As a die-hard fan of WandaVision, I must admit that I was utterly thrilled to read about the creative process behind the series’ ingenious title gag and the chart-topping single “Agatha All Along.” It’s simply fascinating to learn about Jac Shaeffer’s brilliant mind and the collaborative effort of the writers’ room, which produced what seems like one of the best brainstorming sessions in television history.
2013’s indie sensation “Short Term 12” was able to gather a number of promising talents before they skyrocketed in their careers, and interestingly, the executive producer of “Agatha All Along,” Mary Livanos, has her own Marvel-related link to it.
In addition to actors such as Rami Malek, LaKeith Stanfield, and Kaitlyn Dever, the movie “Short Term 12” was significant for filmmaker Destin Daniel Cretton because it marked the start of his four-film partnership with Brie Larson. This collaboration extended from her brief appearance as Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel in Destin’s Marvel Cinematic Universe debut, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” to her executive producer role on the 2023 film “The Marvels.” Interestingly, it was revealed that a woman named Livanos served as a production assistant (PA) on Cretton’s Los Angeles set for “Short Term 12” in 2012. Over time, she worked her way up to become Brie Larson’s executive producer on the upcoming film “The Marvels.
Before taking on the project of The Marvels, Livanos had already earned recognition as a co-executive producer in Marvel Studios’ top-performing streaming series, WandaVision. Alongside creator Jac Schaeffer, they were given the assignment to develop their Emmy-nominated series into a spin-off centered around Agatha Harkness and featuring Kathryn Hahn. In simpler terms, Livanos and Schaeffer were tasked with creating a new show based on WandaVision, focusing on the character of Agatha Harkness, played by Kathryn Hahn.
Initially titled “Agatha: House of Harkness” in November 2021, the series underwent multiple title changes. By May 2024, it was revealed that these title alterations were part of a clever prank, as the true title had been “Agatha All Along”.
Jac Shaeffer deserves applause for that brilliant work, along with our exceptional writers’ room who delivered what I believe was our most productive brainstorming session yet,” Livanos said to The Hollywood Reporter. “It was exhilarating to unveil increasingly wild titles as production progressed, and the cast enthusiastically joined in on the fun too. The whole process had a distinctly Agatha Christie feel.
Below, during a recent conversation with THR, Livanos also explains how Agatha All Along’s original song, “The Ballad of the Witches’ Road,” serves a very different purpose than the chart-topping “Agatha All Along” from WandaVision.
The fan speculations about WandaVision were immense, and while such engagement is desired, some of your collaborators admitted they fretted over failing to meet expectations. With Agatha All Along still providing fodder for intense analysis, did the team implement measures to prevent fans from transforming an anonymous “aerospace engineer” into Reed Richards once more?
(Giggles.) Let me put it this way: We infused the same exuberance and fun into making [Agatha All Along] that we did with WandaVision. It’s fantastic to see fans getting so engrossed in their theories, and I find myself right there with them, being a Marvel fan too. However, what makes this series stand out is the abundance of surprises it offers, and I believe that if you enjoy speculating, you’ll have a blast following along on this exciting journey!
Who came up with the clever idea behind the constantly changing title of the show, you or your team?
Kudos to Jac Shaeffer and our outstanding writers’ room for an exceptional brainstorming session that resulted in those amazing titles! It was thrilling to unveil increasingly wacky ideas as production progressed, and the cast was just as enthusiastic. The stunt’s execution had a distinct Agatha Christie, deceitful vibe, which made it fitting and enjoyable.
The tune titled ‘Agatha All Along’ is also famously known as the chart-topping single from WandaVision. Naturally, you had a feeling that creating something to rival it would be challenging. Composing hits comes easily for the Lopezes, but with the previous song setting such an incredibly high standard, wasn’t the task still intimidating?
Following the surprising success of “Agatha All Along” outperforming Justin Bieber in music charts, we realized it was essential to collaborate with the Lopezes once more, given their exceptional work ethic and delightful demeanor. Their musical contributions significantly enriched the atmosphere of WandaVision, and we were keen to replicate that effect. However, the narrative significance of “The Ballad of the Witches’ Road” within the series continues to expand, and I can hardly wait for fans to discover how it unfolds throughout the storyline.
From what we’ve seen in the previews, Agatha discovers a corpse, and subsequently, Wanda’s name is found on a library card near the body. However, will this upcoming series definitively clarify the mystery surrounding Wanda’s destiny?
As a dedicated gamer and Marvel fan, let me share some insights. You know, it’s been revealed that Agatha has found herself ensnared within Wanda’s twisted enchantment, following the dramatic unfolding of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Now, after those thrilling events, Wanda seems to be out of play. So, my fellow fans, keep your eyes glued to the screen to uncover more secrets! That’s all I can hint for now.
Were you able to shoot exteriors at Warner Ranch before it was torn down?
Oh, we simply adored filming on Blondie Street at the remarkable Warner Bros. Ranch, a place steeped in history! Agatha’s house was the one used in Bewitched, making our experience incredibly fortunate. We feel truly blessed to have filmed there and will surely miss that special place.
By the way, I saw that you played a PA role in the film Short Term 12. Did you ever discuss this during your time working with Brie Larson on Captain Marvel or The Marvels?
(Laughs.) We didn’t get a chance to work together on “Short Term 12”, but that was during my Marvel internship. I got to attend San Diego Comic-Con and met a producer there who invited me for that film. However, I did the typical Production Assistant (PA) job – taking out trash, doing lockups, and managing walkie-talkies. Life is full of surprises, and the world can be quite small indeed!
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Agatha All Along premieres Sept. 18 on Disney+.
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2024-09-07 02:55