Marvel hasn’t had a new movie in theaters in over a year, but the MCU is definitely still alive and kicking – just in a different location. WandaVision, the first in a highly anticipated streaming series by the studio, is due to arrive at Disney + next week. A select group of TV critics and journalists were invited to take a look at the show’s early episodes, and the good news is that reactions on social media are overwhelmingly positive. (Full reviews will drop in the next few days.) Not only is Scarlet Witch / Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) together again, but the series totally leans towards the epic strangeness of it all and gives a wonderful tip to the classic American sitcom in the process.
Here’s what critics are saying on social media about WandaVision season 1: none
WORTH THE WAIT FOR IT?
It is silly, precise, fresh, funny (cue laugh track) and counter-intuitive. The big picture will be revealed (we only have glimpses so far that not everything is right in Westview), but I’m not in a hurry to leave the city. – Nikki Novak, Fandango
The reason why #MCU is king of the hill is @Kevfeige’s incredible leadership and willingness to take risks like what you’ll see in ‘Wandavision’. – Steven Weintraub, Collider
An incredible mixture of great strangeness and aching heart. – Alex Biese, USA Today
This show is crazy banana pants – in the best possible way! – Tessa Smith, Mama’s Geeky
HOW IS IT BACK TO THE MCU?
(Photo: © Marvel Studios)
Strange, fun and just incredible, it’s great to be back at the MCU! – Tessa Smith, Mama’s Geeky
Marvel is really going crazy with its, well, vision. – Tanzim Pardiwalla, Mashable India
#WandaVision is a weird way to return to the MCU (remember, it was MEANING to be the fourth Phase 4 project) and will need some tweaking for those looking for a traditional superhero story, but I think it will grab more and more people if they accept, he is doing his own job. – Eric Goldman, Fandom
DOES IT WORK LIKE A CELEBRATION OF CLASSIC SITCOMS?
(Photo: © Marvel Studios)
It’s a blast to watch. It is so committed to the sitcom storytelling structure that it seems like a bold risk – but it pays off and builds up a mystery. – Brandon Davis, ComicBook.com
It is not a parody or sarcastic approach to classic sitcoms. It is the most respectful and sincere celebration of this art form I have ever seen…. Ever? – Brett White, Decider
It’s great, weird, loaded with sitcom troops and, what I didn’t expect, kind of scary. I’m dying for more. – Chris Hayner, GameSpot
Fans of vintage sitcoms will love their commitment to detail, although they are genuinely funny. – Peter Sciretta, SlashFilm
Also – and I can’t emphasize it enough – watch the half-hour episodes (more or less)! Telling stories with enough confidence to be concise is one of my favorite things. – Alex Biese, USA Today
HOW ARE PAUL BETTANY AND ELIZABETH OLSEN?
(Photo: © Marvel Studios)
Paul Bettany absolutely deserves to be registered as Best Comedy Actor in all award ceremonies.
– Brett White, Decider
Bettany is especially having fun and it shows. – Brandon Davis, ComicBook.com
Elizabeth Olsen’s performance is truly remarkable and one of those “man, if the awards weren’t snobbish about superhero stuff, she would probably be nominated for an Emmy”. – Eric Goldman, Fandom
Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany have never been better like these characters and I can’t wait to see what happens next. – Alex Biese, USA Today
ALL THE EMMYS FOR ELIZABETH OLSEN IN #WandaVision – Ash Crossan, ET Online
The first two episodes of WandaVision will debut at Disney + on Friday, January 15th. The remaining four episodes will premiere on subsequent Fridays.
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