Explained: Thanos’ Return in Agatha All Along – Is There a Villain Theory in the MCU?

The return of the Mad Titan to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has sparked widespread speculation regarding the true villain behind Agatha All Along. Episode 3, titled “Through Many Miles of Tricks and Trials,” has left fans eager for answers.

Many believe that the primary antagonist of Agatha All Along has yet to make a full appearance, but glimpses have surfaced that could significantly change the MCU’s landscape.

The premiere scene of Agatha All Along, called “Seekest Thou the Road,” signals the long-standing rivalry between Agatha and the mysterious Rio Vidal, portrayed by Aubrey Plaza, while also reintroducing Agatha Harkness, played by Kathryn Hahn. Rio Vidal is suggested to be a Green Witch, though her true identity remains a topic of discussion.

A popular theory posits that Aubrey Plaza may be stepping into the MCU as one of its most sinister characters, with a unique connection to Thanos. This could pave the way for dramatic and emotional scenes in future episodes of Agatha All Along and beyond.

Is Lady Death Rio Vidal? Explained

Aubrey Plaza in Agatha All Along (2024) — Aubrey Plaza in *Agatha All Along* (2024) | Source: IMDB

One of the most widely accepted theories suggests that Aubrey Plaza’s character in Agatha All Along is none other than Lady Death of the Marvel Universe. Making her debut in *Captain Marvel* #26 in 1973, Lady Death (also known as Mistress Death or simply Death) has been depicted as one of the most powerful and fearsome entities in Marvel Comics.

Introducing Lady Death into the MCU could effectively position her as the counterpoint to Eternity, who was featured in *Thor: Love and Thunder* (2022).

Throughout the initial episodes of Agatha All Along, multiple hints suggest that Rio Vidal may indeed be Lady Death. In the series’ first episode, Vidal notably claims that her heart is black and insinuates that Agatha Harkness has been evading her, possibly by siphoning the life force from other witches.

While Death is referenced in the lyrics of “The Ballad of the Witches’ Road” and appears in Lilia Calderu’s hallucination during episode 3, there is another compelling clue.

Tarot Cards in Agatha All Along Support This Rio Vidal Theory

Marvel Studios showcased several tarot cards that connect to the main characters in Agatha All Along, who unite to form Agatha Harkness’s new coven.

Among these cards were the Queen of Cups, the Tower, the Three of Pentacles, the High Priestess, Death, and the Three of Swords. While some cards highlight the grief stemming from Agatha Harkness and Alice Wu-Gulliver’s separation, the theme of the coven’s unity, Lilia Calderu’s precognitive abilities, or Jennifer Kale’s spiritual journey, the figure of Death stands out prominently.

The tarot card represents Death as a hooded entity, and in the opening episode of Agatha All Along, Rio Vidal enters Agatha Harkness’s residence clad in a stylish hooded outfit.

In promotional clips for the series, she has been spotted wearing several different hooded cloaks; however, her weapon bears the closest resemblance to that of Death. The knives used by Rio Vidal and Lady Death possess similar shapes with a distinctive curve at the center, indicating that Aubrey Plaza is indeed portraying Lady Death in Agatha All Along.

Aubrey Plaza is Perfect as Lady Death in the MCU

Aubrey Plaza has gained recognition for her affinity for darker, more enigmatic characters, primarily since her acclaimed portrayal of April Ludgate-Dwyer in *Parks and Recreation*.

Her ability to imbue her MCU roles with depth and complexity makes her a perfect fit for Lady Death, a character who is both seductive and perilous. Plaza’s previous Marvel role as Lenny Busker, the Shadow King from *Legion*, further aligns with this dark portrayal.

Having written, produced, and starred in various experimental thrillers and dark comedies, such as *Black Bear*, *The Little Hours*, and *Ingrid Goes West*, Plaza embodies the complex persona of Lady Death.

Additionally, her previous collaboration with Elizabeth Olsen (Scarlet Witch) and her chemistry with Kathryn Hahn, cultivated during *Parks and Recreation*, enhances her suitability for this pivotal role. Given her significant contributions to the MCU, Aubrey Plaza deserves a role as impactful as Lady Death, especially since it allows for future collaborations with unexpected characters.

The Introduction of Lady Death Could Enable Thanos’ Return

Josh Brolin in *Avengers: Endgame* | Source: IMDB

In Marvel Comics, Thanos is often depicted as being infatuated with Lady Death, a portrayal that recent developments in Agatha All Along could echo.

Thanos’s teenage fascination with nihilism and entropy led to his obsessive love for Death, driving him to collect the six Infinity Gems and wipe out half the universe’s population. The introduction of Lady Death into the MCU creates a plausible avenue for Thanos to make a return.

Josh Brolin hinted at the potential for Thanos’s comeback in the MCU during February (via Comicbook). While there has been no concrete confirmation yet, Marvel Studios could seamlessly connect Rio Vidal with Thanos, potentially resurrecting the Mad Titan, should Rio Vidal indeed reveal herself as Lady Death in Agatha All Along.

In the comics, Lady Death has also formed connections with characters like Deadpool, Loki, and Spider-Man; this opens up numerous possibilities for Aubrey Plaza to reprise this captivating role following Agatha All Along.

About Agatha All Along

Agatha All Along is an American television miniseries created by Jac Schaeffer for the streaming platform Disney+, based on the Marvel Comics character Agatha Harkness. This miniseries is a spin-off from *WandaVision* (2021) and marks the 11th television series within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) produced by Marvel Studios under its Marvel Television label, maintaining continuity with the franchise films. Schaeffer serves as both the showrunner and lead director.

Kathryn Hahn reprises her role as Agatha Harkness from *WandaVision*, with a cast that includes Joe Locke, Debra Jo Rupp, Aubrey Plaza, Sasheer Zamata, Ali Ahn, Okwui Okpokwasili, Patti LuPone, Maria Dizzia, Paul Adelstein, and Miles Gutierrez-Riley. Development for the series commenced in October 2021, with Schaeffer and Hahn attached to the project; the series was officially announced the following month. Schaeffer, Rachel Goldberg, and Gandja Monteiro were appointed as directors in early 2023 prior to filming, which took place from January to May 2023 at Trilith Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, and other locations in Los Angeles. Several titles were initially proposed as part of a marketing strategy before the series title Agatha All Along—referencing a song of the same name from *WandaVision*—was unveiled in May 2024.

Agatha All Along premiered on Disney+ on September 18, 2024, with the first two episodes, and the remaining five episodes will be released weekly until October 23, with the final two episodes scheduled for release on October 30. This series is part of the MCU’s Phase Five.

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