Elizabeth Olsen’s portrayal of the Scarlet Witch in the MCU has opened doors to a range of new career opportunities.
Olsen, who stars in His Three Daughters, shared that while she doesn’t return to Marvel simply for the sake of doing so, she sees her role within the vast franchise as providing her with a “feeling of insurance” that allows her the freedom to pursue more risky, independent film roles.
“I’ve never really had the mentality of ‘one for them, one for me,’” Olsen explained.
“Marvel has been such a consistent presence in my life that I’ve been able to return to it, and it’s created—what’s the word?—some feeling of insurance in my life.
It has given me the freedom to choose other jobs, so I haven’t felt like, ‘And then I’ll do this to do this.’”
She went on to clarify that returning to Marvel for projects like WandaVision and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was always a choice for her.
“Every time, it’s character-driven,” she continued. “It’s always like, ‘We have this idea, and that’s why we want you to come back.’ It’s not like, ‘Just throw her in something.’”
Olsen also discussed the relationship between blockbuster films and indie projects, emphasizing how the former helps sustain smaller theaters.
She explained that big franchises like Marvel films help “pay the rent” for these theaters, making space for more niche films to be shown, a sentiment echoed by Paul Thomas Anderson, who previously noted how Spider-Man: No Way Home helped drive ticket sales, allowing Licorice Pizza to be screened as well.
“I do think that’s the relationship,” Olsen said.
Earlier this year, Olsen expressed her willingness to return to her role as Wanda Maximoff if a project arises that would allow for a meaningful portrayal.
“It’s a character that I love going back to when there’s a way to use her well,” Olsen shared. “I think I’ve been lucky that when I started, I was used well.
I think people didn’t know what to do with me for a second there… if there’s a good way to use her, I’m always happy to come back.”
Most recently, Olsen appeared in the star-studded sci-fi thriller The Assessment, which premiered at TIFF in September and was later acquired by Prime Video for distribution outside of Germany.
At the Vulture Festival, Olsen also updated the audience on her upcoming dark comedy Love Child, where she stars alongside Charles Melton.
She mentioned the challenges of getting the film made, saying, “I’ve never hustled more for a movie that’s having a hard time being made.”
She also joked, “If you guys want to make a big, bold notice that says, ‘Todd Solondz needs money to make a movie,’ that would be great.”
