In the vast and ever-evolving universe of Marvel, few characters have captivated audiences like Wanda Maximoff, also known as the Scarlet Witch. Her journey from a vulnerable young woman to one of the most powerful—and feared—figures in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a tale of tragedy, power, and inner darkness.

But what if the darkness within Wanda was even more terrifying than what we saw on screen?

Recently, stunning concept art has emerged, revealing a hauntingly dark version of the Scarlet Witch—a design that could have dramatically altered her portrayal in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. These unsettling visuals hint at a version of Wanda that is far more monstrous, mysterious, and terrifying than anything we’ve seen before.

So, what does this concept art tell us about Wanda’s evil side? Why was it ultimately left out of the final cut? And what does it reveal about her future in the MCU?

Let’s unravel the secrets behind the Scarlet Witch’s evil transformation and explore the chilling concept art that almost redefined her legacy.

The Rise of the Scarlet Witch: From Hero to Villain

Wanda Maximoff made her MCU debut in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), where she and her brother Pietro fought alongside Ultron. Originally portrayed as a victim seeking revenge, Wanda’s character quickly evolved. She later joined the Avengers, fighting valiantly to save Earth from numerous threats.

But beneath Wanda’s strength lay profound grief. The loss of her parents, her twin brother, and later her soulmate, Vision, pushed her to the edge. It wasn’t just her immense powers that made her dangerous—it was her emotional trauma, bubbling beneath the surface, that hinted at the darkness within.

This emotional turmoil exploded in the Disney+ series WandaVision (2021), where Wanda, engulfed in sorrow, created a false reality. She became both a grieving mother and an accidental villain, imprisoning an entire town to live out an idyllic life with Vision and their children.

By the time we meet Wanda in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), she has fully embraced her identity as the Scarlet Witch—an ancient, mystical being of unimaginable power. Consumed by the desire to reunite with her children from alternate realities, Wanda’s descent into villainy was both tragic and terrifying.

But as dark as Wanda appeared on-screen, the newly revealed concept art suggests an even more horrifying version that could have taken her villainous transformation to nightmarish depths.

Unveiling the Dark Concept Art: Wanda’s Monstrous Side

The recently unveiled concept art shows a version of the Scarlet Witch unlike anything fans have seen before. Instead of her iconic crimson costume and human features, this alternate design depicts Wanda as a grotesque, otherworldly creature—her form twisted and consumed by dark magic.

In this vision, Wanda’s appearance is less human and more demonic. Her skin is pale and cracked, her eyes burn with a sinister red glow, and her limbs are distorted, almost monstrous. The design suggests a character who is no longer fighting her inner darkness but is fully consumed by it—a terrifying embodiment of raw, corrupted power.

This design aligns with the lore surrounding the Darkhold, the ancient and forbidden book of dark magic that corrupts all who dare use it. In Multiverse of Madness, Wanda’s obsession with the Darkhold plays a central role in her descent. However, the concept art takes that corruption to the extreme—suggesting a full transformation into a being of pure, dark energy.

Why was this monstrous design abandoned?

According to reports from Marvel’s creative team, the decision to retain Wanda’s more human appearance was a deliberate one. The filmmakers believed that keeping Wanda human in appearance, while showcasing her increasingly horrific actions, would make her fall into darkness more emotionally disturbing.

There’s something profoundly unsettling about watching a familiar, beloved character commit unspeakable acts. By keeping Wanda physically human, the horror became psychological rather than just visual—making her character arc feel more tragic and personal.

The Duality of the Scarlet Witch: Beauty and Darkness Collide

The concept art forces us to confront a fundamental question about Wanda Maximoff: Is the real monster the darkness within, or the choices she makes?

Wanda’s character has always walked a fine line between heroism and villainy. In the comics, her reality-altering abilities have led to catastrophic events, most notably the infamous House of M storyline, where she utters the words “No more mutants,” erasing most of the mutant population.

In the MCU, her powers have led to similarly disastrous consequences—whether it’s the accidental destruction of a town in WandaVision or her relentless pursuit of her children across the multiverse in Multiverse of Madness.

The concept art captures this duality perfectly. On one side, Wanda is a mother mourning the loss of her children. On the other, she is a corrupted force willing to destroy entire realities to achieve her goal.

This conflict—between love and obsession, grief and madness—is what makes the Scarlet Witch such a compelling and dangerous character.

Fan Reactions: Would a Monstrous Wanda Have Changed Everything?

The release of this haunting concept art has sparked intense debate among Marvel fans.

Some argue that the monstrous design would have elevated Multiverse of Madness into a true horror masterpiece, perfectly aligning with director Sam Raimi’s signature style. A fully transformed, demonic Wanda could have intensified the movie’s nightmarish atmosphere, creating a more visceral experience for viewers.

Others believe the filmmakers made the right choice. By keeping Wanda human, the film maintained the emotional depth of her character. Her descent into darkness felt relatable, even tragic, as it was driven by love and grief—universal emotions that resonated with the audience.

One fan commented,

“Seeing Wanda’s face, filled with pain and desperation, was far more haunting than any monster could be. She wasn’t evil—she was broken.”

Another fan disagreed, saying,

“They should have gone all-in with the horror. A demonic Scarlet Witch would have been terrifying and unforgettable.”

Both perspectives highlight just how powerful and complex Wanda’s character is—and how the concept art has deepened the conversation around her portrayal.

What Does This Mean for Wanda’s Future in the MCU?

Wanda’s fate in Multiverse of Madness is left ambiguous. After realizing the horror she has unleashed, Wanda seemingly sacrifices herself, destroying the Darkhold in every universe. But in a franchise where death is rarely final, many fans believe the Scarlet Witch will return.

Could this darker, monstrous version of Wanda still make an appearance in future MCU projects?

It’s possible. Marvel has hinted at exploring more multiversal chaos in upcoming phases, and Wanda’s vast powers make her an integral player. Some speculate that if she returns, the corruption of dark magic could transform her further—perhaps even into the monstrous version we saw in the concept art.

Alternatively, Wanda’s next appearance could focus on redemption. The concept art serves as a stark reminder of the darkness she must overcome. Her journey could shift from vengeance to self-forgiveness, as she seeks to atone for the devastation she caused.

The Haunting Legacy of the Scarlet Witch

The unveiling of the Scarlet Witch’s evil side through stunning concept art offers a fascinating glimpse into what could have been. It reveals the creative risks Marvel considered and underscores the depth of Wanda’s internal struggle.

But beyond the visuals, this art sparks deeper questions about identity, loss, and the nature of evil.

Is Wanda truly a villain, or is she a victim of unimaginable pain? Is the darkness we fear in her the result of her choices, or the unbearable grief that shaped her path?

One thing is certain: Whether monstrous or human, the Scarlet Witch remains one of Marvel’s most compelling, tragic, and unforgettable characters.

And perhaps, the most terrifying thing about Wanda Maximoff isn’t how she looks—it’s the darkness she carries within.