Marvel Editor Expresses Discontent Over MCU’s Transformation of Iconic Character: “Almost a Completely Different Character”

A Marvel editor has openly expressed dissatisfaction with the way the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has transformed classic characters, describing them as “virtually new.” While the MCU has significantly elevated the presence of many Marvel icons and introduced them to wider audiences, these adaptations sometimes result in changes within the original comic narratives. One notable case involves a beloved and powerful magical hero.

In a recent post on his personal Substack, Marvel Executive Editor Tom Brevoort addressed a fan query from Biggu regarding character resurrections and his perspective on the conflict between “what is good for business” versus “what feels right.” Brevoort outlined his perspective on the matter, noting:

That all said, the reality is that I don’t own the characters of the Marvel Universe, Marvel does. And so, if the organization (or somebody placed higher up in it) decides that a change is to be made and I disagree with it, assuming that I am unsuccessful in convincing them as to why that change would be a bad idea, my objective has to switch to focusing on telling the best version of that story that it’s possible to tell. But if you’re talking about something that’s already been done somewhere else and is already popular with a big segment of the audience, then it’s even more of a no-brainer than before, in that without selling comics, we won’t stay in business to be able to make comics.

Brevoort highlighted the recent de-aging of Agatha Harkness, a change driven by Kathryn Hahn’s impressive portrayal of the character. He reflected on this transformation:

So, for example, I don’t really love the fact that Agatha Harkness has been rejuvenated and transformed into virtually an entirely new character these last couple of years. But I’m well aware that Agatha had a sum total of zero fans before that change, and that an awful lot of people are incredibly invested in her as portrayed by Kathryn Hahn. So following suit in the comics simply makes good sense.

Currently, Agatha Harkness is last depicted in the Marvel Universe as she interacts with the child version of the Darkhold.

The History of Agatha Harkness in Marvel

Agatha Harkness: A Surprising MCU Triumph

Among the many triumphs of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Agatha Harkness stands out as an unexpected success. Introduced by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Fantastic Four #94, Agatha initially served as a governess for Franklin Richards. As a powerful sorceress, she consistently hovered near the title of Sorcerer Supreme. Her prominence surged when she became integral to the storyline of Scarlet Witch in the 2021 series Wandavision, where Kathryn Hahn’s portrayal captivated audiences.

The acclaim surrounding Hahn’s performance led to the conceptualization of a spin-off series named Agatha All Along, which subsequently prompted significant alterations to the character within the comics.

Agatha Harkness had historically been illustrated as a frail old woman. While her frailty gradually received less emphasis, she was still portrayed as elderly. However, with the anticipation leading up to Agatha All Along, Marvel rejuvenated her character, presenting a younger version complete with a new costume that mirrored her cinematic look.

Agatha Harkness: A Central Figure in Comic Controversies

Do MCU Adaptations Necessitate Comic Changes?

Tom Brevoort highlighted a crucial point regarding Agatha Harkness’ fanbase prior to Wandavision. Hahn’s engaging performance played a significant role in elevating Agatha’s popularity, prompting Marvel to align the comic version with the MCU portrayal. While this transformation is viewed positively by many, it raises questions about the integrity of character development in comics.

For instance, a notable controversy arose in the mid-2010s when Marvel deprioritized X-Men titles due to a lack of film rights owned by parent company Disney, favoring Inhumans instead. Although Marvel later reversed this strategy, it ignited discussions about the balance between film adaptations and their comic book origins.

In the case of Agatha Harkness, the positive outcome of her reinvention showcases the potential benefits of adapting characters to reflect modern portrayals. This shift undoubtedly expanded her fanbase, justifying the changes within the comics—despite Brevoort’s initial reservations.

Source: Tom Brevoort

Source & Images