Marvel Studios hasn't said a word about Scarlet Witch's future, but that hasn't stopped fans from searching for clues. Elizabeth Olsen's Wanda Maximoff has been missing from the MCU since her dramatic exit several years ago, yet new online reports suggest her absence may not last much longer. If those reports are accurate, one of Marvel's strongest characters could be preparing for an important return as the Multiverse Saga heads toward its biggest showdown.
Marvel has confirmed nothing, but with Phase 6 centered around the next two Avengers movies, speculation surrounding Wanda continues to grow.
Scarlet Witch's Last Chapter Left the Door Open
When Wanda Maximoff appeared in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), she was no longer the hero audiences had watched for years. Overwhelmed by grief and corrupted by the Darkhold, Wanda became consumed by the idea of finding Billy and Tommy somewhere else in the Multiverse.
She believed America Chavez held the key to making that happen and relentlessly pursued the young hero throughout the film. Even Doctor Strange struggled against Wanda's incredible powers as she tore through nearly every obstacle standing in her way.
Everything changed once Wanda saw the fear in the eyes of another version of her children. Realizing how much pain she had caused, she destroyed every copy of the Darkhold by bringing Mount Wundagore crashing down.
Marvel, however, never showed Wanda's body. Instead, a burst of red energy appeared just before the mountain collapsed, leaving audiences to debate whether Scarlet Witch actually survived.
Doctor Doom Is the MCU's Next Major Threat
The next phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will introduce a villain capable of changing everything.
Avengers: Doomsday (2026) arrives on December 18, 2026, with Robert Downey Jr. stepping into the role of Victor Von Doom. Unlike Tony Stark, Doom combines scientific brilliance with powerful mystical abilities, making him one of Marvel's most dangerous characters.
His intelligence, armor, and magical talents give him countless ways to challenge the Avengers. As the Multiverse becomes increasingly unstable, Doom appears positioned to play a central role before the story reaches its climax in Avengers: Secret Wars (2027).
Why Wanda Makes Sense in This Story
If Marvel plans to bring Wanda back, the upcoming conflict offers a natural opportunity.
Scarlet Witch's chaos magic gives her abilities that few other heroes possess. Those powers could make her an essential player in a battle involving collapsing realities and a villain who understands both science and magic.
One possible storyline sees Doom using Wanda's grief to his advantage. By offering the chance to reunite with Billy and Tommy, he could convince her to fight alongside him while advancing his own agenda.
Another possibility would send Wanda down a much different road. After recognizing the destruction she caused, she could return determined to redeem herself by joining Doctor Strange, the Avengers, and other heroes trying to stop Doom before the Multiverse falls apart.
Fans Think New Merchandise May Be Hinting at More
Rumors about Scarlet Witch's return received another boost thanks to newly released Avengers: Doomsday merchandise.
A new Doctor Doom action figure showcases the villain's updated MCU design, but fans quickly focused on something besides the armor. The figure features red magical effects rather than the green energy typically associated with Doctor Doom in Marvel comics.
That choice immediately sparked discussion because Wanda's powers are tied to red chaos magic.
After Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) introduced Wanda through HYDRA's experiments with the Mind Stone, later MCU stories identified her abilities as chaos magic. While merchandise alone doesn't reveal Marvel's plans, many fans believe the matching color scheme could be an intentional clue that another powerful magic user will soon return.
Elizabeth Olsen Continues to Stay Quiet
Elizabeth Olsen hasn't offered any concrete answers about Wanda Maximoff's future. Whenever questions arise, she continues to avoid confirming whether Scarlet Witch will appear again.
That has done little to slow the rumors.
Both Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars are expected to deliver major surprises as the Multiverse Saga reaches its conclusion. If Wanda does return, a brief appearance in Avengers: Doomsday could help set the stage for a much larger role in Avengers: Secret Wars.
Until Marvel officially reveals its plans, Scarlet Witch remains one of the biggest unanswered questions heading into the final chapters of Phase 6.
