Reprising her role as the captivating witch Agatha Harkness, Kathryn Hahn believes it’s only fitting that she continues the character’s story. Introduced in the hit 2021 Marvel series WandaVision, Agatha quickly became a fan favorite, and Hahn is excited to explore the complexities of this intriguing character.
“It’s so juicy. You can see her as a simple bad witch, but she’s not. No one is bad,” Hahn explains. “There’s always something that they’re covering up, with all these layers on top. The challenge was keeping the mask on while these truths were breaking through.”
The new Marvel Television series, streaming on Disney+, picks up after the events of WandaVision. Agatha, stripped of her powers by Wanda Maximoff, embarks on a journey down the mythical Witches’ Road with a makeshift coven, aiming to regain her magic. Despite Wanda capturing her powers, Hahn finds strength and empowerment in her role.
A central symbol in Agatha’s character is the Neopagan triple goddess, represented by a brooch featuring the maiden, mother, and crone—phases of transformation in the female life cycle. Hahn relates to this in her own life. “It felt like I was stepping into my ‘crone’ phase, whatever that means, and it was powerful to feel wise during this journey as a woman,” she reflects.
The series is rich with references to Wiccan culture, Neopaganism, and various pop culture icons. One of the most prominent influences is The Wizard of Oz. Show creator Jac Schaeffer, who also helmed WandaVision, says the classic 1939 film served as a natural inspiration. “We’re in the land of witches,” she explains. “It became clear early on that it needed a quest structure, much like the beloved films of my childhood.”
Schaeffer reveals that the show also nods to the rock band Fleetwood Mac, actress Kate Winslet’s role in Mare of Easttown, and the “prestige lady drama soap” Big Little Lies. She likens the dynamic among Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and their on-screen peers to a modern coven.
Agatha All Along also features a new catchy tune written by Emmy-winning duo Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, who crafted the viral “Agatha All Along” song from WandaVision. The ensemble cast, including Patti LuPone, Aubrey Plaza, Joe Locke, and Sasheer Zamata, contributes their voices to a song that metaphorically opens the door to The Witches’ Road.
Despite initial nerves about singing in front of LuPone, a Broadway legend, the cast found their harmony. “It’s magical to be part of a chorus. Everyone in this coven picked up instruments or sang, and it all came together beautifully,” says LuPone. “Sometimes, things are fated. This was one of those times.”
Hahn describes the camaraderie on set in Atlanta, Georgia, as extraordinary. “We were all so excited to work together. Everyone stepped up. We’d sit in a circle on stage, sharing stories and talking about what food we were going to eat next. It became a dream,” she shares.
Schaeffer, who once worried WandaVision would be a “huge flop,” feels confident about Agatha All Along. “Not everyone will be satisfied, but I think most people just want to enjoy the ride, and that’s exactly what we’re providing,” she says.
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