Initial Reactions to ‘WandaVision’, Marvel’s First Series in Phase Four of the MCU

Critics have been given early access to the first three episodes of WandaVision, the first miniseries of Phase Four in Marvel’s elaborate overarching scheme, and the reviews are in!

The first two episodes will premiere on DisneyPlus+ this Friday, Jan. 15 and the show will span for a total of nine episodes.

It is based on the characters of Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch and Vision (in case the title didn’t give it away) and explores the couple’s life as they live the ideal suburban life in the town of Westview. Here’s where it gets a bit bizarre: each episode will follow a sitcom-style structure from different eras, at least from what we know through the trailers. WandaVision definitely signals Marvel’s willingness to explore unique ways of storytelling and it’s anybody’s guess what the show will be like until it premieres.

Critics give their take on WandaVision

“A terrific blend of big strangeness and aching heart” – Alex Biese, USA Today

“It is zany, precise, fresh, funny (cue laugh track) & counterintuitive. The bigger picture will be revealed (we only get glimpses so far that all isn’t right in Westview) but I’m in no rush to leave town.” – Nikki Novak, Fandango

“This show is banana pants crazy – in the best way possible!” – Tessa Smith, Mama’s Geeky

“It is a blast to watch. It is so committed to the sitcom structure of storytelling that it feels like a bold risk – but it pays off and builds a mystery.” – Brandon Davis, ComicBook.com

So far, the rave reviews have only stirred Marvel fans’ anticipation for the show to release. It’s going to get weird and it is most certainly going to be unlike any other Marvel product we’ve seen in the past. While some viewers might take some time to get used to the show’s concept, it’s undoubtedly going to be a blast for the vast majority of fans.

Twitter reactions galore

WANDAVISION is a tantalizing experiment with shades of Lynch that is almost irritatingly dedicated to slowly playing out its mystery. (I wanted more!) But one surprise: It's funny! The jokes feel at home in the I LOVE LUCY/BEWITCHED-homaging world, Paul Bettany is a comedy star pic.twitter.com/ulKuupVgmH

— Hoai-Tran Bui (@htranbui) January 9, 2021

I got to see the first three episodes of #WandaVision and it was everything I hoped it would be: funny, clever, creepy, and above all, sort of tragic.

The reality is: WandaVision is taking the Marvel Cinematic Universe places it has never gone before, and there's no going back. pic.twitter.com/BzNujPcUtP

— Hector Navarro (@Hectorisfunny) January 9, 2021

#WandaVision was like “hey we’re going to change almost everything about you episode to episode” and she was like “ok mind if I absolutely nail this?” pic.twitter.com/oSetXtS1ix

— Ash Crossan (@AshCrossan) January 9, 2021

#WandaVision is exactly what I was hoping we’d start seeing from the MCU at this point in the game — weird, risky and unlike anything we’ve seen so far.

I’ve seen the first three episodes — and while I have no idea what’s “going on,” I’m 100% in for the ride.

Bring on Phase 4. pic.twitter.com/uCbDamxZHg

— Jake Hamilton (@JakesTakes) January 9, 2021

WandaVision will be followed by The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’s premiere on March 19, 2021 and then Loki’s premiere in May 2021. Phase 4 will be going all out this year with four feature-length films and six DisneyPlus+ series.

You can check out the full release schedule (subject to changes) here.