‘WandaVision’ First Reactions: Olsen and Bettany Shine in the Smart and Fun Disney+ Series

The first reactions to WandaVision are here! The show doesn’t premiere on Disney+ until this Friday, January 15th, but some lucky humans got to see the first three episodes early. Opinions are sure to vary as the season unfolds, but the first reactions are overwhelmingly positive. Check out a few of them below!

Watched the first 3 eps of #WandaVision (2X) & it is a jewel (um or stone). 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. pic.twitter.com/cyEkWkh1Ed
— Nikki Novak (@NikkiNovak) 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 is truly unlike anything the MCU has put out before. I can’t emphasize that enough.

It is a blast to watch. It is so committed to the sitcom structure of story telling that it feels like a bold risk – but it pays off and builds a mystery.

It is awesome. pic.twitter.com/NbGBsGLfmc
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) January 9, 2021

The reactions above hint at what all of us have been wondering: Is WandaVision the right way to start Phase 4 of the MCU? It wasn’t the intended launching point, but it looks like WandaVision sticks the landing. It is daring to launch the new phase of a cinematic universe off of a show that challenges so many of its established norms, but it’s also what the MCU needs.

I think that WandaVision could breathe new life into the MCU with its ever-changing structure that comes with taking on sitcoms from different decades. It’s a fresh take on the superhero genre. While that may leave a few fans who live for the action-driven projects jarred, it’ll move the MCU into the future of more character-driven work. Hopefully. Even if it doesn’t, it looks like it’s going to be impossible to avoid the relevance of the Disney+ series in the MCU’s larger picture. It’s all connected in one massive story.

The entire cast of #WandaVision is great and fully commited to the stylized approach but Elizabeth Olsen’s performance is truly outstanding and one of those “Man, if awards shows weren't snobby about superhero stuff, she would likely get an Emmy nomination” situations.
— Eric Goldman (@TheEricGoldman) January 9, 2021

ALL THE EMMYS FOR ELIZABETH OLSEN IN #WandaVision pic.twitter.com/YIzfsQBcxf
— Ash Crossan (@AshCrossan) January 9, 2021

#WandaVision is (at least in the first 3 episodes I’ve seen) pretty great. A terrific blend of big strangeness and aching heart. Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany have never been better as these characters and I cannot wait to see where it goes from here. pic.twitter.com/R3QoNjHS0n
— Alex Biese (@ABieseAPP) January 9, 2021

Critics are loving Elizabeth Olsen’s performance of Wanda through the decades. They’re echoing award buzz. We’re here for it even though we haven’t seen the episodes yet. Superhero projects are shut out of award ceremonies too often. Olsen has been gushing about playing Wanda on this show. It’s not shocking that her performance reflects that excitement.

I watched the first three episodes of #WandaVision and safe to say, I’m obsessed. It’s charming, funnier than I expected, and the sinister undertone is just delicious. I’m dying to see where this goes!!

Also, Paul Bettany is an absolute gas and is having far too much fun 🤖 pic.twitter.com/TAe6Hxkcoc
— Brittani Tuttle (@brittanituttle) January 9, 2021

Three episodes into #WandaVision and I. Am. Hooked. Not only is the series a loving recreation of classic television shows (everything beautiful), but the story is so compelling. Elizabeth Olsen & Paul Bettany are adorable and hilarious. My most anticipated didn't disappoint! pic.twitter.com/jZVE6zIlQB
— Kristen Lopez (@Journeys_Film) January 9, 2021

Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany’s chemistry has always been great, but it hasn’t been given enough time to shine in the MCU. WandaVision gives them that chance, and people are loving it. Not only that, Bettany is clearly having a blast. He, too, has expressed great joy in getting to be a part of such an inventive project. It’s such a treat that we’ll get to see Vision in this new way.

My biggest takeaway, it seems like the cast had a blast filming the series. Lots of joy on screen.

I can’t say much but I’m excited to see how #Wanda and her powers play into the plot and what the arrival of #MonicaRambeau means. pic.twitter.com/q8UeVhARwF
— Dorian Parks (@DorianParksnRec) January 9, 2021

One of the most interesting things about these first reviews is how much is left to discover. It sounds like the first few episodes only scratch the surface of what WandaVision is going to be. The cast is blowing everything out of the water in just the first three episodes. Imagine what comes next with everyone, including Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau.

Okay #Wandavision. As a long time Wanda/Scarlet Witch fan, this series is everything I could hope for and more. It’s one of the most fun things Marvel has produced. Also Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany’s chemistry is electric. I can’t wait to talk about it ALL pic.twitter.com/Ux9cWD09Tg
— Nora Dominick (@noradominick) January 9, 2021

Most importantly, the consensus seems to be that WandaVision is taking that deep dive into Wanda’s story. Fans have been craving more from Wanda since the jump. We’ll finally get to see more of her journey and hopefully explore her trauma in a more nuanced way than the MCU has had time to offer. Can you tell that we’re extremely excited for this show?

Are you excited about WandaVision‘s premiere? Let us know the comments below!

WandaVision premieres on Disney+ Friday, January 15th.