The Agatha All Along episode that centered on Patti LuPone’s Lilia Calderu left fans reeling, with a heart-wrenching moment that seemed to spell the end for the beloved Sicilian witch. Episode 7, titled “Death’s Hand in Mine,” saw Lilia make a sacrificial play to save her coven, plunging toward a bed of swords to defeat the Salem Seven. But both LuPone and co-star Kathryn Hahn have dropped some pretty big hints that Lilia’s story might not be over. In a recent interview on The Awardist podcast-EW, the two actresses shared insights that have sparked hope among fans, pointing to a key detail: we never see Lilia land. Could this be a clue that the 450-year-old divination witch is still out there, ready to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)? Let’s dive into the evidence and theories that suggest Lilia Calderu might still be alive.
Why Lilia’s Death Isn’t as Final as It Seems
Lilia’s apparent demise in Agatha All Along was a pivotal moment, but several factors suggest it might not be the end of her journey. Here’s why fans are holding out hope:
- The “Never Landed” Loophole: Patti LuPone emphasized in the podcast, “You never see Lilia land,” a sentiment echoed by Kathryn Hahn, who added, “[You] never hits those swords.” This deliberate ambiguity is a classic MCU tactic, often used to keep characters’ fates open-ended for future storylines. In a universe where death is rarely permanent,think Loki or Vision, his omission feels intentional.
- Lilia’s Non-Linear Existence: As a divination witch, Lilia experiences time out of sequence, which the episode masterfully showcased through her “bops” (flashes of past and future moments). Her ability to slip through time could mean she foresaw or even orchestrated her survival, perhaps shifting to another point in her timeline before hitting the swords. This non-linear perspective makes her death less conclusive.
- A Playful Pitch to Kevin Feige: LuPone shared a lighthearted suggestion she made to Marvel boss Kevin Feige during his visit to her Broadway show The Roommate: “You should have a tiny Lilia falling in the corner” of future Marvel films. This cheeky idea hints at her belief in Lilia’s potential return, possibly as a recurring Easter egg or a full-fledged comeback.
- The MCU’s History of Resurrections: The Marvel Cinematic Universe is no stranger to bringing characters back from the brink. Lilia’s ambiguous exit aligns with this pattern, leaving room for her to reappear in a future project, perhaps alongside Agatha Harkness or in a new supernatural storyline.
| Evidence for Lilia’s Survival | Counterarguments for Her Death |
|---|---|
| No visual confirmation of Lilia landing on the swords, as noted by LuPone and Hahn. | The episode strongly implies her death, with Lilia’s final words, “I love being a witch,” signaling acceptance of her fate. |
| Her time-bending abilities could allow her to escape death via a temporal shift. | The narrative closure of her sacrifice suggests a complete arc, tying up her story. |
| LuPone’s suggestion to Feige implies she sees a future for Lilia in the MCU. | The practical effects described (LuPone in a harness) indicate a real fall, even if brief. |
| The MCU’s track record of reviving characters supports an open-ended fate. | Other coven members’ deaths (e.g., Sharon Davis, Alice Wu-Gulliver) were confirmed, setting a precedent. |
Theories for Lilia’s Return
If Lilia is alive, how might she re-enter the MCU? Fans and the actresses’ comments have fueled several compelling theories:
- A Time-Shift Escape: Lilia’s non-linear perception of time could mean she jumped to another moment before hitting the swords, perhaps appearing in a future MCU project like Vision Quest or a potential Agatha All Along Season 2. Her divination powers make this a plausible twist.
- A Magical Intervention: The Witches’ Road is a mystical gauntlet with unpredictable rules. Lilia’s sacrifice might have triggered a magical loophole, preserving her essence or transporting her elsewhere, much like Agatha’s survival after Wanda’s spell in WandaVision.
- An Easter Egg Cameo: LuPone’s idea of a “tiny Lilia falling” could manifest as a playful nod in future Marvel films, keeping her presence alive symbolically until a proper return is scripted. This would align with the MCU’s love for subtle teases.
- A Connection to Rio Vidal: The revelation that Aubrey Plaza’s Rio Vidal is Death itself adds another layer. Lilia’s interaction with Rio in Episode 7, recognizing her as the Death card, could suggest a deeper connection. Could Rio have spared Lilia or redirected her fate?
| Theory | Likelihood | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Time-Shift Escape | High | Lilia’s divination powers and non-linear timeline make this a natural fit for her character. |
| Magical Intervention | Medium | The Witches’ Road’s mystical nature supports unexpected outcomes, but it’s less specific to Lilia’s abilities. |
| Easter Egg Cameo | Low | A fun nod, but it wouldn’t satisfy fans craving a full return. |
| Rio Vidal Connection | Medium | Ties into the Death reveal, but requires further exploration in future projects. |
Final Thoughts
The question of Lilia Calderu’s fate in Agatha All Along remains surprisingly open. Patti LuPone and Kathryn Hahn’s remarks to EW, coupled with the MCU’s knack for defying death, give fans plenty of reason to believe Lilia could return. Whether through a clever time shift, a magical twist, or a cheeky cameo, Lilia’s story feels far from over. As we await news of future MCU projects, keep an eye out for a tiny Lilia falling in the corner of the screen—she just might be the key to unlocking the next chapter of this witchy saga where we get Agatha All Along Season 2.
