How WandaVision Ties To Falcon & Winter Soldier

Warning: SPOILERS ahead for WandaVision episode 5.

WandaVision has woven a unique and surreal story within the MCU, but a reference in Episode 5 also tied it to more grounded outings like The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Centered on Wanda Maximoff and Vision, the Disney+ series saw them settle in the sitcom-influenced alternate reality of Westview. WandaVision has blended comedic homages with a horrifying mystery and traditional Marvel thrills. Inside the bubble, Wanda has fully embraced her perfect life (including new twin boys Tommy and Billy) while Vision has increasingly questioned the nature of his new surroundings. Though the surprise return of Evan Peters’ Quicksilver briefly offset things, that conflict looks set to continue in coming episodes.

On the outside, S.W.O.R.D. has amassed to investigate and liberate the trapped townsfolk. In WandaVision episode 5, the top-secret agency pushed forward on the belief that Wanda herself had created the pocket reality. Regardless, Jimmy Woo, Dr. Darcy Lewis, and Monica Rambeau viewed Wanda as someone who could be reasoned with. To counter that belief, Tyler Hayward showed them footage of Wanda breaking into a S.W.O.R.D. facility and “stealing” Vision’s dead body — making a deleted Avengers: Endgame post-credits scene canon. Based on the sitcom episodes, it was seemingly confirmed that Wanda had subsequently resurrected him. That move, however, was mentioned as having some wider implications that could be explored in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

As stated by Jimmy, Wanda’s actions would put her in “direct violation of Section 36b of the Sokovia Accords.” Loosely based on the Superhero Registration Act from the comics, the Sokovia Accords were established in Captain America: Civil War. Ratified by over 117 countries, the accords were designed to regulate superpowered beings — especially in relation to international missions. That also included the creation of such beings as Ultron and Vision. As such, Wanda apparently bringing him back to life was deemed unlawful (as well as against Vision’s own wishes). As far as Hayward and S.W.O.R.D. were concerned, that made her a hostile that had to be dealt with by force. In WandaVision episode 5, this included a direct attempt on her life by way of a drone strike.

The Accords haven’t played much of a part in the MCU since Civil War. They’ve frequently been mentioned but largely been eschewed in favor of much larger concerns like defeating Thanos and undoing his infamous snap. As such, fans could be forgiven for thinking they had been disregarded or forgotten about. However, it was previously revealed that the Sovokia Accords will be in effect in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and throughout Phase 4 in general. It’s unclear how that will actually manifest in the series. The likely option is that Bucky Barnes and Sam Wilson will be deemed wanted fugitives even as they attempt to protect the world.

WandaVision wasn’t originally meant to be the inaugural outing. As such, the mention would likely have followed up on elements established in other adventures. The decision to move it up, however, meant that it aired closer to its official place in the MCU timeline. Equally, it will instead inform everything yet to come in those same adventures. The mention and elaboration of the Sokovia Accords have already been a testament to that. With four episodes still remaining, that will likely go even further and touch upon Falcon and Winter Soldier continuing the Civil War battle.

As of now, it’s unknown how WandaVision will conclude. Regardless, Wanda has already been met with intense aggression from S.W.O.R.D. and dubbed a terrorist. That trajectory will no doubt continue and build to a truly explosive end, one way or another. If (or when) that should come to pass, a hostile view towards superpowered beings will likely intensify — from both S.W.O.R.D., other agencies, and even the general public. It will also likely fuel the deranged fervor of John Walker (aka. U.S. Agent) and the anti-superhero agenda of Helmut Zemo. Therefore, the rampant persecution endured by Bucky and Sam in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier could now be directly tied to Wanda’s actions and the overall events of WandaVision.

About The Author