Agatha All Along has brought witchcraft back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and discussions concerning this have uncovered a meaningful detail from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The ending of Doctor Strange 2 saw Wanda and the Darkhold being defeated and ultimately killed, although details surrounding this have continued to be speculated upon since the film was released. Even with Agatha All Along seemingly confirming Scarlet Witch’s status in the MCU, audiences have continually wished for Wanda Maximoff to return to the franchise.
Objects in the MCU have been an important part of the franchise’s storytelling. The Infinity Saga put an enormous focus on the Infinity Stones, and theories suggest that Shang-Chi’s ten rings may be the next important object. With items like the Time Scepter, Mjolnir, and the Eye of Agamotto in the franchise, some artifacts can be close to or even more powerful than those who wield them. Following this, it becomes essential to pay attention to how the MCU chooses to use these objects in its stories.
The MCU’s Darkhold Inspiration Certainly Suggests It Could Have Survived Doctor Strange 2
The Book Was Imagined To Be Virtually Indestructible
The Darkhold has appeared multiple times in the MCU, and ultimately seemed to be destroyed in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, although details from that film’s art book may suggest otherwise. Artist Ivan Weightman worked on designing the Darkhold, and he described it as “a physical book that had been burned and reformed and could shapeshift.” Following this, the destruction of the Darkhold may not be as final as it seemed, allowing the book to play a part in future Marvel stories.
If the Darkhold can be burned and reformed and shapeshifted, then it is possible that it will still persist in the MCU. Whether as a book, or presenting as a human like Joe Locke’s Teen character, the Darkhold could be anywhere. Following details from Agatha All Along that suggest Agatha may have traded her son for the book, this topic seems still to be top of mind for the MCU. If the Darkhold still exists in the universe, this could be extremely significant for the witches of the MCU, including even the ones who may have died in the past.
The Darkhold’s Reformation Could Justify Bringing Back MCU’s Scarlet Witch
The Book Is Extremely Powerful In The MCU
Even though the MCU is committed to destroying Scarlet Witch’s reputation after her death, audiences are still convinced that the character will return. If the Darkhold is not actually destroyed, however, this could provide an opportunity for her to do so. Despite being crushed, Wanda could use the power of the Darkhold to stay alive. This would allow her to return to the MCU, although this would likely continue on the villainous path from Doctor Strange 2.
The powers of the Darkhold are immense and linked to the god Chthon. With mentions of Mephisto in Agatha All Along, it seems clear that the spiritual side of the universe is set to be explored soon. This means that the spiritual connections between the Darkhold and elder gods are likely to be addressed in the franchise. These could even play into the plot of Agatha All Along. Exploring this spiritual side could create many opportunities for Scarlet Witch to return.
Marvel’s Comic History Makes The Darkhold’s Return Seem More Likely
The Comics Saw Scarlet Witch Fusing To The Darkhold
In the comic books, the Darkhold has been an important item. The Scarlet Witch was able to successfully fuse herself with the Darkhold, and to absorb the power of the elder god Chthon in doing so. This allowed her to undo much of the destruction and devastation that had been wrought upon her and others in the Marvel universe. Following this story could be an effective way to bring back Wanda and have her redeem herself.
In addition, Doctor Doom has also had connections to the Darkhold in Marvel Comics. With Robert Downey Jr. set to play the character in Avengers: Doomsday, there could be excellent opportunities for the book to be used in order to connect Victor to the terrifying spiritual elements of the Marvel Universe. Based on Agatha All Along‘s teases, and this comic book precedent, it seems entirely possible that the Darkhold will be used to further even more stories in the MCU.
Audiences love Wanda Maximoff, and it has become clear that theories will continue to circulate concerning her return in the Marvel Cinematic Universe until it actually happens. Details concerning the Darkhold have helped to show ways that this could be done in a reasonable and believable manner. It seems entirely possible that the Darkhold has survived, and if so, this will have some impact on the Marvel Cinematic Universe sooner than later, perhaps even during the run of Agatha All Along.
