ahn, Debra Jo Rupp, and Aubrey Plaza. Agatha is freed from Wanda’s spell by a teenage boy, played by Joe Locke. He asks her to guide him on the Witches’ Road, and together they form a new coven.
The new coven, along with Agatha, gets involved in at least one impressive musical number. Perri had seen up to Episode 4 and confirmed that there will be more musical moments. Perri asked if the cast was chosen for their singing skills, but Schaeffer says that was not the plan.
The focus was on finding the right actors for the roles. It just so happened that many of them, like Patti LuPone and Ali Ahn, had musical talents. Joe Locke, for instance, went on to perform on Broadway after the show. Schaeffer says it felt like these talents came together in a magical way.
“Agatha All Along” promises to be an interesting addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, blending dark magic, intricate storytelling, and new characters. With Jac Schaeffer at the helm, fans can expect a fresh, creative take on Agatha Harkness as she navigates her post-WandaVision life.
This series will not only detail Agatha’s journey but also introduce the rich lore of witchcraft in the MCU, including the mysterious Witches’ Road. The rules and challenges Agatha faces will deepen fans’ understanding of magic in this universe, expanding on what was hinted at in previous films like “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”
Schaeffer’s thoughtful approach to character development, combined with the show’s visually stunning effects, musical elements, and rich storytelling, sets the stage for another hit within the MCU.
The inclusion of a talented ensemble cast, including Joe Locke, Sasheer Zamata, Patti LuPone, and Aubrey Plaza, adds an extra layer of excitement and star power to the series. “Agatha All Along” offers something for everyone—whether you’re a longtime Marvel fan or new to the franchise.
As the series premieres, viewers will be taken on a journey full of surprises, magic, and unexpected twists. The bewitching world of Agatha Harkness is about to cast its spell once again, and fans are in for a thrilling ride.
