The groundbreaking Disney+ series WandaVision, which captured audiences with its unique storytelling and genre-blending style, was initially planned to have ten episodes instead of nine. Showrunner Jac Schaeffer recently confirmed this longstanding rumor during an appearance on The Q&A with Jeff Goldsmith. Schaeffer explained that the decision to condense the show resulted from logistical, budgetary, and creative challenges.
“WandaVision was originally 10 [episodes], then, for logistical, budget, and creative reasons, we combined two episodes,” Schaeffer said, shedding light on how the show evolved during production.
This confirmation aligns with comments made by director Matt Shakman, who previously stated that the show's structure was “constantly changing and getting rebroken.” Shakman specifically noted the series finale was heavily reworked, highlighting the ever-adaptive nature of large-scale productions like Marvel Studios projects.
Schaeffer also revealed intriguing insights about scrapped content, including a post-credit scene featuring Doctor Strange. The scene, which would have connected directly to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, was cut due to pandemic-related restrictions. In it, Strange was intended to confront Wanda Maximoff at her cabin, a moment fans might have appreciated as a more direct tie-in to the film.
Though WandaVision ended up as a nine-episode series, its reception remains a testament to the strength of Marvel's storytelling. The series went on to influence spinoffs like Agatha: Coven of Chaos, where Schaeffer maintained a consistent vision.
With these revelations, fans are left speculating about what could have been—and what might be explored in future Marvel projects.
Jac Schaeffer's revelation about WandaVision's scrapped tenth episode provides an interesting glimpse into the complexities of TV production, especially within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the series delivered an engaging narrative in nine episodes, one can't help but wonder what additional layers the tenth episode might have added.
The decision to condense the series due to logistical and creative challenges highlights the delicate balancing act between vision and practicality. The scrapped Doctor Strange scene also sparks curiosity about how it might have reshaped Wanda's arc, potentially softening her transition into the villainous role in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Overall, these behind-the-scenes insights enhance appreciation for the final product while fueling anticipation for what Jac Schaeffer and Marvel might tackle next.
Do you think WandaVision would have benefitted from its original ten-episode structure, or was the nine-episode format just right? Share your thoughts below!
