Release Date: 01/15/2021
Studio: Marvel Studios
Showrunner: Jac Schaeffer
Visual Effects Supervisor: Marion Spates
THE SYNOPSIS
In total, Digital Domain delivered over 350 VFX shots for the streaming series, the bulk of which centered on Vision. The work began with full-body scans of Bettany performing as both the Red and White Vision. New facial captures were then taken to provide high-fidelity models to work from, while keyframe animations were created to form the basis of the models used to create digi-doubles for shots where practical effects weren’t possible.
Along with the body work, scans were taken of the red and white costumes to create topology. High-resolution photographs were also taken to build the textures that were then mapped on. This was especially key during the climactic fight, as the two Visions had to withstand close-up scrutiny as they grappled and flew through the sky.
Digital Domain’s work on Vision first appeared in the episode “We Interrupt This Program.” After confronting an intruder that brings reality a little closer to home, Wanda catches a glimpse of how Vision looked after his death at the hands of Thanos. Digital Domain integrated their CG Vision head onto Bettany’s performance, and artists matchmoved his facial performance – including eyes, nose and “muzzle” – to ensure the CG panels moved correctly. The result was a horrific look, including his recessed forehead where the Mind Stone was forcibly ripped out, leaving a divot impossible to create with practical effects.
When White Vision arrives in Westview, a fight with the Red ensues, including an aerial duel that required a combination of practical wire effects and CG digi-doubles. For the close-ups, Bettany filmed each side of the conflict, once as Red Vision and again as the White, to breathe life into two visually similar, but drastically different performances. Digital Domain replaced the stunt person’s head with Bettany’s where necessary, and integrated its CG models into each of Bettany’s plates, which were altered to make the transition seamless. The result gave Bettany a fully nuanced performance for each side of the fight.
On top of its work with Vision, Digital Domain created the effects for Wanda’s fight with the witch Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) in and above Westview. As the two engaged in a super powered duel worthy of any Marvel Studios feature film, the battle saw the introduction of two new elements to the MCU: chaos magic and the official debut of Scarlet Witch.
With WandaVision complete and now available to stream exclusively on Disney+, Digital Domain and Marvel Studios’ collaboration continues with the upcoming Black Widow, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and more.
