The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues to evolve with every new character and storyline it introduces. Over the years, we’ve seen complex characters emerge, each contributing to the broader arc of the universe. Recently, a new face has surfaced, leaving a significant mark on the magical realms of the MCU: Lilia Calderu.
Played by legendary actress Patti LuPone, Lilia is not just any witch; she’s one of the most intriguing and morally grounded characters to join the MCU.
As a member of Agatha’s (Kathryn Hahn) coven in Agatha All Along, Lilia’s role is becoming increasingly central, and her actions might have even had ripple effects that stretched as far as Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
But what makes Lilia Calderu so compelling is her struggle with morality, magic, and responsibility. In her attempt to protect others and fight against witch stereotypes perpetuated by corporations and media, she might have unwittingly caused one of the biggest tragedies in the MCU.
Let’s see how Lilia Calderu’s presence in Agatha All Along has brought depth to the MCU’s magical show, her connection to Billy Maximoff, and how her actions might have shaped Wanda Maximoff’s devastating quest in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Lilia Calderu: The Soul of Agatha’s Coven
From the moment Lilia Calderu appeared on-screen in Agatha All Along, her character was different from the others. Unlike Agatha Harkness, whose cunning and manipulative nature often leads her to make morally questionable decisions, Lilia is shown to be the heart and soul of the coven.
She’s the moral compass, always questioning Agatha’s decisions and expressing concern for the well-being of those around her. While Agatha is often driven by power and ambition, Lilia seems more concerned with doing what’s right, even if it means going against Agatha or the rest of the coven.
Her introduction into the coven was not by choice, which already sets her apart from other witches in the group. Lilia didn’t willingly join Agatha’s circle; she was brought in against her will. Despite this, she didn’t let bitterness consume her.
Instead, she quickly became a significant voice within the group, raising objections and voicing concerns when she felt Agatha was straying from the right path. Her presence brings a balance to the coven, acting as a stabilizing force that keeps Agatha in check, at least for the most part.
But Lilia’s story is more than just her role in the coven. She battles the stereotypes and prejudices placed upon witches by corporations and media, which often portray witches as evil, power-hungry, and heartless beings.
Still from Agatha All Along (Credit: Disney)
Lilia’s character challenges these views, showing that witches can be compassionate, thoughtful, and moral. However, her desire to protect and care for those around her might have also been her downfall, as her actions may have led to a tragedy that ripples across the MCU.
A Tragic Mistake: Lilia Calderu and the Events of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
In Agatha All Along, the sixth episode titled “Familiar By Thy Side” reveals a shocking truth: Lilia Calderu might be responsible for one of the most heartbreaking events in the MCU. The episode finally gives us answers to a mystery that has lingered since Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but it also raises new questions about Lilia’s role in these events.
At the heart of this revelation is Billy Maximoff (played by Julian Hilliard), Wanda Maximoff’s son. By the end of WandaVision, we know that Wanda’s children, Billy and Tommy, were part of the hex she created around Westview. When Wanda brought down the hex, her children disappeared along with it, or so we thought. However, Agatha All Along gives us new insight into what really happened to Billy.
In the episode, we learn that Billy’s soul continued to exist even after the hex was destroyed. His soul wandered the universe, searching for a new body, and it eventually found one in William Kaplan. William, a boy who had recently died in a car accident, became the new host for Billy’s soul. This is where Lilia Calderu comes into play.
Before the tragic car accident, William had a bar mitzvah, which featured several mystical elements, including palm reading tents. In one of these tents, William meets Lilia Calderu. At first, the palm reading is just a fun party trick, but soon, it turns grim.
Lilia senses something strange about William’s palm line, which is broken in half—a sign of an impending shift in his life. Concerned for William’s safety, Lilia takes it upon herself to place a sigil on him, a protective magical mark that shields him from the view of other magical beings.
This sigil, while meant to protect William, also has the unintended consequence of hiding Billy from his own mother, Wanda Maximoff.
Wanda, who had been searching for her sons since the events of WandaVision, is unable to sense that Billy is alive and well, though in a different body. Lilia’s good intentions backfire, as her desire to shield William ends up causing more pain for Wanda, pushing her down a dark and destructive path.
Wanda Maximoff’s Descent into Madness
After the events of WandaVision, Wanda Maximoff’s life changes dramatically. She unlocks her full potential as the Scarlet Witch, and with it, she comes into possession of the Darkhold, a powerful and dangerous book of dark magic.
At first, Wanda seems content to accept the fate of her children and Vision (played by Paul Bettany), but the influence of the Darkhold soon begins to corrupt her.
The Darkhold amplifies Wanda’s grief and desperation, leading her to become obsessed with finding her sons, Billy and Tommy. This obsession leads her to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, where Wanda’s descent into madness is fully realized.
