– Due out on Disney Plus in mid-September
– First of two planned WandaVision spin-offs
– Trailers revealed in July and August
– Kathryn Hahn returns as Agatha Harkness
– Other cast members revealed
– Plot synopsis and other story details unveiled
– No word on how it’ll impact other MCU projects
Agatha All Along is, at the time of this article’s latest update, just over a month away from debuting on Disney Plus. The first of two WandaVision spin-offs will reunite us with Kathryn Hahn’s Agatha Harkness, plus a gaggle of other duplicitous witches, for a dark comedy-drama just in time for Halloween. We hope you’re practising your cackles accordingly.
Regardless of whether you are or aren’t, we’ve conjured up a magical guide on all things Agatha All Along to get you up to speed before the Marvel Phase 5 TV show’s arrival on Disney’s primary streamer. Below, you’ll learn more about its official launch date, confirmed cast, trailers, plot details, and more. Full spoilers for WandaVision follow, so stream it first before proceeding.
Agatha All Along release date
This witch is back for more 😏Marvel Television’s #AgathaAllAlong, streaming September 18 on @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/QPlcq2BGhiAugust 10, 2024
Agatha All Along will arrive on Wednesday, September 18 (US) and Thursday, September 19 (UK and Australia). The comic book titan confirmed Agatha All Along‘s release date alongside Daredevil: Born Again and Ironheart‘s during Disney’s Upfronts 2024 presentation in May. Before that, one of the show’s stars suggested it would arrive in time for Halloween.
As for its episode count, the Disney Plus series will have nine chapters. The first two episodes will arrive on launch day, with new entries airing weekly.
Agatha All Along trailer
Agatha All Along‘s official trailer was unveiled as one of nine big Disney Plus announcements at D23 Expo 2024, again showing that Marvel isn’t afraid to somewhat lean into the horror genre as and when the time calls for it. It gave us a better idea of the uneasy alliances at play within Agatha’s assembled coven, too, so don’t be surprised if there are betrayals along the way to – and on – the Witches’ Road.
That brand-new footage comes just one month after the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) series’ first trailer was revealed in late July. This first trailer, which you can view below, confirmed Agatha will spend its premiere breaking out of the reality-warped spell that Wanda Maximoff placed her in during WandaVision‘s finale, before forming her own coven of misplaced magic wielders to walk the Witches’ Road and reacquire her abilities:
Agatha All Along cast: confirmed and rumored
Agatha Harkness (third left) is joined by new and familiar faces in her self-titled series (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney Plus)
Full spoilers follow for WandaVision. Potential Agatha All Along spoilers are also discussed.
Here’s the confirmed cast list for Agatha All Along so far:
Kathryn Hahn as Agatha HarknessAubrey Plaza as Rio VidalJoe Locke as Teen/Billy KaplanPatti LuPone as Lilia CalderuSasheer Zamata as Jennifer KaleAli Ahn as AliceKate Forbes as Evanora HarknessDebra Jo Rupp as Sharon DaviesEmma Caulfield Ford as Sarah ProctorDavid Lengel as Harold ProctorDavid Payton as John CollinsAsif Ali as Alibash TandonPaul Adelstein as TBCMiles Gutierrez-Riley as TBCOkwui Okpokwasili as TBCMaria Dizzia as TBC
Everyone, from Hahn down to Forbes on the list, will play a dark magic wielder in the show. The other actors will reprise their WandaVision roles as five Westview residents who were trapped in the New Jersey town by Wanda Maximoff during WandaVision.
Of the named magic users, Forbes’ Evanora, LuPone’s Lilia, and Plaza’s Rio are the only ones with ties to Hahn’s Agatha. Evanora is Agatha’s mom and the leader of the Harkness coven of witches, who appeared in WandaVision episode 8’s 1693-set sequence. Agatha killed Evanora during that scene, though, so Evanora’s appearance in Agatha All Along will likely be in another flashback. Lilia is a 450-year-old Sicilian witch with the skill of divination (the ability to see into the future), while Rio is a warrior witch who wields a mean dagger and, in the Marvel comics, is Agatha’s on-off love interest.
Joe Locke’s character is called Teen, but we suspect his real name will be revealed late on in Agatha All Along (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney Plus)
As for Billy, according to LuPone (per Entertainment Weekly (EW)), he’s a Familiar – an individual with supernatural abilities – who’s also believed to be one of Wanda Maximoff’s sons. Speaking to Rolling Stone, Locke said their character is simply called Teen in the series, but this seems to be a front to his real identity.
