The early reviews are in for WandaVision, and the consensus is positive for the MCU's first foray into television.
Ahead of tomorrow's debut of the series on Disney+, WandaVision has a strong score on Rotten Tomatoes. While it's still too early for the show to be Certified Fresh, it currently holds a 95% rating on the review aggregator. The consensus echoes existing reviews of the show, praising its daring approach. "Part loving homage to TV history, part off-kilter mystery, WandaVision is a wonderfully weird and strikingly bold step into the small screen for the MCU - and a perfect showcase for Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany."
This weekend saw the first reactions to WandaVision roll in from critics who had seen the first three episodes. Like the current critical consensus, they praised the two leads and the unique visuals and story of the show. CBR's own Meagan Damore similarly applauded the series in her review and noted how the TV format works perfectly for the MCU.
"Right off the bat, Marvel Studios' first foray into television distinguishes itself from the films with its pacing," Damore writes. "Unlike the movies, which must tell a whole story in two and a half hours or less, WandaVision takes its time to establish the world and the stakes. As such, it's a slow burn, at least compared to what MCU fans are used to, but this works in the show's favor."
Damore goes on to tease that while the show is "fun, funky and fresh," it's not afraid to get dark. "This bold new entry to the MCU is as delightfully disturbing as it is charming and heartfelt," she continues. "Between Olsen and Bettany's compelling performances, the engaging homages to the Nick at Nite era of TV programming and the insidious mystery that ties it all together, the show has a lot to offer longtime Marvel fans."
Kicking off Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, WandaVision finds the titular couple stuck in an ever-shifting world inspired by TV sitcoms, flitting from black and white to color and traversing the decades. Slowly, the reality of the situation begins to emerge, as do new powers for Wanda and the secret to Vision's return from the grave.
Written by Jac Schaeffer and directed by Matt Shakman, WandaVision stars Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch, Paul Bettany as Vision, Randall Park as Agent Jimmy Woo, Kat Dennings as Darcy Lewis, Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau and Kathryn Hahn as Agnes. The series premieres Jan. 15 on Disney+.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes