A Dream Turned Reality
For Kathryn Hahn, embodying the Marvel witch Agatha Harkness is like living in a fantastical dream. The actress, who has recently starred in Disney+’s “Agatha All Along,” was so thrilled about her role that she purchased a Lego figure of her character on Amazon. “She has her own (dress) train; she’s holding a Darkhold. I really feel like I’ve made it,” Hahn reflects. She fondly recalls assembling the Lego figure herself and loving every moment, despite needing to consult the instructions.
From Supporting Roles to Leading Lady
At 51, Hahn has played numerous supporting roles and best friends in her career. However, she’s now reveling in leading roles with recent performances in the Hulu dramedy “Tiny Beautiful Things” and “Agatha.” Her portrayal of Agatha Harkness in the 2021 Marvel series “WandaVision” captivated superhero fans. In “WandaVision,” Agatha was the curious neighbor who secretly sought to steal Wanda Maximoff’s powers using the Darkhold, a mystical tome.
The Return of Agatha
In “Agatha” (with the first two episodes available now and subsequent episodes streaming weekly), we find Agatha stuck in a “True Detective”-style TV show world. Her old adversary, Rio Vidal (played by Aubrey Plaza), helps her escape this bizarre realm. Agatha then embarks on a journey along the mythical Witches’ Road with a makeshift coven, including a young new friend named Teen (Joe Locke), who is cursed to keep his real name a secret.
Hahn is excited about how the series expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to include witches and emphasizes themes of self-discovery and empowerment. “How do we evolve? How do we look at growing older? Can we see that it’s the most powerful chapters the older we get?” she ponders. Hahn appreciates how the show underscores that accumulated wisdom is a powerful asset rather than a liability.
Agatha’s Deceptive Charm
Agatha’s cunning nature persists in the new series. Hahn describes Agatha’s role in “WandaVision” as a long game of deception, with Agatha’s intentions always shrouded in mystery. “You never really knew intentionally what she wanted from Wanda,” Hahn says, highlighting Agatha’s complexity. In the new show, while her tactics have shifted, her essence remains unchanged. “She’s trying to pull one over on them every time she’s trying to gain sympathy. She’s the same Agatha. She’s just using those tactics in different ways.”
A Surprise Spinoff
Hahn was initially surprised when she received the news about Agatha’s spinoff. “I just thought I would ride this ride and be like, ‘See ya,’” she says, reflecting on her “WandaVision” stint. Her portrayal of Agatha proved so popular that Marvel executives decided to give her a dedicated series. The news felt like a “fever dream” to Hahn, who recalls becoming emotional when a “WandaVision” production assistant wished her well on the first day of filming “Agatha.”
Embracing Comic Book Legacy
Hahn has thoroughly enjoyed exploring Agatha’s comic book origins. The character first appeared in the 1970 issue of “Fantastic Four” and has taken on various roles over the decades, from a mentor to a mother figure. Hahn humorously notes, “Clearly there was a moment in time where every Marvel heroine had to be in a bodysuit with big cleavage. I was like, ‘Can we bring that Agatha back?!’”
Hahn’s portrayal of Agatha blends her own experiences and interests. She draws on her background in dark comedy and her past role as the Tin Man in a high school production of “The Wizard of Oz.” “That sense of humor has a lot of freedom in it and a little bit of rage behind it,” she explains. Her recent roles in shows like “I Love Dick” and “Mrs. Fletcher,” as well as films such as “Private Life” and “Afternoon Delight,” have also embraced moral ambiguity, allowing her to showcase her authentic self.
A Passion for Acting
Hahn emphasizes her enduring love for acting, whether in lead or supporting roles. “I know this sounds like a cliché, but I really love acting. I’m an old workhorse,” she says. She considers playing Agatha Harkness a special treat and an exciting chapter in her career.
Data Source: usatoday