Elizabeth Olsen brought the iconic Scarlet Witch to life in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, impressing fans and critics alike with her portrayal of Wanda Maximoff. From her debut in Avengers: Age of Ultron to her central role in WandaVision and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Olsen committed a decade to the character’s complex evolution, gaining recognition and a devoted fan following. However, her commitment came with challenges that nearly made her want to walk away from Marvel—and to feel pride if she did.
In a revealing conversation with Variety, Olsen expressed how the relentless shooting schedules took a toll on her personal life and career. Due to her commitment as Wanda, she lost out on major film roles and had little time for herself. Reflecting on this, Olsen shared, “I was doing Marvel for two years straight, with a two-day break and a quarantine… I wrapped WandaVision on a Wednesday and flew to England on a Friday.” With little pause, Olsen’s continuous dedication to the role began to feel overwhelming. Despite the stability that her Marvel role provided, she admitted that the limitations impacted her deeply. “It’s been 10 years of playing her, and I’ve loved it,” she explained, adding that, if fired, she’d feel “proud” of her work as Wanda.
The complexity behind the scenes was as challenging as the storylines themselves. Filming WandaVision and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness back-to-back was an intense experience, especially since the narratives overlapped in themes. Olsen mentioned that playing Wanda in both projects brought repetition that made the role feel creatively exhausting. Additionally, her Marvel contract restricted her flexibility, making it difficult to pursue other roles she felt aligned with her artistic vision. “I had this job security,” Olsen reflected, “but I was losing these pieces that I felt were more part of my being.” This friction left her questioning whether she would ever break free from Wanda’s universe.
Yet despite the challenges, Olsen’s journey as Scarlet Witch has been nothing short of remarkable. Fans witnessed her evolution from a secondary character to a lead with her own story, adding layers of vulnerability and strength to Wanda. WandaVision brought her powers and trauma to the forefront, solidifying her as one of Marvel’s most compelling figures.
If Marvel ever decided to end Wanda’s journey, Olsen’s pride in her portrayal of Scarlet Witch remains steadfast. For Olsen, leaving the character could mean returning to roles that resonate deeply with her, and Marvel fans can’t deny the impact she has left on the franchise.
While her future in the MCU is uncertain, one thing is clear: Elizabeth Olsen’s portrayal of Wanda Maximoff will forever be a cornerstone of Marvel’s cinematic storytelling.