Indeed, Billy’s presence in Agatha All Along has generated plenty of discussion among Marvel fans because, well, he died (read: disintegrated) in WandaVision alongside twin brother Tommy. The pair were the fabricated offspring of Wanda and Vision (he was also a make-believe version of the deceased synthezoid that a grief-stricken Wanda created following Vision’s death in Avengers: Infinity War). But, if Agatha‘s Billy is the same Billy we saw in WandaVision, that raises questions about how he survived when nothing else from Wanda’s Hex spell did.
Rio Vidal could be both an ally and enemy in Agatha All Along (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney Plus)
Billy, Agatha, Rio, Evanora, and Lilia will be joined on the dark magic-wielding front by two other magic users: Ahn’s Alice and Zamata’s Kale. In the comics, the latter is a a sorceress who’s part of another mystical group known as the Cult of Zhered-Na.
It’s unclear if Kale’s fellow Zhered-Na members will show up in this show but, with online rumors suggesting a rival witch faction called The Salem Seven will appear, maybe there’ll be some form of blending the two groups together to suit the MCU’s needs. Additionally, there’s every chance that Elizabeth Olsen’s Wanda could also make an unexpected cameo, depending on how the story plays out. Speaking of which (or should that be speaking of witch)…
Agatha All Along story synopsis and speculation
Agatha All Along will see the show’s protagonist assemble her own coven of witches (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney Plus)
Major spoilers follow for WandaVision. Potential Agatha All Along spoilers are also discussed.
Here’s the show’s official plot synopsis: “In Agatha All Along, the infamous Agatha Harkness finds herself down and out of power after a suspicious goth Teen helps break her free from a distorted spell. Her interest is piqued when he begs her to take him on the legendary Witches’ Road, a magical gauntlet of trials that, if survived, rewards a witch with what they’re missing. Together, Agatha and this mysterious Teen pull together a desperate coven, and set off down, down, down The Road…”
Before we get into mild spoiler territory, some of the show’s cast and crew have provided some additional details on what we should expect from this WandaVision spin-off. First, speaking on the Official Marvel Podcast, Marvel’s Head of TV and Streaming Brad Winderbaum provided fresh details on numerous Disney Plus shows, including Agatha All Along. Of its plot, he said: “Agatha is really fun, but it’s really scary and it gets quite dramatic. She’s an amazing anti-hero and that show… it lures you in with the fun of Halloween and, before you know it, you’re crying. I’ll just put it that way. It’s also a Marvel brand of scary. It’s a Halloween show, there are deadly stakes in the series, it’s a fun ride, but it’s a dangerous one.”
Elaborating to Rolling Stone, Locke claimed it’s full of “magic, fun, and mystery”, before adding in an Empire magazine interview that it’s akin to Marvel’s dark, twisted version of The Goonies.
Agatha and her crew will have to navigate The Witches’ Road (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney Plus)
Anyone who’s seen WandaVision will know how and why Agatha is trapped in a magical reality, not unlike the one Wanda Maximoff crafted post-Avengers: Endgame. But, if you need a refresher, our WandaVision finale deep-dive piece provides more details.
Based on what the previously referenced plot synopsis and trailers, this rumored plot is accurate and Agatha does escape from her fabricated reality nightmare. In the first teaser, we see Agatha “claw” her way out of Wanda’s spell thanks to Plaza’s Rio. Ordinarily, it would be easy for someone with her power level to do so, but Wanda stripped Agatha of her dark magic abilities in WandaVision episode 9.
As such, it’ll apparently take her some time to fully snap out of her false reality – prominent MCU leaker CanWeGetSomeToast (per Marvel News Films on X/Twitter) claiming three years will have passed between WandaVision‘s final episode and Agatha All Along‘s premiere. Agatha will need to ‘shed’ her WandaVision costumes as part of her escape effort as well, according to CGWST.
a witch is nothing without her coven pic.twitter.com/3JMsVQZhNcAugust 10, 2024
As for the “unlikely friends” she’ll need to round up to help her regain her abilities, those individuals include Rio, Lilia, Billy, Jennifer, and Alice. Indeed, the depowered enchantress needs to traverse The Witches’ Road, a life-threatening plane of existence that only sorcerers can tread.
Clearly, Agatha will need to assemble her own coven to not only keep her safe on said journey, but also help her navigate it with their powers and expertise. Speaking to Empire magazine, showrunner/executive producer Jac Schaeffer confirmed this “disparate, mixed bag of witches”, all of whom are “covenless” and self-serving like Agatha, will join the untrustworthy titular character on her quest to get her powers back. The same article seemingly confirms Rupp’s Debra, who was only thought to be a Westview resident, is also a witch. Interesting, very interesting…
Anyway, in order to travel to this alternate dimension, Agatha and her bewitching crew might need to employ a classic witch trope. An image (posted on the Scarlet Witch Updates X/Twitter account) from Disney’s 2024 Upfronts presentation shows Agatha and company flying on broomsticks. There’s no word on whether there’ll be, say, a black cat or a cauldron attached to one of these transportation methods.
