Summary
Marvel Studiosis no stranger to secrecy. The studio behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe is known for having its actors play coy regarding announced projects. However, when it comes to the upcomingWandaVisionspinoff,Agatha All Along,Marvel Studiostook its love of secrey to a new extreme… and it was a brilliant idea.
When Marvel Studios first announced that it was developing a spinoff to the critically acclaimedWandaVisionin 2022, the spinoff was referred toAgatha: Coven of Chaos. So fans naturally thought this would be the show’s title. However, over the past two years, the series has been rumored to have been retitled numerous times, with Marvel Studios recently even getting in on the fun on social media. Keeping the title a mystery was a frustrating move for fans. However, it later proved to be a marketing move that proved to be brilliant.
Marvel Studios' Agatha and the Ever-Changing Titles
TheWandaVisionspinoffhas been rumored to have various titles since it was announced. WhileCoven of Chaoswasthe original title announced, fans quickly noted that the set chairs for the cast of the series had unveiled yet another title for the forthcoming series. Actor Joe Locke, who is rumored to be playing a grown-up Billy in the series shared a photo from behind-the-scenes at the start of production. The photo, which was of his chair on set, hadAgnes of Westviewwritten across the back of it in purple font. It was the second rumored title for the series, but wouldn’t be long-lived. The series would later go on to be referred to asAgatha: The Darkhold Diaries, referencing the Darkhold from WandaVision, thenAgatha: House of Harkness. Marvel Studios would later go on to offer a fifth title with a since-deleted post on social media with the titleAgatha: The Lying Witch With Great Wardrobe, before revealing it truly wasAgatha All Along.
It was an odd move, for sure. However, it was one that got fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe talking. The teaser, which also unveiled the show’s release date, quickly took off with the series becoming a trending topic on X. Fans seemed to enjoy Marvel Studios' teasing and willingness to have fun with the series. With the studio having struggled in recent years following COVID, it has been trying to find a way to get back on top.WandaVision, which was one of the first Marvel Studios television projects for Disney+, was a social media phenomenon when it was released thanks in part to therumored appearance of Mephisto. Finding a way to build buzz forAgatha All Alongby teasing fans with the show’s title is a fun way to get them to interact and drive more interest in the series. It’s a ridiculous move, but a smart marketing tactic.
How Marvel Studios' Secrecy worked in Agatha’s Favor
When it comes to the studio’s forthcoming slate, Marvel Studios is opting to be relatively quiet. In fact, some projects,such asWonder Man, haven’t actually been officially announced by Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige - despite completing production. Havingsuffered from constant leaksduring Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it would seem Feige and company are doing what they can to go back to basics. When the MCU was at its peak, fans were still able to be surprised by what was to come. By choosing to keep the title ofAgatha All Alonga secret, yet also making it a callback to the successfulWandaVision, Marvel Studios has shown its ability to play along while still maintaining a level of curiosity for audiences.
Did the studio need to tease five different titles? No, but it did. Choosing to reveal the true title along with the show’s September premiere date was the perfect way to ensureAgatha’s able to build buzz over the next few months. It’s important to note that whileMs. Marvel,Moon Knight, andWerewolf by Nightwere all well-received by audiences thus far, they don’t appear to have nabbed quite the same buzz asWandaVisionandLoki, two of the early Marvel Studios television shows. Taking the time to truly build interest and remind fans how much they enjoyed Agatha inWandaVisionby calling back to the popular song is a smart move. One can only hope the series manages to deliver as catchy a tune when it debuts later this year.
Marvel Studios’Agatha All Alongwill premiere on Disney+ on September 18th. Until then, fans can revisit Agatha and the chaos she brings along with her to Westview by watchingWandaVisionon Disney+ now.
