Retconning Scarlet Witch And Quicksilver's MCU Origins: Ian McKellen's Avengers: Doomsday And The Potential For Comics Accuracy

Henrik Larsen

4 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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The Current MCU Origin Story and Its Shortcomings

In the MCU, Wanda and Pietro Maximoff are presented as enhanced individuals, their powers stemming from experimentation by HYDRA using the Mind Stone. This origin story, while visually impactful, deviates significantly from their established comic book origins. In the comics, Wanda and Pietro are mutants, the children of the iconic villain Magneto. This fundamental difference creates several narrative shortcomings:

• Lack of depth in their mutant heritage: The MCU glosses over their inherent mutant abilities, neglecting the complex relationship between genetics, power manifestation, and identity that defines many mutant characters.
• Inconsistency with established Marvel lore: The omission of their parentage undermines the established Marvel Comics universe and the rich tapestry of interconnected storylines.
• Missed opportunities for character development: Their connection to Magneto offers fertile ground for exploring themes of family, loyalty, betrayal, and the ethical dilemmas inherent in wielding immense power. The current MCU narrative misses these opportunities.

Introducing Ian McKellen's Magneto as a Potential Solution

A potential solution lies in introducing Ian McKellen's Magneto, the acclaimed portrayal from the X-Men film franchise, into the MCU's "Avengers: Doomsday" storyline. This approach offers several advantages:

• Audience familiarity: McKellen’s performance as Magneto is widely regarded as iconic, lending immediate gravitas and credibility to the retcon.
• Established gravitas: His portrayal embodies the complexity and moral ambiguity inherent in Magneto's character, enriching the narrative potential.
• Aligning the MCU with acclaimed X-Men films: Integrating McKellen's Magneto could bridge the gap between the two film franchises, creating a more cohesive Marvel cinematic universe.

By introducing Magneto, a hypothetical "Avengers: Doomsday" film could explore Wanda and Pietro's relationship with their father, offering a nuanced exploration of their past, their powers, and their complicated family dynamics.

A Hypothetical "Avengers: Doomsday" Plotline

Imagine a scenario where a catastrophic threat, a true "Doomsday" event, necessitates a collaboration between the Avengers and the newly integrated X-Men. This crisis could expose Wanda and Pietro's true origins, leading to confrontations and reconciliations that reshape their identities within the MCU.

• Magneto's role: Magneto, initially hesitant to aid the Avengers, could be drawn into the conflict due to the threat's impact on mutantkind, or perhaps his own concern for his children.
• Interactions with Wanda and Pietro: His interactions with Wanda and Pietro would be crucial, revealing his past actions, their estranged relationship, and the complex emotions they grapple with. The revelation of their parentage could be both a source of conflict and a potential catalyst for cooperation against the common threat.
• The reveal: The truth of their parentage could emerge through a combination of flashbacks, revelations from other mutants, or even through the actions of the villain themselves. This allows for a more gradual and organic integration of this major retcon.

The Benefits of a Comics-Accurate Retcon

Retconning Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver's origins to align them with their comic book counterparts offers significant narrative benefits:

• Deeper character exploration: Their relationship with Magneto adds layers of complexity and depth, enriching their individual arcs.
• Enhanced narrative consistency: Aligning their origins with established Marvel lore improves the MCU's internal consistency and credibility.
• Expanded possibilities for future storylines: This retcon opens doors to adapting classic storylines such as "House of M," significantly expanding the potential for future MCU films and series.
• Increased fan satisfaction and engagement: Addressing fan concerns and aligning with comic book accuracy fosters a stronger sense of connection and engagement among the fanbase.

Potential Challenges and Obstacles

Implementing such a significant retcon is not without its challenges:

• Fan resistance: Some fans may resist changes to the established MCU canon, requiring careful execution and communication.
• Integrating different universes: Harmoniously blending the X-Men universe into the existing MCU requires delicate storytelling.
• Maintaining narrative coherence: The retcon needs to be seamlessly integrated into the broader MCU narrative without creating inconsistencies or plot holes.

Conclusion

Retconning Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver's MCU origins through a hypothetical "Avengers: Doomsday" film featuring Ian McKellen's Magneto presents a compelling opportunity to enhance narrative consistency, enrich character development, and increase fan satisfaction. While challenges exist in implementing this major retcon, the potential benefits—deeper character exploration, expanded storyline possibilities, and a more faithful adaptation of beloved Marvel Comics characters—make it a worthwhile endeavor. This approach could bridge the gap between the MCU and the X-Men franchise, creating a more unified and satisfying cinematic universe. What are your thoughts on retconning Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver’s MCU origins? Share your ideas for a successful integration in the comments below!