Driven by the dark magic of the Darkhold, Wanda goes to great lengths to find her children, even if it means tearing apart the multiverse in the process.
Wanda’s journey brings her into conflict with Doctor Strange (played by Benedict Cumberbatch), and she becomes the film’s primary antagonist.
Her desire to reunite with her children blinds her to the destruction she causes along the way, including the deaths of Earth-838’s Illuminati, some of the most powerful heroes in that universe. Wanda’s transformation into a villain is one of the most tragic arcs in the MCU, as we watch a once-heroic character lose herself to grief and dark magic.
Still from Agatha All Along (Credit: Disney)
But what if Wanda had known that Billy was alive all along? What if she had been able to sense that her son’s soul had found a new home in William Kaplan’s body? This is where Lilia Calderu’s actions in Agatha All Along come into play.
The sigil Lilia placed on William not only protected him but also hid Billy from Wanda’s magical senses. Without this knowledge, Wanda’s grief and desperation only grew, leading her down the path to becoming the villainous Scarlet Witch.
The Domino Effect: Lilia’s Role in the MCU’s Mystical Events
It would be unfair to place the blame for Wanda’s actions solely on Lilia Calderu. After all, the MCU has shown us time and again that events often unfold as they are meant to, according to the Sacred Timeline. In the MCU, everything happens for a reason, and Lilia’s actions, while tragic, were part of a larger chain of events that ultimately led Wanda to her fate.
One could argue that Lilia’s decision to place the sigil on William was just one domino in a long series of events that began long before Agatha All Along. From Wanda’s creation of the Westview hex to the intervention of the Darkhold, many factors contributed to Wanda’s descent into madness.
In fact, the MCU is full of coincidences that shape the course of events, as seen in films like Avengers: Endgame, where a seemingly random rat frees Scott Lang (played by Paul Rudd) from the Quantum Realm, setting in motion the events that would lead to the Avengers’ victory over Thanos.
Similarly, Lilia’s actions in Agatha All Along were not isolated. They were part of a larger mystical narrative that has been unfolding since the introduction of magic into the MCU.
The sigil she placed on William was a protective measure, meant to shield him from harm. But as with many things in the MCU, magic is unpredictable, and the consequences of using it are often far-reaching.
It’s important to remember that Lilia Calderu is not a villain. She is a character-driven by compassion and a desire to protect those around her. Her decision to place the sigil on William came from a place of care, not malice. In many ways, Lilia is the opposite of characters like Agatha Harkness, who use magic for personal gain. Lilia’s actions may have led to unintended consequences, but her heart was always in the right place.
The Future of Lilia Calderu in the MCU
With Agatha All Along still airing new episodes, Lilia Calderu’s story is far from over. The sixth episode, “Familiar By Thy Side,” has already given us a glimpse of the character’s importance in the MCU’s mystical universe, but there is still much more to learn about her.
As the show continues, we can expect to see more of Lilia’s moral struggles, her relationship with Agatha, and her role in shaping the future of magic in the MCU.
One of the biggest questions moving forward is whether Lilia will take responsibility for the unintended consequences of her actions. Will she try to undo the damage caused by the sigil, or will she continue to be a guiding force within Agatha’s coven?
There’s also the possibility that Lilia’s actions in Agatha All Along will have further repercussions in future MCU films, particularly those involving Doctor Strange and the multiverse.
Another intriguing aspect of Lilia’s character is her potential connection to other magical beings in the MCU. With Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness introducing the concept of the multiverse, there’s a chance that Lilia could encounter other versions of Wanda, Billy, or even herself. The possibilities are endless, and Lilia’s role in the MCU’s magical narrative is only just beginning.
Conclusion
Lilia Calderu has quickly become one of the most fascinating characters in the MCU’s magical universe. As a divination witch and the moral compass of Agatha’s coven, she brings a unique perspective to the world of magic, one that challenges the stereotypes and expectations placed upon witches.
Still from Agatha All Along (Credit: Disney)
Her actions, though well-intentioned, have had far-reaching consequences, particularly in relation to Wanda Maximoff’s tragic journey in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
While it’s easy to blame Lilia for the events that unfolded, it’s important to remember that the MCU is a universe where everything happens for a reason. Lilia’s story is just one piece of a much larger puzzle, and her role in the MCU’s mystical events is still unfolding.
Disney brought its magic to Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) in a special way last night. The show was full of energy, excitement, and childhood memories as the dancers performed routines inspired by classic Disney films.
From The Little Mermaid to Tarzan, the ballroom was transformed into a magical wonderland where dreams came true, and beloved characters came to life through dance.
