The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) keeps surprising fans with twists and turns! In Agatha: Coven of Chaos, a big change to a well-known group of villains, the Salem Seven, alters almost 50 years of Marvel Comics lore.
The Salem Seven: A Major Change
First mentioned in Agatha: Coven of Chaos's premiere, the Salem Seven, a dark coven with animal-shifting abilities, were originally presented as antagonists hunting Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn). This coven shows up multiple times in the show, causing chaos! They appear first in episode 2, breaking into Agatha's home. In episode 4, they enter the Witches' Road following Rio Vidal (Aubrey Plaza). The appearance of this dark coven created an important set-up for what happened next!
Rewriting History
The original Marvel Comics storyline made Agatha Harkness and her son Nicholas Scratch sworn enemies. Scratch was presented as the father of the Salem Seven and Agatha's grandchildren. Agatha was shown leaving the coven, New Salem, Colorado and eventually becoming a nanny for the Fantastic Four, only to be hunted down by the Salem Seven. However, she did manage to escape this attempted killing! She did, after a time pass away and then was revived later, all to get revenge. She fought back, defeating her attackers.
The MCU takes an interesting direction, dramatically rewriting this story. In Agatha: Coven of Chaos episode 5, the origins of this notorious coven are very different. The villain Lilia Calderu reveals they are the offspring of members Agatha herself was seen killing earlier in the show! Now, without the Darkhold's protection, Agatha's even more vulnerable.
Altering Agatha's Story
This massive change alters almost everything we think we knew about Agatha! Nicholas Scratch in the MCU is apparently deceased in childhood, not giving him a chance to become father to these powerful witches. In this alternate MCU origin story, it looks like Agatha may have lacked control when absorbing power in the past. In doing so she accidently took out the parents of these vengeful sisters. What does this mean for Agatha Harkness's storyline? Fans may have another mystery in front of them!
Impact on Marvel Lore
The alteration made to the Salem Seven significantly impacts how we see the entire Marvel timeline, creating massive changes that reach the timeline and impact how much is actually remembered or known by fans. With this new storyline, a core component of Agatha Harkness and Nicholas Scratch's relationship from the comics is effectively removed! What other secrets await discovery? We may be seeing so many changes! With so many new releases from Marvel Studios that's sure to captivate and bring audiences in! While the new canon doesn't fit what had been established previously for so long in the past, audiences will appreciate and love this change to Agatha's back story and what impact that may mean to other beloved shows within the MCU
