AVENGERS: SECRET WARS Rumor Teases Scarlet Witch’s Return and a Young Avengers Story
Marvel Studios may have some big plans for Wanda Maximoff in Avengers: Secret Wars, and a new rumor suggests her return could bring the Young Avengers, X-Men, Doctor Doom, and even Loki into one massive story.
The latest claim points to Marvel pulling ideas from several major comic book stories for the Multiverse Saga finale, including Secret Wars, Avengers: The Children’s Crusade, and Avengers Forever.
If any of this turns out to be accurate, Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch could become an important piece of the movie rather than simply making another MCU appearance.
The rumor comes from industry insider James Mack, who responded to a fan question on X about Wanda's potential role in Secret Wars. The fan specifically asked whether Marvel might adapt a Children’s Crusade-style storyline or have Scarlet Witch lead the Young Avengers.
According to Mack, the film will primarily draw inspiration from Marvel's 2015 Secret Wars comic event while also borrowing elements from The Children’s Crusade, connecting Wanda with the Young Avengers/Champions. He also pointed to Avengers Forever, which features Loki as Avenger Prime.
Avengers: The Children’s Crusade centers on Wiccan and Speed, two members of the Young Avengers who believe they're the reincarnated sons of Wanda Maximoff. After Wiccan loses control of his abilities, the pair embark on a search for Wanda.
Their mission eventually pulls both the Avengers and X-Men into the hunt for Scarlet Witch. When Wiccan finally finds her, Wanda has seemingly lost her powers and memories. Making things even more complicated, she's engaged to Doctor Doom.
Those comic book elements offer Marvel plenty to play with and explore in Secret Wars. Wanda could potentially become the character connecting the Avengers, X-Men, and MCU's younger generation of superheroes as the Multiverse Saga reaches its conclusion.
There have also been recent reports claiming that Avengers: Doomsday reshoots included scenes featuring Wanda Maximoff. Marvel Studios hasn't officially confirmed those reports or the rumored Secret Wars storyline, so all of this should be treated as rumor for now.
Olsen last played Wanda in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness in 2022. Scarlet Witch seemingly died after bringing down the Darkhold Castle on Mount Wundagore, but Marvel left enough ambiguity surrounding her fate that fans have continued expecting her eventual return.
Then there's Loki. The rumor's connection to Avengers Forever could introduce another interesting piece of the puzzle. That comic reimagines Loki as Avenger Prime, an incredibly powerful future incarnation of the God of Mischief.
Considering where Loki's MCU story has taken him, Marvel certainly has an interesting foundation to work from if it wants to borrow that concept.
Mixing Secret Wars with The Children’s Crusade and Avengers Forever could give Marvel a way to bring several corners of the MCU together without simply throwing characters onto the screen for cameos.
Wanda's history, Wiccan's connection to her, Doctor Doom, the X-Men, and Loki all naturally fit into stories involving reality being ripped apart and rebuilt.
Of course, none of these specific story details have been confirmed by Marvel Studios. Still, The Children’s Crusade feels like especially useful material for Scarlet Witch's MCU return, particularly as Marvel continues introducing younger heroes.
Avengers: Secret Wars is currently set to hit theaters on December 17, 2027.