Evan Peters' Role in 'WandaVision' Was Actually One Big Joke

And we love it.

By Esther Zuckerman

Published on 05/03/2021 at 08:39 PM

When Evan Peters, who plays Wanda Maximoff’s brother Peter Maximoff in the X-Men movie franchise, showed up as Wanda Maximoff’s dead brother Pietro in the fifth episode of WandaVision, taking over the Marvel Cinematic Universe role for Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who’d played the character in Avengers: Age of Ultron, the theories spread as fast and furiously as Wanda’s grief bubble. Does this open the door to the Multiverse? Does it mean that the X-Men, now officially part of the MCU in the wake of Disney’s acquisition of the Fox film property, are involved in this plot somehow? Is he actually the villain Mephisto? Well, it turns out that none of those theories was correct.

Fake Pietro is not some portal to a new corner of the MCU. He’s just a guy named Ralph. Ralph Bohner, to be exact. Yes, Bohner. Pronounced “Boner.”

This revelation comes during the WandaVision finale. Pietro/Ralph, who is doing the bidding of Kathryn Hahn’s Agatha Harkness, traps Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) in his man cave. But while digging through his papers, Monica realizes he’s not anyone special-he’s just a struggling actor who Agatha enchanted using a puka shell necklace. Once she rips off his emblem of ’90s stoner-dom, she easily takes him.

Funny, right? And kudos to Peters for a perfect performance as a douche-bro. Still, the news that Peters’ Pietro is nothing more than some rando was met with ire among superfans who were hoping for something, anything more.

However, I would like to pay tribute to writer Jac Schaeffer and director Matt Shakman for giving us what is honestly a great joke, and also, perhaps, for yet another sitcom reference: Bohner could very well be a nod to Boner Stabone from Growing Pains.

Every episode of WandaVision was burdened by expectations. Paul Bettany teased that the show features an actor he “always wanted to work with” which led to rampant speculation that Ian McKellen might show up as Magneto or maybe Benedict Cumberbatch would swoop in as Doctor Strange. But it turned out that actor was just…Bettany himself. That happens in the finale when the Vision who is just a manifestation of Wanda’s grief faces off against the so-called White Vision introduced at the end of Episode 8 who has been rebooted by the military, and they have a lovely conversation about the Ship of Theseus. This is actually one of the best scenes in the episode, but it also represents a disappointment to those for whom a finale without any very special guest stars is a letdown.

Both the Bettany and the Bohner jokes represent the cast and crew having a little fun with the audience, while at the same time risking pissing people off. I appreciate that risk. WandaVision‘s most successful moments were when it stayed small and weird as opposed to when it got big and world-build-y, and the show ultimately chose a boner joke over anything truly shocking. You have to love it.

Esther Zuckerman is a senior entertainment writer at Thrillist. Follow her on Twitter @ezwrites.

Entertainment

Where to Celebrate Lunar New Year 2023 in Australia

And what it means to be in the year of the Rabbit.

By Natasha Bazika

Published on 12/01/2023 at 12:59

where to celebrate lunar new year australia

Starting with the new moon on Sunday, January 22, this Lunar New Year ushers in the year of the Rabbit. We’ve put together a guide on celebrating the Lunar New Year in Australia.

What is special about the year of the Rabbit?

As you might know, each year has an animal sign in the Chinese Zodiac, which is based on the moon and has a 12-year cycle. This year, we celebrate the year of the rabbit, known to be the luckiest out of all twelve animals. It symbolises mercy, elegance, and beauty.

What celebrations are taking place and how can I get involved?

There are plenty of festivals happening all around the country which you can get involved with. Here they are per state.

New South Wales

Darling Harbour Fireworks
When: Every year, Sydney puts on a fireworks show, and this year, you can catch it on January 28 and February 4 at 9 pm in Darling Harbour.

Dragon Boat Races
When: Witness three days of dragon boat races and entertainment on Cockle Bay to usher in the Lunar New Year. The races will commence on January 27 and finish on January 29.

Lion Dances
When: Catch a traditional Lion Dance moving to the beat of a vigorous drum bringing good luck and fortune for the Lunar New Year. The dance performances will happen across Darling Harbour on Saturday, January 21, Sunday, January 22, and Sunday, February 4 and 5, around 6 pm and 9 pm.

Lunar New Year at Cirrus Dining
When: Barangaroo’s waterfront seafood restaurant, Cirrus, is celebrating the Year of the Rabbit with a special feast menu. Cirrus’ LNY menu is $128pp with optional wine pairing and is available from Saturday, January 21, to Sunday, February 5.

Auntie Philter
When: Hello Auntie’s owner and executive chef, Cuong Nguyen will be dishing out some of the most classic Vietnamese street foods with his mum, Linda. All of Philter’s favourites will be on offer, as well as Raspberry Pash Beer Slushies and other cocktails being served at the Philter Brewing rooftop bar on Sunday, January 22 and Sunday, January 29.

Victoria

Lunar New Year Festival
When: Ring in the Lunar New Year with food, music, arts, and more on Sunday, January 22, from 10 am to 9 pm.

Lunar New Year at the National Gallery of Victoria
When: Celebrate the year of the rabbit at the National Gallery of Victoria’s festival of art, food, and art-making activities for everyone from 10 am-5 pm.

Queensland

BriAsia Festival
When: From February 1-19, Brisbane will come alive with performances, including lion dances and martial arts displays. There will be street food, workshops, comedy and more.

South Australia

Chinatown Adelaide Street Party
When: Adelaide is set to hose a fun-filled day celebrating the Chinese New Year on Saturday, January 28, from 12 pm to 9 pm.

Western Australia

Crown Perth
When: Across January and February, Crown Perth hosts free live entertainment, including colourful lion dances, roving mascots, and drumming performances. The restaurants will also throw banquets and menus dedicated to the Lunar New Year.

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