WandaVision introduces the next pseudo-scientific explanation for super-powers in the MCU - cosmic energy. In theory, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is built on a scientific foundation. When Marvel introduced magic in Doctor Strange, for example, they took care to consult with a range of scientists on everything from quantum mechanics to string theory in order to ensure their version of magic fit in a world of super-soldiers and exo-armored Avengers.

In reality, of course, the science only goes so far - simply because superheroes and sorcery aren't a part of real life. Every now and again, Marvel hit upon an idea from the comics that they can use to hand-waive all their pseudo-science, explaining a wide range of phenomena. That was Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania.

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WandaVision introduced what is clearly going to be the next pseudo-scientific concept to explain away a wide number of super-powers. WandaVision episode 4 saw SWORD attempt to figure out what was going on in the fictional town of Westview, which appears to be under the control of Scarlet Witch. Darcy detected unnaturally high levels of "Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation," which she defines as "relic radiation dating back to the Big Bang." It's unclear how this plays into the story of WandaVision; has Scarlet Witch somehow generated this cosmic energy, or is she just tapping into it somehow? Whatever the case may be, though, anyone familiar with the comics will recognize the potential of cosmic radiation. And there are already signs Marvel intend to tap into that potential.

In the comics, the Fantastic Four were granted their own super-powers when they were bombarded by cosmic radiation. They later learned this is the same power source manipulated by Galactus and his Heralds, who possess a wide variety of powers. Given Marvel has recently confirmed it is working on a Fantastic Four movie with Jon Watts, it seems pretty clear WandaVision is establishing the power of cosmic energy ahead of the Fantastic Four's debut. Meanwhile, one batch of Eternals merchandise has also revealed the Eternals manipulate cosmic energy, which seems to be the source of powers as diverse as super-speed and matter transmutation. This fits with the comics, which have established that every being affected by cosmic energy manifests different abilities.

Cosmic energy will presumably be the new pseudo-scientific explanation for the phenomena to be unveiled in Phase 4, as ubiquitous and vaguely-defined as the Quantum Realm itself. Where Marvel originally believed they needed to remain internally consistent in their handling of superhero pseudo-science, they have earned a lot of goodwill by now, and they can get away with hand-waving all these different powers and abilities as tied to cosmic energy. The MCU's newest pseudo-scientific explanation has just been unveiled.

More: Marvel Confirms When WandaVision Is Set In The MCU Timeline

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