Disenchanted and WandaVision may not be set in the same universe or related to each other in any way shape or form, and yet, strangely, there are a whole bunch of similarities between the two. From the core themes of their stories to the motivations that shape character development throughout, the crossover is almost uncanny. So much so, in fact, that all these repeat elements had me rubbing my eyes to make sure I hadn’t crossed over into some sort of parallel dimension myself!
Let’s take a look at some of the most glaring parallels between Disenchanted and MCU’s WandaVision and shine a light on why, at their core, the two stories are near identical.
A Spell Traps Everyone In A False Reality
It was clear from the first Disenchanted trailer that not everything was fine in Giselle’s world, which is confirmed in the film. Giselle uses the wish-granting wand she receives from Edward and Nancy, whose disastrous consequences traps everyone in a false reality where everyone lives in a fantasy kingdom against their wishes.
WandaVision has a similar premise, in that the town of Westview is turned into a sitcom world by Scarlet Witch. Much like Disenchanted, WandaVision also shows the residents behaving in an extremely fake and cheery manner that hides the fact that they’re effectively being mind-controlled. In both stories, it’s the false reality that serves as the main backdrop.
The Main Character Is Trying To Overcome Depression
Disenchanted and WandaVision provide justification for the protagonist’s less-than-ethical actions by way of the inner sadness that plagues them. In Disenchanted, Giselle can’t cope with the reality that her stepdaughter doesn’t idolize her anymore and that her “Happily Ever After” needs real work rather than falling into place. This causes Giselle to use the spell as a cover to hide her feelings.
WandaVision shows that the hex on Westview comes from Scarlet Witch’s extreme grief at losing Vision – she decides to live in this fake world rather than confront her sadness. Scarlet Witch suppressing her depression creates even more hexes, causing the spell to become more dangerous. Both WandaVision and Disenchanted show the protagonists making things right only when they finally acknowledge their sorrow.
The Main Character’s Allies Try To Help But Also Fall Prey To The Spell
One of the ways for WandaVision to set up the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is by introducing supporting characters that act as the protagonists’ allies. These include Jimmy Woo, Darcy Lewis, and Monica Rambeau – the latter two try to get Scarlet Witch back to her senses, only to be trapped and have their identities altered by the hex as well.
Disenchanted has Edward and Nancy attempt to help Andalasia when they realize that Giselle’s spell has gone awry. However, Edward and Nancy end up separated, with Nancy in the real world. Meanwhile, Edward and the rest of the people of Andalasia are in peril since making the spell permanent will destroy their world. The two stories use the danger that the protagonists’ allies are in as a way of making them see how harmful their spells have become, which puts them on the path to rectifying their mistakes.
Both Stories Are Set In The Suburbs
Disenchanted starts off with Giselle moving her family away from the city and into the suburbs. It’s this decision that causes all the problems, as her husband and stepdaughter are unhappy with the distance from their original lives.