Agatha All Along: Series Creator Jac Schaeffer on Bringing the Scene-Stealing Witch Back to Life
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- October 30, 2024
I sat down with Jac Schaeffer, the creative mind behind Agatha All Along, the highly anticipated spinoff series that puts Agatha Harkness, the fan-favorite villain from WandaVision, back into the spotlight. For viewers who were enchanted by Katherine Hahn’s wicked charm and witty villainy, this new series promises to dive even deeper into her world. But Schaeffer faced a unique creative challenge: how to stay true to Agatha’s character without making it feel like WandaVision 2.0.
To catch Agatha All Along, you can stream it exclusively on Disney+. The series premiered on September 18, 2024, with a two-episode debut. New episodes continue to drop every Wednesday at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT, with the finale scheduled for November 6, 2024.
“I wanted to give fans the same kind of experience, but also make it feel fresh, like it’s its own thing,” Schaeffer explained. Crafting a show centered on Agatha gave Schaeffer the freedom to explore a darker, more whimsical world, filled with spells, curses, and ancient witchcraft. “Agatha’s a totally different animal than Wanda,” Schaeffer noted. This distinction allowed her to lean more heavily into fantasy and horror—genres that will set this series apart from anything the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has done so far.
Exploring Agatha’s Depth: Empathy for the Wicked
One of the most intriguing aspects of the new series is its focus on Agatha’s complexity. Fans know her as the mischievous, power-hungry antagonist who pulled the strings in WandaVision—even going so far as to reveal herself with the infectious “Agatha All Along” song. But Schaeffer wanted to dig deeper into the witch’s backstory to explore what drives her.
“Bullies were bullied. Everyone knows that,” Schaeffer said, reflecting on Agatha’s emotional depth. “Compassion is the most important thing when building any character, even the darkest ones.” This empathetic lens informs Agatha’s journey, revealing a more human side to her villainy. Schaeffer explained that understanding Agatha’s inner struggles means seeing her as someone shaped by pain and rejection—an idea that resonates throughout the series.
This theme is also central to Agatha’s relationship with other witches in the show. As a “covenless” witch—exiled from her original group—Agatha must form bonds with other outcasts. “She has to gather her own ‘girlfriends’ who’ve been similarly cast aside,” Schaeffer shared. “Together, they lift each other back up.” This sense of community among marginalized characters offers a fresh take on power and resilience, giving Agatha’s story a depth beyond simple villainy.
Katherine Hahn’s Star Power: The Perfect Lead for a Spinoff
According to Schaeffer, the decision to build a show around Agatha was a natural one—thanks in large part to Katherine Hahn’s magnetic performance in WandaVision. “Katherine was such a breakout that it felt like she could launch an entire series,” Schaeffer said.
Working with Marvel, Schaeffer set out to carve a unique space for Agatha within the MCU. The spinoff blends horror and fantasy with playful dark humor, leaning into the magical side of the Marvel universe. “I loved that WandaVision occupied its own space,” Schaeffer reflected. “So I tried to do the same with Agatha—it’s a show that’s both a part of Marvel and entirely its own realm.”
Fans can expect mystical settings, shadowy covens, and eerie spells, all of which will make Agatha’s world feel distinct from anything we’ve seen before in the MCU. With its blend of humor and horror, the show promises to balance the sinister with the whimsical, creating a story that’s as enchanting as it is chilling.
Challenges Behind the Scenes: Avoiding the Trap of Repetition
Creating a spinoff from a wildly popular show comes with its own set of challenges. One of Schaeffer’s biggest tasks was ensuring that Agatha’s series could stand on its own. “It was important that this didn’t feel like WandaVision 2.0,” she explained. By leaning into Agatha’s distinct personality—a blend of wit, bitterness, and dark charm—Schaeffer developed a tone that would set the spinoff apart while still giving fans what they loved.
The balance between maintaining continuity and avoiding repetition also extended to the creative process. “I didn’t want it to feel like we were just copying the formula,” Schaeffer said. Instead, the series takes a more surreal, magical approach, opening the door for new storytelling possibilities within the MCU.
What Makes Agatha’s Story Special? A Blend of Magic and Humanity
When asked what makes Agatha the perfect character for a spinoff, Schaeffer pointed to her blend of fierceness and vulnerability. Agatha’s ability to charm and manipulate—while concealing the wounds of her past—makes her a compelling figure to explore. “She’s both playful and dangerous, a character you love to hate but can’t help rooting for,” Schaeffer said.
When asked to describe the series in a single word, Schaeffer paused before laughing. “Bewitching…but I’d also say, ferocious.” It’s a fitting description—capturing both the magical allure and fierce independence that define Agatha’s character.
