I know I’m not alone in hoping that Agatha Harkness returns to theMCUsoon after herAgatha All Alongsuccess, but I’ve just realized one detail that makes it especially important. Agatha Harkness is a relatively minor character in Marvel Comics, debuting as a nanny to Franklin Richards, the son of Reed and Sue Richards in Marvel Comics. She goes on to train Wanda Maximoff with her magic, making her MCU characterization as her nemesis a stark departure from comic book precedent.
This isn’t the only way theMCU significantly changed Agatha Harkness. While Kathryn Hahn is arguably one ofthe MCU’s best-loved actressesand an excellent casting decision for the most part, she looks nothing like her comic book counterpart (at least, right up until Agatha regained her youthful appearance in 2022). Thankfully, theAgatha All Alongfinale rectified this glaring discrepancy - but it speaks to a longstanding issue in Marvel Movies that now makesAgatha’s continued involvement in the MCUmore important.
Agatha Harkness' Ghost Is One Of The Only Older-Appearing Women In Marvel Productions
White Hair And Wrinkles On Women Are A Rarity In The MCU And Beyond
Agatha Harkness has appeared as an older woman in Marvel Comics for decades. Making her appear much younger by castingKathryn Hahn in the MCU, however, simply continues a trend within Marvel movies in whichroles for prominent older female characters are given to younger-looking actors. Examples of prominent characters that appear younger than they do in the comics include the following:
Female Characters From Marvel Movies And Shows Who Appear Younger Than In The Comics
Debut Movie or Show
48
51
34
28
Doctor Strange
56
Agatha All Alonghas flipped the script by debuting the fan-favorite Lilia Calderu in a prominent role, withher arc even addressing the unfortunate habit of society setting aside older women. Additionally, Agatha’s ghost, with her flowing white hair, now more closely resembles her comic book counterpart as the magic she was using to stay youthful has seemingly faded. Another stand-out older woman in the MCU, of course, is Janet Van Dyne, portrayed by the now-66-year-old Michelle Pfeiffer - one of the oldest actresses in the MCU.
Many of the MCU’s older women tend to embody minor roles, such as the aged-up Peggy Carter inThe Avengers.
With Janet Van Dyne holding the fort when it comes to the representation of older women, it’s now important that her future appearances are bolstered by Agatha. It’s worth noting, of course,that the ages of the aforementioned characters are explicable, especially in the case of Marisa Tomei’s Aunt May, who falls in the right age range for a teenager’s aunt. Still, the fact that Marvel makes a habit of avoiding gray hair and wrinkles on women is becoming particularly noticeable - and it doesn’t seem to be an issue that affects the male characters of the MCU.
The MCU Disproportionately Casts Older-Appearing Men Than Women
Some Characters Are Even Older Than Their Comic Book Counterparts
Setting aside the general age gap between the MCU’s main male cast and their female counterparts,the MCU seemingly has no qualms with casting male actors who appear more comic-accurate. Older-appearing male characters have appeared as early asIron Man. Rene Russo’s Frigga, meanwhile, appeared alongside Anthony Hopkins' Odin (who is 17 years her senior), and was of a relatively accurate age - though the MCU’s Frigga still doesn’t sport the silver hair of her comic book counterpart.
Male Characters From Marvel Movies And Shows Who Appear Of A Similar Age To The Comics
59
73
60
65
Guardians of the Galaxy
63
66
71
Captain America: Brave New World
82
There are, of course, examples of male characters being aged down as well - with He Who Remains being a recent example. Still, it doesn’t detract from the general trend seen in Marvel movies thatolder-appearing men are seen far more often than older-appearing women. Furthermore, some older actors are cast in roles that appear aged up from the comics, such as Robert Redford’s Alexander Pierce. Kathryn Hahn already captured two “firsts” in herAgatha All Alongappearances- and I’d like to see her continue pushing boundaries by appearing as an older woman inthe future of the MCU.
Where Agatha Could Next Appear In The MCU
The Agatha All Along Finale Set Up Agatha’s Return
It’s safe to say thatAgatha All Alongset up the return of Ghost Agatha in a future MCU installment with its ending. Now that she seems to be accompanying Billy in a role that resembles her relationship with Wanda in Marvel Comics,she will likely appear when Billy next appears. This is most likely going to be in theupcoming solo Vision series, as that show will round out the trilogy of shows that began withWandaVisionand continued withAgatha All Alongspotlighting Wanda’s family.
Where Will Billy Maximoff Appear Next In The MCU? Every Possibility Explained
Billy Maximoff debuted as Wiccan in earnest in Agatha All Along, and there are several possibilities for where he will next appear in the MCU.
Another possible appearance will be inAvengers: Secret Warsas it promises to feature a who’s-who of MCU characters. Other possibilities include unconfirmed but rumored projects featuring the Young Avengers and a solo Scarlet Witch movie. Whatever the case, I thinkAgatha All Alongmade it clear that Agatha isn’t done yet, and I think that’s a great thing for representation in addition to the fact that Agatha is a fan favorite that deserves even more screen time.
Agatha All Along
Cast
Agatha Harkness, after the events of “WandaVision,” seeks to regain her magical powers. Joining forces with unexpected allies, including the son of an old adversary, she battles new mystical threats while uncovering hidden secrets in the magical realm.
