Marvel Studios has unveiled a series of vibrant posters to promote its latest cinematic endeavour. Let’s unpack them collectively.
Kathryn Hahn returns as Agatha, the fan-favorite villain from the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “WandaVision”. Here: The earlier discussion with showrunner Jac Schaeffer hinted that the concept of a “witch” might get “slightly squirrelly,” particularly in terms of style tradition. And now, it appears that our lead character is taking that cue to heart, channeling their inner Fleetwood Mac-inspired rockstar. While Schaeffer concedes that the Sixties and Seventies influences might not be immediately apparent in the context of the spooky theme, Stevie Nicks’ sorceress-like aura is undeniable. We’re in a “Season of the Witch,” with that eerie atmosphere—a sound we’re very likely to hear within the album itself.
Subsequent to this introduction is Aubrey Plaza as Rio, a warrior-witch and member of Agatha’s coven. Surrounded by a tangled mess of VHS tapes, cassette tapes, and retro board video games, this Eighties-inspired horror poster pays homage to the gruesome glory days of slasher films like A Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th. Schaeffer has announced that an upcoming episode will feature a character “dressed as 1980s summer campers who are messing with a Ouija board in their bunkhouse,” which seems to align with his previous promises.
Accordingly, the role is filled by Joe Locke as Teen, closely tied to Billy Kaplan/Billy Maximoff/Wiccan, a comic book character reborn as the son of the Scarlet Witch. This film’s nostalgic value is amplified by its uncanny recreation of 1980s summer camp settings and motifs, with an added layer of eeriness achieved through a striking homage to Jason Voorhees’ iconic victims, namely Renée Jones’ character Sissy Baker from the notorious franchise.
Right here, Patti LuPone appears as Lilia Calderu, a “divination witch” attired in a resplendent costume reminiscent of Glinda the Good Witch. Noticing the tarot card, specifically “The Tower,” which represents chaos, upheaval, and profound revelations, hinting at sudden changes, liberating experiences, and heightened introspection. Noticing the portrait, one cannot help but remark on the striking image of her being surrounded by a majestic eight swords. In tarot readings, the Eight of Swords symbolizes a state of being trapped by negative thought patterns and self-imposed limitations, often stemming from a perceived lack of control or feeling stuck in a situation. Let’s see how that performs well within the collection.
Sasheer Zamata stars as Jennifer Kale, a renowned potions expert with a rich comic book history spanning numerous publications. Kale’s 11th iteration debuted in 1972 as a member of the Cult of Zhered-Na, a prophetic sect that had long foreseen the cataclysmic demise of Atlantis. She appears to be stirring in a morgue bathed in the soft glow of circular lights. The notion neither evokes a sense of witchcraft, but rather conjures up eerie vibes reminiscent of medical horrors and extraterrestrial abductions. Meals for thought.
Alice Ahn succeeds as the modern-day protector, named after and inspired by the legendary “witch,” Alice Wu-Gulliver, who first appeared in comic books. As the free-spirited offspring of a dedicated police detective and the stalwart protector of Hong Kong, Alice embodies the essence of a 1960s “hippie witch”. As she stood there, a sense of foreboding settled over her like a shroud, and in the shadows lurking just beyond, a zombie’s unblinking gaze seemed to be watching her every move.
Debra Jo Rupp plays the role of Ms. Hart. With a nod to the “coastal grandma chic” of 1990s-2000s romantic comedies, she’s pouring herself a glass of rosé from behind the cracks of a weathered window frame. Is addiction to alcohol a form of self-worship?
As the camera pans across the eerie landscape, Agatha’s enigmatic gaze settles upon a pair of disembodied lips, an homage to “Science Fiction Double Feature”‘s opening sequence. Meanwhile, there is no sign of witches, adding to the sense that something extraterrestrial is lurking just beneath the surface in this film.
Yet another poster appears to pay homage to the cult classic Cabin in the Woods, a film from the 2012 collection. Make of that what you’ll.
As our protagonist gazes upon the precarious balance of the mainframe, suspended by unseen forces above a chasm of twenty-two razor-sharp blades, the faintest glimmer of uncertainty begins to seep into their quivering soul. Numerologists believe that the number 22 symbolizes personal growth, manifestation, inner peace, and positive transformation, leading me to confidently predict that our protagonists will successfully navigate their series of “tests” and emerge victorious on the other side. When will we discover it collectively? The new series premieres on September 18, exclusively on Disney+.
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