The breakout character of WandaVision, Agatha Harkness, is set to take center stage in the new series Agatha All Along, which premieres on Disney+ on September 18. Kathryn Hahn returns to portray the iconic witch, albeit stripped of her powers. In this series, Agatha is aided by a mysterious goth teenager, played by Joe Locke, who helps her escape a twisted spell. Together, they embark on a journey known as The Witches’ Road—a series of magical trials that promise to grant their deepest desires, but first, Agatha must form a coven, a challenge for someone used to being alone.
Jac Schaeffer, the showrunner and executive producer, aims to recapture the spirit of WandaVision while introducing darker themes. “Agatha All Along is a puzzle-box show filled with mysteries and unexpected twists,” she explains. “We are moving away from the sitcom format while still referencing various films and television shows.” Schaeffer highlights that Agatha Harkness presents a stark contrast to Wanda Maximoff, offering a more sinister and horror-driven narrative.
Hahn is eager to explore Agatha’s darker, more mystical aspects, especially after portraying her as the nosy neighbor, Agnes, in WandaVision. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to Agatha’s original character traits while diving deeper into her backstory. The series aims to explore the origins of witches within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which have been largely unexplored thus far.
At its heart, Agatha All Along is a tale of a witch without a coven who must forge one. Alongside her on this journey are various witches, each with unique powers, as they learn the significance of community and connection. Schaeffer notes that each character grapples with their own disconnectedness, and through collaboration, they find their inner strength.
Agatha’s tendency to take shortcuts and prioritize her own interests poses challenges not only for her but also for the other witches, who also struggle with teamwork. Schaeffer emphasizes that despite their conflicts, a basis of respect exists among the group, creating a compelling dynamic.
The series also places a strong emphasis on practical effects, a choice encouraged by Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige. Schaeffer draws inspiration from classic films renowned for their practical effects. The goal is to create a tangible, immersive experience that feels grounded rather than computer-generated.
With the series poised to deliver humor, surprises, and perhaps even some jump scares, Hahn expresses her excitement for audiences to engage with the characters and the story. She believes that ultimately, true power comes from working together, a challenging lesson for Agatha as she navigates her new journey.