WandaVision takes a big step away from the usual action and high-stakes battles that define the Marvel Universe. Instead, it places grief, love, and healing at its core. The series explores how loss reshapes us, the ways we attempt to cope, and how we find a way forward.
In the aftermath of Avengers: Endgame, WandaVision follows Wanda as she deals with the loss of Vision, her partner, and fellow Avenger. Blending classic sitcom aesthetics with deep emotional storytelling, the show takes us inside Wanda’s fractured reality, revealing grief’s unpredictable and sometimes painful manifestations.
The Journey of Grief in WandaVision
The series opens in the seemingly perfect town of Westview, where Wanda and Vision live out an idyllic suburban life. Each episode moves through different eras of television history, but beneath the charming facade, something is deeply wrong. As the illusion begins to unravel, it becomes clear that Wanda has unknowingly used her immense powers to construct this world—a desperate attempt to hold onto the life she lost.
Wanda’s journey reflects the complex and non-linear stages of grief. From denial and anger to bargaining and depression, each episode peels back another layer of her pain. One of the show’s most unforgettable moments comes in Episode 8, when Vision gently asks Wanda, “What is grief, if not love persevering?” This single line encapsulates the show’s message: grief is not just about loss—it is proof of deep, enduring love.
Lessons for Parents, Families, and Friends
Wanda’s story offers insight for those who have experienced grief firsthand or are supporting someone who has.
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For parents, Wanda’s attempt to suppress her pain highlights an important truth: avoiding grief doesn’t make it disappear. While Westview provides temporary comfort, it ultimately becomes unsustainable, harming both Wanda and those around her. This is a reminder that true healing requires acknowledging and processing emotions, even when it hurts.
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For siblings and friends, Monica Rambeau serves as a powerful example of compassion in action. She doesn’t try to “fix” Wanda’s grief or force her to move on. Instead, she listens, validates her pain, and stands by her side—an approach that can make all the difference when supporting a grieving loved one.
Finding Hope Amid Heartache
In WandaVision’s final episodes, Wanda makes the heartbreaking choice to release Westview and say goodbye to Vision and their imagined children. This act is more than just an acceptance of loss—it’s a testament to her strength. She doesn’t forget or move on in the way the world often expects. Instead, she carries her love and pain forward, finding a way to exist beyond them.
Wanda’s journey reminds us that grief doesn’t have a clear ending. It becomes part of who we are, shaping us, teaching us, and challenging us to find meaning in what remains.
How WandaVision Connects to Other Marvel Stories
While WandaVision offers one of the MCU’s most profound explorations of grief, it’s not alone in this theme.
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Black Panther: Wakanda Forever deeply examines loss, focusing on how T’Challa’s death impacts his family and nation.
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Avengers: Endgame explores collective grief, showing how different characters process the weight of losing half the universe.
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Spider-Man: No Way Home highlights personal loss, emphasizing the pain of losing those closest to us.
These stories, though wrapped in superhero narratives, reflect real human experiences. They remind us that even the strongest among us must face grief—and that healing, though difficult, is possible.
At Jurni, we're working to bring these themes of grief, healing, and hope to life through an animated short film inspired by our story. If you’d like to support this project, please visit our Kickstarter campaign or learn more on the Jurni website. Together, we can create something meaningful for families navigating their own journeys.