As Kathryn Hahn reprises her iconic role as the witch that everyone loves to despise, she asserts with conviction that continuing Agatha Harkness's tale "makes perfect sense." The star of the enchanting "Agatha All Along," who first enchanted audiences with her portrayal of Agatha in the smash-hit 2021 Marvel series "WandaVision," reveals that the intricate layers of her character deeply intrigue her.
"It's a veritable feast for the imagination," Hahn exclaimed in a recent interview with The Associated Press. "One might perceive her as a straightforwardly wicked witch, but there's so much more to her. No one is purely evil," she elaborated. "There's always a hidden agenda beneath the myriad facades she wears, making it exhilarating to maintain that enigmatic veneer amidst the relentless barrage of truth-seeking meteors."
The upcoming Marvel Television series, premiering exclusively on Disney+ on Wednesday, picks up the narrative thread from "WandaVision," where Agatha, having lost her magic to Elizabeth Olsen's formidable Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch, forms an ad hoc coven to embark on a mystical journey down the legendary Witches' Road in search of her lost powers. Despite the setback, Hahn confesses that the role has empowered her immensely.
At the heart of Agatha's character lies a symbol that has become inextricably linked to her identity – the Neopagan triple goddess, embodied in the maiden, mother, and crone, adorned on a brooch she wears prominently in both shows. Hahn reflects that these symbols of feminine transformation mirror her own life's journey.
"Stepping into this role felt like traversing a portal into the realm of the crone, whatever that may signify," Hahn shared, "and it was profoundly empowering to embody wisdom as a woman on this odyssey."
Beyond its Neopagan and Wiccan influences, "Agatha All Along" is a treasure trove of allusions, intertwining references to films, TV shows, musical groups, and more amidst its eerie backdrop. Yet, none looms larger than "The Wizard of Oz," a timeless classic that serves as a natural touchstone for the series, according to its head writer, director, and executive producer Jac Schaeffer, who also helmed "WandaVision."
"Given that we're navigating the realm of witches, the decision to draw inspiration from 'The Wizard of Oz' felt organic," Schaeffer explained. "From the outset, it was evident that a quest narrative would be fitting. My childhood was filled with beloved adventure movies, and so, once we settled on that structure, it was a matter of exploring how many allusions we could seamlessly integrate, ensuring they felt both appropriate and enchanting."
Schaeffer further divulged that the series also weaves in nods to Fleetwood Mac, Kate Winslet's gritty performance in "Mare of Easttown," and the intricate drama of "Big Little Lies," which she aptly described as a "prestigious lady drama soap" where everyone sports impeccable sweaters and impeccably coiffed hair. Moreover, she likened the ensemble cast of "Big Little Lies," led by Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman, to a coven of their own.
The seamless integration of these references works wonders because Agatha is, in Hahn's words, "a consummate performer." And perform, she does, not just by echoing the allusive flair and aesthetic of "WandaVision" but also by introducing another catchy tune that resonates throughout the series. Alongside a talented ensemble cast including Patti LuPone, Aubrey Plaza, Joe Locke, Sasheer Zamata, Ali Ahn, and Debra Jo Rupp, Hahn croons a memorable melody that serves as a portal to the Witches' Road. The enchanting tune was penned by the Emmy-winning songwriting duo of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, who also composed the viral sensation "Agatha All Along" for "WandaVision."
Initially, some cast members harbored trepidation about singing in front of Broadway legend LuPone, but the three-time Tony Award winner quickly reassured them of their vocal prowess. "Singing in a chorus is pure magic," LuPone enthused. "Fate sometimes aligns in wonderful ways. Each member of our coven had to either pick up an instrument or lend their voices, and the harmony is exquisite. Sometimes, things are simply meant to be. I believe this was one of those instances."
The camaraderie forged on-screen as a coven has transcended the boundaries of the production, with Hahn attesting to the close bond developed during filming in Atlanta. "Each cast member is a formidable force in their own right, making it a joy to come to work every day. We all rose to the occasion, fueled by
