The Marvel Cinematic Universe has exploded with power since the conclusion of the Infinity Saga. As a result, new heroes like the Eternals have arrived to show this power has existed in the universe for millennia. However, even established heroes are receiving massive power boosts, like Wanda Maximoff.
With Scarlet Witch’s abilities less tangible than some of her immediate counterparts, it can be difficult to know where the character ranks in terms of sheer power. With so much exponential growth occurring in the MCU, where does a character like Scarlet Witch stand when compared to a powerhouse like Captain Marvel? And which could be considered the strongest?
Scarlet Witch’s Powers and Abilities
The MCU had expanded that Wanda Maximoff gained her powers through Hydra experimentation with the Mind Stone. Exposure to its energy resulted in her manifesting telekinesis and mental manipulation while her brother, Pietro, gained super-speed. Following the Infinity Saga, Wanda’s power levels exploded as a result of a lifetime of trauma.
However, WandaVision revealed the Mind Stone didn’t actually grant her powers. Instead, it only amplified her innate abilities and unlocked a destiny that led her to become the Scarlet Witch. Before WandaVision, Wanda’s telekinetic skills were a force to be reckoned with. Her manipulation of matter permitted her to clear out gas from rooms, lift massive structures, and even destroy Thanos’ sword. Her strength level is reflective of her rage, as shown in Avengers: Endgame when she sees nearly tears apart the Mad Titan.
Once she becomes the Scarlet Witch, Wanda can manipulate minds on a larger scale and warp reality to her will — so much so that she can even create life. The Westview incident best demonstrates this as she turned an entire town into a sitcom-style community. Wanda’s possession of the Darkhold, as depicted in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, added dreamwalking, energy absorption, and augmented strength and endurance to her already-formidable arsenal.
Captain Marvel’s Powers and Abilities
Carol Danvers is a living battery who can use energy in devastating or constructive ways. Her abilities originated from the Space Stone when she was exposed to the energy of an engine powered by the cosmic relic. As a result, Captain Marvel can absorb, and redirect, massive amounts of energy. These powers grant her super-strength, flight and energy projection. When stored enough, Captain Marvel can unleash her strength at once and assume a binary form that makes her as strong as a shooting star.
In the MCU, Carol has taken on Thanos and nearly defeated him until he used the Power Stone against her. She’s also flown through multiple ships and destroyed them without sustaining damage. The seventh episode of What If…? reveals she can take go toe-to-toe with Thor, even when he’s at full strength. In fact, she might easily defeat the god of thunder, considering she not only held back but also absorbed his lighting without struggle. Ultimately, Captain Marvel is a cosmic wrecking ball whose limits have yet to be fully recorded.
Wanda vs. Captain Marvel Verdict: Scarlet Witch Is Stronger
There’s no denying that the Scarlet Witch can’t hold a candle to Captain Marvel in terms of raw physical strength. That said, Wanda has an edge due to Chaos Magic and her reality-warping abilities. Her telekinesis alone could nearly kill Thanos faster than Carol’s punches. Now, as the Scarlet Witch, she doesn’t even have to move objects with her mind to get what she wants.
What’s even scarier is that Wanda is a conduit for energy, while Carol has a limit, even if it hasn’t been reached. In the end, Wanda’s untapped potential dramatically surpasses Carol’s, making her even stronger than Captain Marvel.
