WandaVision has finally arrived and, so far, Marvel Studios’ inaugural TV show has been a hit with audiences, giving them all of the classic sitcom vibes they were hoping for. Marvel has made it clear that it’s pulled out all the sitcom stops for the new series, even going as far as to consult with the legendary Dick Van Dyke for guidance. Of course, series co-lead Elizabeth Olsen has a connection to the medium, as her famous sisters, Mary-Kate and Ashley, were once known as Full House’s Michelle Tanner. So with this, did Marvel ever consider WandaVision cameos for the Olsen twins?
WandaVision director Matt Shakman, who was actually a sitcom actor during his own youth, recently confirmed that Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were never considered for cameos on the show. The director explained that the goal of the series was to honor and replicate the style of classic TV comedies, not to parody them with cameos:
For us, we were faithfully recreating the style of the shows with authenticity. It wasn’t about parody or homage or spoof. It really was about telling the story of Wanda and Vision. And so, for that reason, we were focusing on our characters who are the best actors to bring those characters to life, rather than trying to find a way to have Bob Newhart pop by.
Matt Shakman’s recent comments to Variety make a lot of sense. The idea of taking Elizabeth Olsen’s Wanda Maximoff and Paul Bettany’s Vision, transforming them into sitcom characters and finding other actors who fit the mold is more interesting than having established sitcom stars pop in and out. This could have caused the show to simply become a revolving door of stars, which may have taken the focus away from Wanda and Vision’s story.
Despite the lack of cameos, WandaVision will have other things sitcom fans are sure to get a kick out of. It’s been confirmed that the show will have some nods to notable TV shows, ranging from The Brady Bunch and Family Ties to Malcolm in the Middle and Modern Family. Creator and head writer Jac Schaeffer has even confirmed that the show will have a wink at at the Olsen twin’s Full House.
Marvel’s commitment to the sitcom medium goes even further than mere references. The first episode was shot in front of a live audience and completed in two days. It was an experience that was definitely a change for MCU veterans Olsen and Bettany, but they seemed to have enjoyed chewing the scenery in front of the audience.
As it progresses, WandaVision will likely get more in tune with the action and spectacle we’ve come to expect from the MCU. But until that happens, viewers will surely enjoy the nostalgic, sitcom stroll down memory lane.
WandaVision drops new episodes Fridays on Disney+.
