Disney+ is gearing up to realize the full potential of Agatha Harkness’ villainous powers through the spin-off of WandaVision, Agatha: Coven of Chaos.
Agatha, a witch from the Salem witch trials of 1693, acts as a mentor to young Romani sorceress Wanda Maximoff in WandaVision and by the end almost manages to absorb the Scarlet Witch’s (Elizabeth Olsen) powers. The climax shows Agatha ultimately finding herself trapped in the false persona of “nosy neighbor Agnes” she created to get into Westview.
WandaVision did reasonably well, but many felt Agatha’s character could’ve done with more spotlight in the mini-series. Despite limited minutes, Kathryn Hahn managed to get nominated for best supporting actress in a limited series.
Aubrey Plaza to Join Hands With Kathryn Hahn in Agatha: Coven of Chaos
Accordingly, Marvel Studios took little time in roping in Jac Schaeffer, the head writer on that show, to oversee its spin-off dedicated to the foxy teacher and Nicholas Scratch’s mother. Agatha: Coven of Chaos is scheduled to premiere later this year.
As is the case with most Marvel projects, the storyline is being kept under wraps. However, in June, insider Daniel Richtman did give some hints about the synopsis through his Patreon. It roughly states that Agatha forms a coven with the women of Westview to enter the Witches Road in order to help a mysterious boy, who woke her from the spell.
However, there are plenty of details about the cast. Kathryn Hahn, as expected, will reprise her role, and will be joined by Aubrey Plaza.
Plaza’s character, Rio Vidal, will be an original creation instead of the usual inspiration and adaptation from comic books. The first Green Witch is lined up to be one of the most powerful characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and will be accompanied by a team of former supervillains, known as Salem’s Seven.
There have already been plenty of rumors about Agatha being bisexual in the upcoming spin-off, and now it’s been revealed that it’d be none other than Plaza, who would confirm her sexual orientation. Rio is set to be introduced as her ex.
Has Aubrey Plaza Ever Worked With Kathryn Hahn Before
The idea of the dynamic between Plaza and Hahn’s relationship in Agatha: Coven of Chaos is already sending Marvel fans into a frenzy.
However, in case any follower is wondering how the two would fare together on the screen, should take a look at their brilliant collaboration in NBC’s hugely successful sitcom, Parks and Recreation. Plaza portrayed April Ludgate, who was Ron Swanson’s apathetic assistant, and Hahn featured in several episodes as Jen Barkley, a shrewd political strategist.
Meanwhile, with the role of Rio, the 39-year-old actress gets a second opportunity to play a Marvel character. She portrayed Lenny Busker on the TV series Legion.
Source: Twitter
Frequently asked questions
Was Aubrey Plaza really cast as Agatha Harkness’s ex in the Disney+ series?
At the time of this article the casting came from an unconfirmed insider report by Daniel Richtman, shared via Patreon, not from an official Marvel or Disney+ announcement. The report said Plaza would play a character named Rio Vidal positioned as Agatha Harkness’s former partner. It later proved accurate: in the series (released as Agatha All Along), Plaza does play Rio Vidal, who is revealed to be Agatha’s ex-lover.
Who is Rio Vidal, the character Aubrey Plaza plays?
Rio Vidal is the on-screen identity Plaza plays opposite Kathryn Hahn’s Agatha. The early report described her as an extremely powerful witch and Agatha’s ex. In the finished series she is revealed to be the cosmic embodiment of Death, appearing as ‘the Original Green Witch’-a role rooted in a long-running Marvel Comics entity rather than a wholly new invention.
Had Aubrey Plaza and Kathryn Hahn worked together before this Marvel project?
Yes. Both appeared on NBC’s Parks and Recreation, where Plaza played April Ludgate and Hahn recurred as political strategist Jen Barkley. Plaza also had prior Marvel TV experience, having played Lenny Busker in the FX series Legion before this role.
