Joe Locke who is best known for his role in Netflix’s Heartstopper, then going onto the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Wiccan, aka Billy Maximoff, in Agatha All Along, is going to be staying with Marvel “for life.” In a recent interview with The Playlist, Locke shared insights into his multi-year contract with Marvel Studios, his experience portraying a complex superhero, and his reflections on balancing blockbuster roles with personal growth. Let’s dive into Locke’s evolving career as Billy Maximoff.
A Multi-Year Marvel Contract: Wiccan’s Future in the MCU
In a candid moment, Locke revealed he signed a multi-year contract with Marvel Studios, humorously noting, “When I signed my contract, I signed for my whole life.” This commitment signals a bright future for Wiccan in the MCU, with potential appearances in projects like Young Avengers or the upcoming Vision series. Here’s what this means:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Contract Scope | Locke’s deal ensures multiple MCU appearances, likely spanning films and series. |
| Wiccan’s Role | As Wanda Maximoff’s son, Billy is a key figure with reality-warping powers, poised for a central role in Marvel’s Phase 5 and beyond. |
| Fan Expectations | Fans are eager for a Billy-Tommy Maximoff reunion, with Locke expressing hope to explore this sibling dynamic. |
| Marvel’s Secrecy | Locke’s tight-lipped on specifics, a testament to Marvel’s strict confidentiality, but the open-ended Agatha All Along finale hints at more to come. |
Locke’s excitement for Wiccan is palpable. He describes the role as a “drama school” experience, pushing him to embody a character grappling with immense power and moral complexity. His performance, praised for its depth, has fans and critics alike anticipating his next MCU chapter.
Billy Maximoff’s Guilt: A Layered Performance
In Agatha All Along, Locke’s portrayal of Billy Maximoff, a teen inhabited by the soul of Wanda’s son, is both charismatic and emotionally raw. The series’ finale left Billy wrestling with guilt over the accidental deaths of three coven members. Locke shared:
- Moral Ambiguity: “He’s not a bad person, but he has done bad things,” Locke said, highlighting Billy’s struggle with the consequences of his actions. This guilt adds depth to Wiccan, setting him apart from traditional heroes.
- Future Exploration: Locke hopes to delve deeper into Billy’s psyche given the chance to reprise the role, exploring how guilt shapes his journey as a young superhero.
- Acting Challenge: Unlike Charlie in Heartstopper, Billy required Locke to step into a darker, more conflicted headspace, marking a significant evolution in his craft.
This nuanced performance has earned Locke accolades, with critics noting his ability to hold his own alongside veterans like Kathryn Hahn and Patti LuPone.
Final Thoughts
With a multi-year Marvel contract, fans can easily assume we will end up seeing Locke’s Wiccan join the Young Avengers since we know that Marvel has been wanting to form this team for a while now in the MCU. We do not know when this will happen but the fact that Locke is locked in with Marvel, we will see him in many more projects to come.