It was a night where the stars became princesses, heroes, and even villains, creating an unforgettable evening for viewers. But, in the end, one contestant had to leave the competition, bringing a bittersweet close to a night filled with joy.
The dance performances were centered around iconic Disney characters, with both the celebrities and their professional partners dressed in full costume, wigs, and all. The audience cheered and smiled as they watched Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber deliver a swooning rumba to “Kiss the Girl” from The Little Mermaid.
The room filled with fun when Danny Amendola and Whitney Carson performed a jazz routine to NSYNC’s “Bye, Bye, Bye,” paying tribute to the popular Deadpool and Wolverine characters.
The night was packed with vibrant energy as the couples embraced their roles, whether they were stepping into the shoes of Disney princesses or portraying classic villains. But as always, one dancer’s journey came to an end, reminding everyone of the fierce competition.
A Magical Start with Aladdin-Inspired Dance and Broadway Talent
The night began with a lively, Aladdin-themed opening number that set the tone for the rest of the show. The professional dancers took to the floor alongside the show’s hosts, Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, both of whom joined the performance.
Broadway star Michael James Scott, known for playing Genie on stage, joined the cast dressed in full Genie attire, bringing extra excitement to the stage. Emmy Award-winning choreographer Mandy Moore was behind the stunning opening routine, and the ballroom erupted with applause as the dancers completed the energetic number.
The choreography was precise, colorful, and perfectly matched the Disney theme, creating a magical start to the show. As the opening number ended, the audience knew they were in for a night filled with surprises. There was a buzz in the air, and it felt like everyone was waiting to see what magical moments would happen next.
New Soundtrack Release from Moana 2
One of the evening’s biggest surprises came in the form of new music. Fans were treated to a sneak peek of a brand-new track from the upcoming Moana 2 soundtrack, a moment that delighted viewers.
The stars and their professional partners continued to dazzle as they took turns performing their Disney-inspired routines. Each couple worked hard to bring the spirit of Disney to the dance floor, but the competition remained fierce throughout the night.
The First Dances of the Night
The first pair to step onto the ballroom floor were Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold. They performed a lively Charleston to “A Star is Born” from Hercules. Their performance was fun and energetic, but it wasn’t as polished as their previous week’s routine.
Despite this, the judges were impressed enough to give them 8s across the board. Stephen and Rylee’s dance had all the elements of a fun Disney number, but it was clear they would need to work on their precision moving forward if they wanted to stay in the competition.
Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber’s classy rumba to “Kiss the Girl” earned praise from the judges, but like Stephen and Rylee, they received 8s. Their graceful and flowing routine perfectly captured the romantic nature of The Little Mermaid, but it was clear that the competition was stiff.
Phaedra Parks and Dwight Howard faced similar challenges with their performance. Their routine had moments of joy and excitement, but there were issues with timing and synchronization with their professional partners. Despite these issues, they too earned 8s, keeping them on the same level as many other contestants that night.
Ilona Maher Leads Team Goofs with Confidence
One of the highlights of the night came during the team dance portion of the competition. This season’s team dances featured two groups: Team Goofs and Team Roar. Ilona Maher led Team Goofs, and under her leadership, the group delivered a tight, synchronized performance that impressed both the judges and the audience.
Ilona, who was dressed as Louisa from Encanto, truly embraced her role, delivering a strong performance. Although the rugby player is known for her strength and power on the field, she used these qualities to her advantage on the dance floor, showing the judges and the audience that muscular women can be graceful, powerful, and inspiring.
Her performance, inspired by Louisa’s strength and determination, earned her a 9, her highest score of the season so far.
As the captain of Team Goofs, Ilona helped her group — which included Jenn Tran, Joey Graziadei, and Chandler Kinney — create a performance that was filled with many moving parts but still looked seamless and well-rehearsed. The group maintained their synchronization and confidence throughout their number, a sharp contrast to the performance of Team Roar.
Still from Dancing with the Stars (Credit: Disney)
Team Roar, which was led by Stephen Nedoroscik and featured Phaedra Parks, Danny Amendola, and Dwight Howard, struggled to stay in sync.
Their routine lacked the cohesion and precision of Team Goofs, making it clear that Team Goofs had the upper hand. Although both teams delivered fun performances, it was Team Goofs that came out on top, thanks to Ilona’s leadership and the group’s strong teamwork.
Chandler Kinney’s Redemption After Dedication Night
Chandler Kinney, one of the top performers of the night, had something to prove after a disappointing performance during Dedication Night. The judges had left her feeling discouraged after that week, but she came back with a renewed sense of determination.
