Marvel’s highly anticipated Disney+ series, WandaVision, has become a weekly trending topic in entertainment on Twitter since the airing of the first two episodes on January 15. It takes place just a couple of weeks after the groundbreaking events of Avengers: Endgame, Marvel’s highest grossing film and the top global box-office holder of the 21st century. With all the popularity, there is a high possibility that people unfamiliar with the Marvel Cinematic Universe will take their chances and tune into the show. If this happens to be you, fear not! Below is a list of films, in the appropriate order, that will prepare you for the journey that is WandaVision.
But first, what is WandaVision?
WandaVision is an exclusive series on Disney+ that is a blend of an American Sitcom and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It features Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), or The Scarlet Witch, and The Vision (Paul Bettany) living their super-powered lives as “normal” humans in a small suburban town. However, Wanda and Vision soon realize that the town they live in, West View, is not at all as it seems.
Now to refresh your memory or to get familiar with the characters who appear in the show, here is a list of 8 Marvel films to watch.
Captain Marvel
The story of Captain Marvel may not seem directly related to the characters of Wanda Maximoff and Vision, however a young girl in the film has a crucial role in the series. Monica is the daughter of Maria Rambeau, Captain Marvel’s best friend.
Ms. Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) makes her first adult appearance in the MCU series.
Thor & Thor: The Dark World
Now, the storyline of Thor has nothing to do with what goes down in the series, but another character in these films seems to be an important part in uncovering the events.
Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings) is an intern for Thor’s on-again-off-again girlfriend, Jane Foster. She is featured in multiple episodes of WandaVision and watching these two Thor films will help establish who she is and why she is important.
These films will also familiarize you with the God-of-Thunder Thor, who will appear in the Avenger movies crucial to the development of Wanda, Vision and their relationship.
Avengers: Age of Ultron
This film happens to be the second Avengers installment and remains the birthplace of all things Wanda and Vision. It is literally the birthplace of Vision!
Wanda and Pietro Maximoff, siblings who became orphans after their home was destroyed by Stark Industry weapons, join the terrorist organization Hydra. This film is crucial to the series. Wanda and her brother are given powers after being exposed to the mind stone, one of the six infinity stones. This film introduces her to the Avengers and, most notably, to Vision.
Basically, this film is a MUST in order to fully unpack the events that take place in WandaVision.
Captain America: Civil War
In this film, we are introduced to the Sokovia Accords that eventually wreak havoc on the Avengers. This is where we see Wanda and Vision create a friendship. After the events of Ultron, Wanda and Vision both move into the Avengers Compound in Upstate New York. We see interactions not only between the two of them, but also gain knowledge into their strengths and weaknesses as individuals.
Ant Man and The Wasp
Similar to the two Thor installments and Captain Marvel, this second stand-alone film that features Scott Lang as Ant Man, introduces a character who plays a memorable role in WandaVision.
With Scott Lang on house arrest after the Sokovia Accords scandal and the Avengers feud that took place in Captain America: Civil War, FBI agent, Jimmy Woo (Randall Park) rushes to catch Lang breaking parole.
Park reprises his role as agent Jimmy Woo in the series and his character is a heartwarming addition!
Avengers: Infinity War
This film is by far the most important, yet the most heartbreaking. It hurts to think about the events that take place. However, it is crucial in understanding the relationship between Wanda and Vision. Here we see how much they truly care for one another and watch their relationship blossom.
Thanos finally arrives on Earth to collect the remaining infinity stones. The Avengers have run out of time and Wanda must destroy the stone that is still embedded in Visions head. This emotional journey shows Wanda using her powers to destroy the stone, only to have Thanos rewind time and take the stone himself.
Wanda has to bare the pain of killing the man (or robot) she loves in order to save the universe, only to watch Thanos murder him and take the stone anyways.
Avengers: Endgame
Now if you watch Avengers: Infinity War then you must watch Avengers: Endgame, the last Avengers installment. We see the remaining Avengers living in a post-apocalyptic world for 5 years before Ant-Man reappears with the knowledge of Quantum Realm time travel. With the help of Tony Stark, they are able to travel through time to collect the infinity stones and snap everybody back to life.
This film is the final appearance of Wanda before she reprises her role in WandaVision – she was clearly out to seek vengeance. The final battle in the film truly exposes how dangerously powerful Wanda is when she is overcome with rage.
Wondering what happens to her after seeing all these films? I guess you’ll have to watch the series to find out! I hope this guide helps satisfy your Marvel craze and prepares you for the strange events that occur in WandaVision.