But we digress. There’ll be a few callbacks to previous MCU projects in Agatha All Along, including Doctor Strange 2 and (obviously) WandaVision, and there’ll be some musical elements to the story, too. Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, who penned the hugely popular ‘Agatha All Along’ from WandaVision episode 7, which stormed the music charts in early 2022, were already confirmed to have written new musical numbers by LuPone (via THR).
One of the series’ original songs, titled ‘The Witches’ Road’, was performed in full by Agatha’s main cast at D23 Expo 2024 (see above), too, and it sounds like it’ll be as catchy and earworm-inducing as its WandaVision counterpart. Other story-based rumors have circulated online for some time, but we’ll refrain from mentioning them here to preserve some of the mystery. Feel free to go and ruin the series for yourself, though, if you’re so inclined.
Will Agatha All Along set up future Marvel movies and TV shows?
Will Jennifer and Alice make it to the end of Agatha All Along? (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney Plus)
It’s possible. Marvel is still focused on telling its Multiverse Saga, which began in Phase 4, continues in Phase 5, and ends with Marvel Phase 6. That hasn’t stopped the comic giant from branching out and telling standalone tales that have few to no ties to its overarching multiverse narrative, though.
So, which movies or shows might be born out of Agatha All Along? There’s only one project whose events could be set in motion by the series: an untitled, second WandaVision spin-off that’ll star Paul Bettany as White Vision, whose release has reportedly been set for sometime in 2026 (per Variety).
If Billy Kaplan is the same Billy we saw in WandaVision, and if he survives the events of Agatha All Along, we suspect he’ll embark on an adventure to track down White Vision – the closest thing he has to Vision, aka his ‘birth’ father – and/or his twin brother Tommy, with the aim of seeking their help to find Wanda, aka Billy and Tommy’s mom. She was last seen in Doctor Strange 2, where she seemingly perished after destroying the Darkhold and Mount Wundagore. However, we didn’t actually see her die and, given Wanda’s popularity among MCU fans, it wouldn’t be in the studio’s best interests to consign her to the MCU’s history books.
There are very few details on this show right now, but it could very well adapt the ‘Avengers: Children’s Crusade’ comic series, which sees Billy, Tommy, and other members of the Young Avengers search for Wanda/The Scarlet Witch. There’s been speculation that a Young Avengers project has been in development for some time at Marvel Studios – if it still is, could it be based on ‘Children’s Crusade’ and be announced post-Agatha All Along? Let’s hope so. Either way, expect some more news to surface on this White Vision-focused series once the show’s nine episodes have been released.
For more Marvel and Disney Plus-based coverage, read our guides on The Fantastic Four: First Steps, X-Men 97 season 2, the best Marvel movies, and how to watch the Marvel movies in order.
Here’s what we know about Agatha All Along ahead of its Disney Plus debut in mid-September, including its official trailer.
The Amazon Marketplace: Empowering Sellers and Shaping Consumer Behavior
The Amazon Marketplace has emerged as a powerful force in the global economy, redefining how businesses operate and how consumers shop. Since its launch in 2000, Amazon Marketplace has grown into one of the largest online marketplaces in the world, with millions of sellers and an even larger base of customers. This platform has not only democratized e-commerce, providing opportunities for businesses of all sizes, but it has also significantly influenced consumer behavior. This article explores how the Amazon Marketplace empowers sellers and shapes consumer behavior.
Empowering Sellers: Opportunities and Challenges
The Amazon Marketplace has opened up unprecedented opportunities for sellers, from individual entrepreneurs to large corporations. One of the most significant benefits for sellers is the access to Amazon’s vast customer base. With over 300 million active users globally, Amazon provides a ready-made audience for sellers, eliminating the need for extensive marketing efforts to drive traffic to their products.
Lower Barriers to Entry
One of the most profound ways Amazon empowers sellers is by lowering the barriers to entry into the e-commerce space. Traditionally, setting up an online store required significant investment in website development, payment processing systems, and logistics. Amazon Marketplace simplifies this process by providing a platform where sellers can list their products, handle transactions, and even manage shipping through Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service.
FBA, in particular, has been a game-changer for many small and medium-sized businesses. It allows sellers to store their products in Amazon’s warehouses, where Amazon takes care of packing, shipping, and even customer service. This service not only reduces the logistical burden on sellers but also ensures that their products are eligible for Amazon Prime, which can significantly boost sales.
