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    Marvel Under Fire For “Problematic” And “Antisemitic” Character

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    marvel character scarlet witch wanda maximoff

    The Marvel Cinematic Universe has an extraordinary number of characters under its belt. Many of these characters have become the subject of various films and television shows. Now one such series, the upcoming Agatha Harkness spin-off of WandaVision, which starred Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch, has Marvel fans discussing a “problematic” and “antisemitic” character.

    This particular MCU character is kept at the focus of the Agatha Harkness spin-off. The series, titled Agatha: Darkhold Diaries, has been reported to include Wanda Maximoff’s son, Billy Maximoff. Now according to several insiders on social media, it’s his inclusion that’s led to discussions about Marvel Studios being “problematic” and “antisemitic.”

    As noted by insider @CanWeGetToast on X:

    “This is correct. ‘Original Billy’ is actually William Kaplan, who dies in the car accident. Billy’s soul (stuck in limbo after the hex was taken down) finds residence in William’s body as his soul leaves in #AgathaDarkholdDiaries.

    Yes, it’s problematic. No, it won’t be changed.”

    Additional user @comicyehu added some perspective as to why this would be “problematic” for Marvel to include:

    “uhhhh like at least for Jewish beliefs and stuff like that, reincarnation is a thing we believe in but corpses are like super sacred. Plus in this origin its a nonjewish soul jumping into a jewish body which is even WEIRDER”

    Insider @CanWeGetToast responded:

    “Ahhh okay, I was ignorant on Jewish beliefs of reincarnation and how the comics origin actually works with those beliefs vs what’ll happen in the show. I see why a Non-Jewish soul jumping into a Jewish body is anti-Semitic. I’m sorry Marvel keeps dropping the ball on their Jewish representation.

    Thank you for educating me! ❤️”

    Furthermore, user @steventphoto believes it’s problematic if the show ended up casting a non-Jewish actor to play a Jewish character:

    “I assume Joe lock is the body Billy’s soul jumps into ? And he is also a non Jewish actor who I assume will be playing Jewish”

    Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional Marvel news as we have it. For now, we’ll have to see if Disney‘s Marvel Studios plans to address this situation, or if they’ll continue as reportedly planned.