WandaVision First Reactions: Disney+'s First MCU TV Show Praised For Being Weird, Fun, And Bold
The first social media reviews of Marvel Studios' WandaVision are here. Is the new Disney+ show any good?
In less than a week, the first Marvel Cinematic Universe project since 2019 will be released. WandaVision, the first MCU TV show, premieres its first two episodes Friday, January 15, on the Disney+ streaming service. While reviews for the upcoming series have not been released yet, the first reactions from reporters and critics have arrived via social media.
Members of the press have been shown the first three episodes of WandaVision Season 1, which will include nine installments. And while the trailers might make it hard to decipher what, exactly, the show is about, the first reactions are overwhelmingly positive. It seems this new step for the MCU is a strange but exciting one.
"It's great, weird, loaded with sitcom tropes and, what I wasn't expecting, kinda scary," GameSpot's Chris E. Hayner wrote. "I love old sitcoms and this show's dedication to the bit of resembling shows like Bewitched, I Love Lucy, and The Brady Bunch had me staring at it dreamily."
I’ve seen the first three episodes of #WandaVision and loved them? It’s great, weird, loaded with sitcom tropes and, what I wasn’t expecting, kinda scary. I’m drying for more. pic.twitter.com/xaPHHAUJgU
— Chris E. Hayner (@ChrisHayner) January 9, 2021
Should note I *love* old sitcoms and this show's dedication to the bit of resembling shows like Bewitched, I Love Lucy, and The Brady Bunch had me staring at it dreamily.
— Chris E. Hayner (@ChrisHayner) January 9, 2021
IO9's Germain Lussier noted that while this is new territory for Marvel to explore, the studio has succeeded. "It's weird & hilarious in ways Marvel has no right attempting, but they nail it anyway," he tweeted. "Then it sprinkles in just enough mystery to keep you speculating and fascinated."
Watched the first 3 episodes of #WandaVision yesterday. It's weird & hilarious in ways Marvel has no right attempting, but they nail it anyway. Then it sprinkles in just enough mystery to keep you speculating and fascinated. I'm so excited to see how far it can go. pic.twitter.com/7PIFQiUNxF
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) January 9, 2021
Rotten Tomatoes' Tania Lamb called the episodes "a gas," adding, "Fun, clever, and Marvel-ous, the quirky 30-minute sitcom style leaves you wanting another episode each time."
WandaVision - it’s a gas! After screening the first 3 episodes, I’m hooked! Fun, clever, and Marvel-ous, the quirky 30-minute sitcom style leaves you wanting another episode each time.#WandaVision pic.twitter.com/HHuTj93cdf
— Tania Lamb (@LolaLambchops) January 9, 2021
Naturally some, like Geeks of Color's Dorian Parks, are already trying to draw connections to what comes next in the MCU, tweeting, "Can’t wait to see how this show sets up Doctor Strange 2 and Spider-Man 3." However, Parks noted, "My biggest takeaway, it seems like the cast had a blast filming the series. Lots of joy on screen."
Watched 3 episodes of #WandaVision and the show is weird as hell (in a good way).
— Dorian Parks (@DorianParksnRec) January 9, 2021
Two things are clear. 1) Marvel is dedicated to parodying classic sitcoms and 2) the MCU is finally back!
Can’t wait to see how this show sets up Doctor Strange 2 and Spider-Man 3 👀 pic.twitter.com/nR6rTShfOY
My biggest takeaway, it seems like the cast had a blast filming the series. Lots of joy on screen.
— Dorian Parks (@DorianParksnRec) January 9, 2021
I can’t say much but I’m excited to see how #Wanda and her powers play into the plot and what the arrival of #MonicaRambeau means. pic.twitter.com/q8UeVhARwF
You can check out several other reactions to the first three episodes of WandaVision below.
I’ve seen the first three episodes of #WandaVision and man is it my jam. If you fret that all superhero stories can feel the same, here is big proof otherwise. I found it delightfully trippy and intriguing. I love what I’ve seen so far and can’t wait to see the entire season.
— Eric Goldman (@TheEricGoldman) January 9, 2021
There’s a lot to like in #WandaVision, especially Olsen and Bettany’s performances, but what I appreciated the most is the chance to experience a relationship that was mostly developed off-screen between MCU films. Starts streaming on January 15! pic.twitter.com/PX965i6BO2
— Wenlei Ma (@WenleiMa) January 9, 2021
#WandaVision is nothing short of BRILLIANT. EASILY the MCU's boldest, most original & innovative venture thus far. The true genius comes from Jac Schaeffer's smart, sharp, witty, script & Bettany & Olsen's electric performances. I had the biggest smile on my face the whole time. pic.twitter.com/exu8m5Dtp9
— Griffin Schiller (@griffschiller) January 9, 2021
I’ve watched THREE episodes of #WandaVision and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Truly unlike anything Marvel Studios has done — it’s light, funny & fully committed to its retro sitcom inspirations, but it also carefully sprinkles in enough mystery & intrigue to keep you guessing pic.twitter.com/8dqegsg5By
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) January 9, 2021
And, of course, it wouldn't be a reaction roundup if writer Ben Mekler (Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts) didn't share his thoughts on the show, having not actually seen it.
WANDAVISION feels like a brand new chapter in the Marvel saga. The action, heart, and humor is here alongside a bolder exploration of mental health, monogamy, and the ethics of recreating a CG Lucille Ball without permission from her estate. Elizabeth Olsen has never been better
— ben mekler (@benmekler) January 9, 2021
Really have to hand it to the MCU - they just keep delivering the unexpected. From Paul Bettany as a bumbling Dick Van Dyke surrogate to a startlingly lifelike CG Lucille Ball in Mark IV Iron Man armor #WandaVision is a courageously out-there entry that deserves the utmost praise
— ben mekler (@benmekler) January 9, 2021
For those of you asking about Desi Arnaz - he isn’t in the first three episodes but the door is definitely left open
— ben mekler (@benmekler) January 9, 2021
The first two episodes of WandaVision will be available Friday on Disney+.
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