Global Reach
The global reach of Amazon Marketplace is another significant advantage for sellers. With Amazon’s presence in numerous countries, sellers can tap into international markets with relative ease. Amazon’s Global Selling program enables sellers to list their products in multiple countries, allowing them to expand their customer base far beyond their home market. This global reach is particularly beneficial for small businesses that may not have the resources to enter international markets independently.
Data and Analytics
Amazon provides sellers with valuable data and analytics tools that can help them optimize their listings and marketing strategies. Through the Seller Central dashboard, sellers have access to detailed reports on sales, customer behavior, and advertising performance. This data-driven approach allows sellers to make informed decisions about pricing, inventory management, and advertising, ultimately leading to better business outcomes.
Challenges for Sellers
However, selling on Amazon is not without its challenges. The competition on the platform is fierce, with millions of sellers vying for the attention of customers. To stand out, sellers must invest in optimizing their product listings, managing reviews, and running targeted advertising campaigns. Additionally, Amazon’s fee structure, which includes referral fees, FBA fees, and other charges, can eat into sellers’ profit margins, especially for those selling low-margin products.
Moreover, Amazon’s control over the marketplace means that sellers are subject to its policies and regulations. This can be a double-edged sword; while Amazon’s strict guidelines help maintain a level of quality and trust on the platform, they can also be restrictive for sellers. Policy changes, such as adjustments to fee structures or new regulations regarding product listings, can have a significant impact on sellers’ businesses.
Shaping Consumer Behavior: Convenience and Choice
The Amazon Marketplace has not only empowered sellers but also transformed consumer behavior in profound ways. The platform has become synonymous with convenience, choice, and competitive pricing, which are key drivers of consumer decisions.
Convenience and Speed
One of the most significant impacts of Amazon on consumer behavior is the expectation of convenience and speed. Amazon’s streamlined shopping experience, coupled with services like Amazon Prime, has set a new standard for online shopping. Consumers now expect fast, often same-day, delivery, easy returns, and a seamless shopping experience across devices. This has raised the bar for other e-commerce platforms and even brick-and-mortar stores, which have had to adapt to meet these heightened expectations.
The convenience offered by Amazon extends beyond just delivery speed. Features like one-click purchasing, personalized recommendations, and a user-friendly mobile app have made shopping on Amazon almost effortless. This ease of use has contributed to the platform becoming the go-to destination for many consumers, particularly for everyday purchases.
Broad Product Selection
Amazon’s vast selection of products is another factor that has shaped consumer behavior. The marketplace offers a seemingly endless array of products across virtually every category, from electronics to groceries. This extensive selection is possible because of the millions of third-party sellers who list their products on the platform, alongside Amazon’s own offerings.
This breadth of choice has shifted consumer expectations, leading to a preference for platforms that offer a wide variety of options. Consumers are now less willing to visit multiple websites or stores to find what they need, preferring the convenience of one-stop shopping. This trend has also put pressure on traditional retailers to expand their product offerings and improve their online shopping experiences.
Price Sensitivity and Competitive Pricing
Amazon’s pricing strategies have also influenced consumer behavior, making customers more price-sensitive. The platform’s dynamic pricing model, where prices can change frequently based on factors like demand and competition, encourages consumers to compare prices and seek out the best deals. Additionally, features like Amazon’s price tracking tools and the ability to view historical prices have made consumers more aware of price fluctuations and more likely to wait for discounts before making a purchase.
This increased price sensitivity has impacted the broader retail landscape, forcing competitors to adopt more aggressive pricing strategies to stay competitive. It has also led to the rise of price comparison tools and apps, further empowering consumers to find the best deals.
The Role of Reviews and Ratings
Amazon’s review system is another key factor influencing consumer behavior. Customer reviews and ratings have become a critical component of the decision-making process for many shoppers. Positive reviews can significantly boost a product’s visibility and sales, while negative reviews can deter potential buyers. This has led to a culture where consumers rely heavily on the experiences of others to guide their purchasing decisions.
The importance of reviews has also created a new challenge for sellers, who must actively manage their reputation on the platform. This has given rise to practices like review solicitation and even, unfortunately, fake reviews. However, Amazon has taken steps to combat these practices, implementing stricter policies and algorithms to detect and remove fraudulent reviews.
Conclusion
The Amazon Marketplace has had a profound impact on both sellers and consumers, reshaping the e-commerce landscape in the process. By empowering sellers with access to a global customer base, powerful data tools, and logistical support, Amazon has lowered the barriers to entry for businesses of all sizes. At the same time, the platform has transformed consumer behavior, setting new standards for convenience, choice, and pricing.
As Amazon continues to evolve, its influence on the global economy and consumer culture will likely only grow. For sellers, the challenge will be to navigate the complexities of the platform and find ways to stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace. For consumers, the Amazon Marketplace will continue to be a driving force behind the expectations and behaviors that define the future of shopping.