As anticipation builds for the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe series Agatha All Along, the identity of actor Joe Locke’s character has become a source of intrigue and humor. Recently, Locke humorously noted that his character is referred to simply as “Teen” during parts of the series, serving as a playful running joke. In a recent promotional clip, viewers saw his voice magically censored as he attempted to introduce himself to Kathryn Hahn’s Agatha Harkness, further shrouding his character’s identity in mystery. Nevertheless, many Marvel Comics enthusiasts are convinced they already have the answer: “Teen” is likely a version of William “Billy” Kaplan, better known as Wiccan Marvel, a superhero and member of the Young Avengers who is also the son of Agatha’s rival, Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch (portrayed by Elizabeth Olsen).
Billy Kaplan was introduced by Allan Heinberg and Jim Cheung in Young Avengers #1 in 2005. Following the tragic events of Avengers Disassembled, which saw the destruction of Wanda’s partner, the android Vision, a protocol he had set in place was triggered, aimed at recruiting young superhumans linked to the Avengers. Among those recruited by Iron Lad, a youthful version of Nathaniel Richards (later known as Kang the Conqueror), was Billy. After a confrontation with a group of bullies, he discovered his own mystical powers, which mirrored Wanda’s abilities when she intervened to heal him. Initially adopting the alias “Asgardian” out of admiration for Thor, he used his magical prowess to manipulate lightning.
As Billy integrated into the Young Avengers, he eventually rebranded himself as “Wiccan Marvel” and began a romantic relationship with his teammate, Teddy Altman, known as Hulkling, who possesses shapeshifting abilities and hails from both Skrull and Kree heritage. The team also included Thomas “Tommy” Shepherd, who possesses superspeed and bears an uncanny resemblance to Billy, aside from their differing hair colors. This resemblance, along with their powers mirroring those of Wanda and her brother Pietro (Quicksilver), sparked speculation about the connections between the Young Avengers and the legendary duo.
Wanda Maximoff, during her marriage to Vision in a 1980s miniseries, utilized her magical abilities to fulfill her desire for children, resulting in the birth of twin sons, Thomas and William Maximoff. However, their existence was jeopardized when the nefarious villain Mephisto, alongside his minion Master Pandemonium, abducted the twins. Mephisto claimed that his essence had been fragmented and scattered after a prior defeat, leading Wanda to unwittingly use two fragments to create her children. Ultimately, he absorbed their energy back into himself, seemingly erasing them from existence, although later narratives introduced retcons that complicated the twins’ true origins and their connection to Mephisto.
As the Young Avengers confronted Master Pandemonium, he suggested that the souls of the Maximoff twins had been reborn in Billy and Tommy, explaining their similarities in appearance and powers to Wanda and Pietro, despite the younger boys being born to different families. Following a reunion with an amnesiac Wanda, aided by her brother and their father, Erik Lehnsherr (Magneto), Wanda confirmed this connection and has since embraced a maternal role towards both boys.