Dressed in fangs and fur, Chandler reprised her role as Willa from Zombies 2 for her paso doble. Her performance was fierce, intense, and filled with passion, showing the judges that she had what it takes to stay in the competition.
The paso doble is a difficult dance that requires precise movements and strong emotion, but Chandler embraced the challenge. She moved with confidence, matching the intensity of the music and delivering one of the standout performances of the night. The judges were impressed by her ability to bounce back from the previous week and praised her for her dedication and hard work.
Chandler’s paso doble earned her high marks, and it was clear that she was a contender to watch moving forward. Her performance showed that she could handle the pressure of the competition and that she was determined to continue improving each week.
Danny Amendola’s Strong Jazz Performance
Danny Amendola, the former NFL player, also had a strong night, delivering one of the best performances of the evening. His jazz routine, set to NSYNC’s “Bye, Bye, Bye,” was a fun and energetic tribute to the Deadpool and Wolverine characters. Danny, along with his partner Whitney Carson, showed that he wasn’t just a football player — he was a serious competitor in the dance competition.
Danny’s performance had sharp movements, perfect timing, and plenty of personality. The judges praised him for his ability to bring both strength and playfulness to the dance floor, making it one of the most entertaining performances of the night.
Although he didn’t earn a perfect score, Danny and Whitney received the second-highest score of the night, showing that they were continuing to build on the momentum from previous weeks.
The Super Bowl champion had already impressed the judges with his contemporary tribute to his late coach during Dedication Night, and his jazz performance proved that he wasn’t just a one-hit wonder. He was committed to improving each week and pushing himself to new heights in the competition.
Joey Graziadei’s Colorful Samba
Joey Graziadei and his partner Jenna Johnson took the audience on a colorful journey to the jungle with their vibrant samba. The couple’s performance was lively and fun, filled with bold moves and bright costumes. Joey’s natural charisma shone through as he embraced the playful energy of the dance.
Despite the fun and excitement of the performance, Joey and Jenna fell just short of their goal of earning a 10. Although the judges enjoyed the performance, they felt that it lacked the polish needed for a perfect score. They did, however, receive one 9 from Bruno Tonioli, showing that they were still strong contenders in the competition.
Joey and Jenna’s samba was a crowd-pleaser, but it was clear that they would need to work on refining their technique if they wanted to reach the top of the leaderboard in future weeks.
Phaedra Parks Embodies Cruella De Vil
Phaedra Parks, known for her bold personality on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, took on the role of a classic Disney villain for her routine.
She and her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, performed a routine inspired by Cruella, with Phaedra fully embracing the villainous character. The performance was full of attitude and flair, with Phaedra showing off her theatrical side.
However, despite the fun of the routine, Phaedra struggled with the technical aspects of the dance. Her timing was off at several points, and she had trouble keeping up with the choreography during the team dance. These mistakes ultimately cost her, as she and Val were announced as the next couple to leave the competition.
Although it was a sad moment for Phaedra and her fans, it felt like the right decision. Her outspokenness and playful personality will be missed on the show, but the competition is only getting tougher, and there was little room for error.
With Phaedra’s departure, only seven contestants remain in the competition, and the stakes are higher than ever. The next episode will bring even more challenges as the dancers take on the spooky excitement of Halloween Night.
Each couple will perform a new routine, but they will also have to face off against another celebrity in head-to-head challenges for bonus points. This added pressure could make or break some of the remaining contestants as they fight for a place at the top of the leaderboard.
Fans are eagerly awaiting Halloween Night, hoping that one of the remaining couples will deliver the first perfect score of the season. With the competition heating up, every point counts, and the dancers will need to bring their A-game if they want to stay in the race.
Last night, Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) brought the magic of Disney to the ballroom, featuring performances inspired by classic films like The Little Mermaid and Tarzan. The show opened with an Aladdin-themed dance, starring hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough alongside Broadway’s Michael James Scott as Genie.
The evening included memorable performances, such as Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber’s romantic rumba to “Kiss the Girl” and Danny Amendola’s energetic jazz routine to NSYNC’s “Bye, Bye, Bye.”
Still from Dancing with the Stars (Credit: Disney)
Highlights included Ilona Maher leading Team Goofs to a stunning performance, channeling her character from Encanto, while Phaedra Parks, portraying Cruella, was voted off after struggling with choreography. As the competition heats up, only seven contestants remain.
With Halloween Night approaching, the dancers face even more challenging routines and head-to-head face-offs for bonus points. The excitement continues as fans eagerly anticipate who will deliver the first perfect score of the season. DWTS airs on Tuesday nights on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available to stream on Hulu the next day.
Dancing With the Stars airs every Tuesday night on ABC and Disney+. For those who miss the live broadcast, episodes are available to stream on Hulu the next day.
