Some spoilers below for anyone who isn't totally caught up with WandaVision up to Episode 8.
The first eight episodes of WandaVision have seemingly inspired more speculation than everything else Marvel has delivered in the last 13 years. As Marvel's first TV show fully connected to the MCU, the genre-bending series has often proven that virtually anything is possible in its world, and just about every single detail could feasibly be a game-changing clue or a brilliant comic easter egg. One such speculation-worthy visual can be seen in each episode's end-credits sequence, and WandaVision director Matt Shakman seemed to confirm that these moments are indeed meaningful.
In each installment's visually lush credits sequence, just after executive producer Louis D'Esposito's name is shown, there is always a close-up on Vision's face, with the "camera" zooming directly into his eyeball. They're all different shots, as each episode's close-ups are taken from that particular episode, and some fans (such as yours truly) picked up on the trend after the first episodes were released. Theories about those eye-centric bits only gained momentum when it was revealed that S.W.O.R.D. director Tyler Hayward's covert mission was dubbed "Cataract."
So when I had a chance to talk to WandaVision's Matt Shakman, who lent his directorial talents to all nine episodes of the season, I wanted to get his take on the potential importance of those zoom-ins on Vision during the credits, and asked if they were connected to S.W.O.R.D.'s "Cataract" mission. Here's how he answered:
I think that's a wonderful analysis, and I will say, I would hate to say anything to spoil what is a beautiful theory. There are so many passionate, wonderful fan theories out there that I just love them. We have been sharing memes and TikTok videos and articles among the cast and crew. I mean, it's just so wonderful to create something that we put together with so much love and passion and then to see it be received with that same kind of love and passion. It's just terrific.
What's more, Matt Shakman's appeared to light up when I broached the topic, and he smiled widely as he gave his answer. While that obviously doesn't equate to a full-on confirmation by any means, Shakman's enthusiastic response absolutely made me more optimistic about all eye-related details being connected in a meaningful way. Now, do I know exactly WHAT it all means? Not really.
For those who still might be confused about the credits moments I am referring to, here's the zoom-in moment from Episode 8, "Previously On."
Episode 8 was important in tons of ways, as it finally showed viewers precisely how the Westview Anomaly was created, and viewers watched as Wanda impulsively and perhaps unwittingly used her magic to create an entirely new version of Vision. Just as important, the episode ended on Director Hayward using Wanda's magical power to bring a new, humanity-free version of Vision to life. This White Vision, as it were, is rocking a pair of eyes that are somehow even more electric than than the pristinely blue eyes that Paul Bettany has rocked most of the season as Wanda's Vision. At least when his sockets weren't completely glazed over and horrifying-looking, as they were when he appeared to Wanda in Corpse Vision form. (Fun and likely important face: it was Corpse Vision's eye that was featured during the zoom-in for Episode 4.
So will we see White Vision shooting lasers out of his eyes in the WandaVision finale? Or is the point there meant to make fans think about something specific that Vision sees, or doesn't see? It might not be such a pressing issue if it didn't show up in each of the first eight episodes, but since it did, I don't think I'll be able to stop obsessing about it until an explanation is out there.
Speaking of WandaVision details worth obsessing over, Episode 8 also featured what appeared to be a blink-and-you-miss-it reference to Blade Runner, with the name "Tannhauser Gate" appearing on a Westview theater marquee before Wanda's magic changed the town. (The marquee thereafter showed the names of Disney films Big Red and Kidnapped.) But while Matt Shakman seemed cool with addressing the credits clue, he was not as interested in addressing the Blade Runner bit, saying this when asked if he could talk about it:
Not really. But again, I'm happy that you're looking closely at the background and speculating about all of that. I mean, there are many, many wonderful easter eggs throughout, some of which I'm responsible for, some of which the writers are responsible for, and some of which our designers and prop masters are responsible for. But you know, we were careful to sort of lay the breadcrumbs as much as we could so that the overall story itself would would be supported.
If anything, that reference is almost definitely not tied to the German poet Tannhäuser who lived during the 13th century. Rather, it is probably a nod to Blade Runner's central replicant-related storyline, and hints at all the duality on display in WandaVision, from everyone inside the Hex's alt personalities to the TV vs. Real Life elements to the existence of two different Visions. Just don't expect for Ridley Scott or Harrison Ford to make any cameos in the finale.
With just one more episode left, WandaVision has the seemingly impossible task of ending its far-reaching storyline in a way that appeases both Marvel fanatics and more casual viewers, while also answering as many questions as possible that were set up earlier in the season. Not to mention also setting up narrative points that are meant to be continued on in films like Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Spider-Man: No Way Home. We can all see just how conclusive things will get when WandaVision's final episode airs on Disney+ on Friday, March 5.
