Wanda’s Actions in ‘WandaVision’ Prove She’s Not the Hero Marvel Wants

WandaVision promised to be one of the most intriguing and emotionally charged series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As Wanda Maximoff dealt with the aftermath of her traumatic losses, fans expected a redemption story—a journey where she would heal and rise above the pain that had plagued her. But what if Wanda’s actions in WandaVision aren’t the actions of a hero at all? What if the very person Marvel wants us to see as the ultimate hero is actually a deeply flawed, morally ambiguous figure whose powers have become as dangerous as they are unstoppable? In this article, we explore why Wanda Maximoff’s role in WandaVision proves that she’s not the hero Marvel wants her to be—and how the show challenges the very definition of heroism in the MCU.

The Dark Side of Wanda’s Grief: How She Created a Prison for an Entire Town

In WandaVision, we are introduced to Wanda in a state of emotional devastation. Her grief over the death of Vision has driven her to the brink of sanity, and instead of healing, she constructs an entire reality where she can escape her pain. But while it may seem like an innocent act of denial, Wanda’s choice to trap an entire town in this fabricated world raises serious ethical questions. Wanda does not just create a comfortable bubble for herself—she imprisons countless innocent people and forces them to live out roles in her fantasy, with no regard for their freedom or autonomy.

This isn’t a simple case of grief-driven action; it’s an act of manipulation. Wanda controls every aspect of their lives, making them relive their worst fears and even keeping them from being able to control their own minds. The residents of Westview aren’t just bystanders; they are prisoners, tortured by Wanda’s actions for her emotional satisfaction. Wanda has the power to create a perfect world, but she chooses to impose her will on others. Is this the behavior of a hero? A hero would sacrifice their own happiness for the good of others, but Wanda does the opposite—she sacrifices the free will of an entire community to avoid confronting her reality.

Her decision to keep Westview trapped in a false reality becomes increasingly disturbing as the show progresses. By ignoring the consequences of her actions and refusing to listen to anyone who tries to pull her out of this delusion, Wanda demonstrates how unchecked grief and power can be dangerous. It’s clear that her actions are more selfish than selfless, and that the idea of heroism in the traditional sense doesn’t apply to her. Wanda is a victim of her own powers, but this doesn’t excuse her manipulation of others. Instead, it reveals a side of her character that is often ignored—a side that is willing to impose suffering on others for personal gain.

The Villain Within: Wanda’s Willingness to Destroy Everything for Her Own Desire

In WandaVision, Wanda’s quest for happiness is ultimately revealed to be a pursuit of something much darker. While initially, she is seen as a tragic figure trying to cope with the loss of Vision, her obsession with getting her perfect life back takes a much more sinister turn. When Wanda becomes aware of the full extent of her powers and the damage she’s causing, she refuses to give up the life she’s built. Instead of listening to the cries for help from the townspeople, she doubles down, asserting that her right to her happiness is more important than their suffering.

The most telling moment in Wanda’s evolution as a character comes when she finally confronts Agatha Harkness and admits that she has caused irreparable harm. Rather than seeing this as a moment of self-realization, Wanda justifies her actions. She argues that she did it because she wanted her family back. But at what cost? At what point does the desire for personal happiness cross the line into pure selfishness? If Wanda was truly the hero Marvel wants us to believe she is, she would have let go of her perfect life to save the innocent people trapped in Westview. Instead, she opts to continue holding the town in her grip, pushing others to the brink of their sanity.

Marvel’s Problematic Hero: Why Wanda Maximoff Is Not What We Thought She Was

Wanda Maximoff’s story in WandaVision challenges the core ideas of heroism that Marvel has spent years cultivating. In the MCU, heroes are typically defined by their ability to put others first, even at the cost of their own happiness. Wanda’s journey in the show is marked by a series of choices that place her desires above the well-being of others. In fact, she actively takes control of their lives, remaking the world in her image, without considering the cost to those around her.

What WandaVision ultimately reveals is that Wanda Maximoff is not the hero Marvel wants her to be. She is a complex character—flawed, broken, and ultimately human—but these are the very qualities that make her an imperfect hero. While the show does an excellent job of showcasing Wanda’s trauma and her struggle with loss, it also underscores the darkness within her. The series forces the viewer to grapple with the uncomfortable truth: Wanda is not a hero who saves people. She is someone who breaks the rules, manipulates reality, and causes harm, all in the name of personal fulfillment.

Wanda Maximoff’s journey in WandaVision serves as a reminder that even the most powerful figures in the MCU aren’t immune to moral ambiguity. Her character is not a straightforward tale of heroism, but a complex exploration of what happens when power is abused in the name of personal desire. By the end of the series, it’s hard to see Wanda as the hero fans once thought she was. Instead, she is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked grief and the consequences of wielding power without considering its impact on others.