Wanda Maximoff, also known as the Scarlet Witch, is one of the most powerful characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). But what exactly are her powers and abilities? Let’s take a closer look.
Wanda’s Basic Powers
When we first meet Wanda in Avengers: Age of Ultron, she and her brother Pietro (Quicksilver) have received powers from Hydra experiments with the Mind Stone. Wanda exhibits telekinetic powers, able to move and manipulate objects with her mind. She also has telepathic abilities, able to implant visions and thoughts in other people’s minds. Both her telekinetic and telepathic powers have a distinct red, mist-like visual effect.
These powers already make Wanda quite formidable. She can mentally throw objects and enemies around, invade minds to uncover secrets or sow confusion, and project energy blasts. In Civil War, she is able to stop a bomb explosion and contain it, demonstrating fine control over her telekinesis.
Unlocking Chaos Magic
In Avengers: Infinity War, we see Wanda’s powers have grown even further. She is able to hold off Thanos himself for a period of time, her red energy blasts strong enough to physically push back the powerful Titan. It’s clear at this point that Wanda has unlocked even greater potential.
This potential is referred to as chaos magic. It allows Wanda to alter reality itself on a localized scale. Rather than simply manipulating energy and matter with her telekinesis, she can rewrite the laws of physics within a certain area. This gives her reality warping abilities similar to cosmic level beings. We get a hint of this when she destroys the Mind Stone at the end of Infinity War, overriding its near indestructible nature through her chaos magic.
House of M
In the House of M comic storyline, the full extent of Wanda’s powers are revealed. Her grief and instability from traumatic events lead her to warp the entire Marvel reality into the House of M, an alternate world where mutants are the ruling class. This demonstrates Wanda is capable of manipulating reality on a massive scale.
In the comics, Wanda alters the fundamental nature of millions of people and reshapes the entire planet’s history and landscape. While the MCU version has not demonstrated abilities of this scale, it hints she contains enough chaos magic potential for world-changing events.
Westview Anomalies
WandaVision showcases more of Wanda’s blossoming chaos magic abilities. Within the Westview Anomaly, she is able to spontaneously create matter from nothing, rewrite people’s memories and personalities, and blend the worlds of television and reality into a seamless habitation for her resurrected family.
Again, while not planet-scale, these feats give us a taste of Wanda’s true power set. As the mythical Scarlet Witch, she can override physics and warp reality to her wishes within a confined area. With growth and training, there’s no telling how far these abilities could expand.
Stronger Than the Sorcerer Supreme?
Wanda’s chaos magic seems to exceed even the powers of Doctor Strange, the Sorcerer Supreme. Strange is able to manipulate time, space, and dimensional energy using specific spells and relics. But he does not alter reality itself. In a direct magical duel, Wanda’s probability manipulation could theoretically override Strange’s intricate spells.
Indeed, Wanda is potentially strong enough to reshape existence on a universal scale if fully unleashed. She has not demonstrated full control of her abilities yet, however. And Strange’s mastery of dimensional mystic arts means he can still contain Wanda for now. But if Wanda’s chaos magic grows, she could easily become the MCU’s most powerful mystical force.
Magic of the Scarlet Witch
As the mythical Scarlet Witch, Wanda Maximoff wields uncanny chaos magic. She can rewrite reality on a local scale and warp the very fundamentals of existence to her will. With training and further magical growth, Wanda’s powers could one day rival cosmic level beings.
For now, uncertainty remains about just how far Wanda’s abilities could reach. But the hints and teases we’ve seen show she is perhaps the most magically gifted Avenger in existence. The full extent of the Scarlet Witch’s powers have yet to be revealed in the MCU. But they may make her one of the most influential characters of Phase 4 and beyond when finally unleashed.
Wanda’s Powers and Abilities
| Power | Description |
| Telekinesis | Ability to move objects with mind |
| Telepathy | Read minds, control minds, project thoughts |
| Energy Projection | Project blasts of red, chaotic energy |
| Chaos Magic | Manipulate probability, alter reality |
Key Events Showcasing Wanda’s Powers
| Event | Powers Demonstrated |
| Age of Ultron | Telekinesis, telepathy |
| Civil War | Contain explosion |
| Infinity War | Reality-warping energy blasts |
| Endgame | Destroy an Infinity Stone |
| WandaVision | Create Westview Anomaly, rewrite reality inside |
How Wanda Stacks Up To Other Powerful MCU Characters
| Character | Powers | Chaos Magic Advantage |
| Doctor Strange | Spells, relics to control time, space, dimensions | Wanda can override spells by rewriting reality |
| Thor | Godly strength, lightning | Wanda can alter probability, affect fundamental forces |
| Captain Marvel | Energy projection, super strength/speed | Chaos magic could theoretically overwhelm Carol’s binary powers |
Conclusion
With her unprecedented chaos magic abilities, Wanda Maximoff has the potential to be the greatest mystic power in the MCU. She can rewrite reality itself within a limited area for now. But if her skills grow, she could one day wield cosmic level reality-shaping abilities on par with the Infinity Gauntlet. Wanda’s future in the MCU is bright and full of possibilities, making her one of the most intriguing characters to watch going forward.