A number of new Marvel TV shows are coming to Disney+, and one of the most highly-anticipated among them is WandaVision, the series starring Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany as the titular characters. Although a wrap party was held, the Disney+ series was still in production when filming halted in March, and there’s no word on when it will pick back up again. Now, WandaVision finds itself in another bind as the Marvel series is facing a trademark battle with a Hong Kong company.
According to BleedingCool, Marvel was allegedly looking to trademark the title of WandaVision for use across the board, including for merchandising and products. However, The Wanda Group of Hong Kong — the company is known as The Wanda Group Ltd. and is based in Beijing — has been given the go-ahead to dispute Marvel’s attempts to trademark. Here’s a list of just some of the items they’re challenging Marvel over:
The Wanda Group Ltd has been given an extension by the US government to challenge Marvel over the Wandavision trademark. The Wanda Group have registered trademarks for Wanda in many areas, but the ones they are challenging Marvel over include Action skill games; action figures; board games; card games; children's multiple activity toys; badminton sets; balloons; basketballs…
Honestly, the list goes on and on and includes a plethora of other items that The Wanda Group has registered trademarks for, including action figures and accessories, tennis rackets, roller skates, stuffed toys, and even Christmas tree ornaments. Needless to say, it’s an exhaustive list that could potentially pose a problem for Marvel and Disney down the line.
At the moment, however, it’s all a bit unclear as to how it will impact the show and the studio’s ability to use the name for merchandising. I don’t think it will lead to a title change for the Disney+ series, but it’s hard to tell, as there’s currently no other information about the trademark name being challenged.
WandaVision is currently scheduled to premiere in December and, as of right now, there haven't been any concrete indications as to whether or not the show will be delayed. The Disney+ series is set to debut a few months after The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and will be followed by Loki. WandaVision is expected to play into the ongoing events of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and will tie into the events of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Joining Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany are Teyonah Parris, Kat Dennings, Randall Park, and Kathryn Hahn. While there isn’t too much we know about the show, Bettany described it as “fucking bonkers,” which is very exciting.
Stay tuned to CinemaBlend for updates on WandaVision. While waiting for the series to premiere, be sure to check out our 2020 summer TV premiere guide for more on what to watch in the meantime.
