Elizabeth Olsen Expresses Desire to Return to Marvel Universe

SAG HARBOR, New York — During a panel at the Hamptons International Film Festival on Saturday, Elizabeth Olsen discussed her ongoing connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and her character, Wanda Maximoff, also known as the Scarlet Witch. The actress expressed her eagerness to continue working with the beloved character she first portrayed nearly a decade ago.

Olsen, 36, stated, “It is something that I love, and it’s something I always want to return to.” She highlighted the rewarding opportunities she has had with the character over the last five years, noting, “There are still character through lines that have happened in the comics that I’d love to do that I think fans also want to.”

She emphasized the importance of fan engagement, saying, “I mean, these movies aren’t for critics, these movies are for fans.” Olsen’s portrayal of Wanda has garnered her significant acclaim, including an Emmy nomination for her work in the 2021 limited series, WandaVision.

Olsen’s most recent appearance as Wanda Maximoff was in 2022’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, although she confirmed that her character died in that film. However, Olsen hinted that the multiverse could allow for a return, stating, “Even death can be overcome in the multiverse.”

Olsen reflected on her experience in the superhero genre, acknowledging, “It’s really fruitful, and the stories have only gotten better for me, my character. I really enjoyed it.” Addressing concerns about superhero fatigue, she noted, “Some people have ongoing television series that they get to return to. Very few… get to be a part of franchises that… become very familial.”

She underlined the stability working with Marvel has provided, contributing to her career choices: “Marvel has been such a consistent thing I’ve been able to return to, and has created some feeling of insurance in my life that has given me freedom to choose other jobs.”

Olsen’s film, Eternity, which premiered at TIFF last month, will undergo a limited theatrical release starting Nov. 14, before a wider release on Nov. 26. Directed by David Freyne, Eternity features Olsen in a role that explores the dilemmas faced by souls determining their fate in the afterlife.