Elizabeth Olsen’s return as Scarlet Witch has sparked widespread speculation among Marvel fans. Elizabeth Olsen, known for her portrayal of Wanda Maximoff, or the Scarlet Witch, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), recently discussed the potential for her character’s return.
Olsen has played a significant role in the MCU, with her character evolving from a conflicted adversary in Avengers: Age of Ultron to a reality-warping powerhouse in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. While fans hope for her return, Olsen emphasized that she would only reprise the role under specific circumstances. Here’s what she revealed about possibly stepping back into the iconic Scarlet Witch costume.
Olsen’s Condition for Returning as Wanda Maximoff
During an interview with Dublin’s FM104 radio, Olsen spoke about her openness to returning as Wanda Maximoff but clarified that her involvement hinges on whether the storyline would suit her character’s evolution. “If there’s a good way to use [Wanda], I’m always happy to come back, however they can make that make sense,” Olsen shared. This careful approach to Wanda’s role reflects Olsen’s deep commitment to maintaining authenticity for her character, who has undergone a series of challenging arcs throughout her time in the MCU.
Olsen, currently starring alongside Carrie Coon in His Three Daughters, reflected on Wanda’s journey in the MCU. She acknowledged feeling that Wanda’s early portrayal in Avengers: Age of Ultron effectively established the character, but she expressed some disappointment with later developments. Specifically, Olsen pointed to the costume choices in Captain America: Civil War and Infinity War, noting that Wanda’s restrictive corseted look didn’t fully capture the character’s essence as she envisioned it. Olsen’s nuanced perspective highlights her investment in portraying Wanda with depth and respect for the character’s origins.
The actress also mentioned that the creative direction in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness felt somewhat repetitive. According to Olsen, screenwriter Michael Waldron had not fully finished WandaVision when he developed the script for Multiverse of Madness, potentially contributing to a portrayal that felt disconnected from the nuanced story told in WandaVision. Still, Olsen acknowledged enjoying the darker elements of Wanda’s character arc, a theme that has been central in the comics as well.
Olsen’s Desire for a House of M Storyline in the MCU
Beyond her thoughts on past portrayals, Olsen expressed interest in exploring one of Marvel’s most impactful storylines involving the Scarlet Witch: House of M. This popular comic storyline revolves around Wanda’s descent into madness, where she uses her powers to alter reality drastically. The story culminates in Wanda’s iconic utterance, “No more mutants,” erasing most mutants from existence. Olsen’s passion for this narrative is evident; she shared that her brother, James ‘Trent’ Olsen, introduced her to the comic and helped her understand its significance in Marvel lore.
Olsen’s interest in a live-action adaptation of House of M aligns with the desires of many Marvel fans who want to see Wanda’s emotional and powerful side fully explored. However, adapting House of M presents challenges for the MCU. In the comics, Wanda’s mutant lineage and connection to Magneto play essential roles in her character, yet the MCU has yet to introduce mutants in its current storyline. Any adaptation of House of M would likely require significant adjustments to fit into the existing MCU framework, which is currently without the X-Men or other mutant characters who are central to that storyline.
Despite these hurdles, the concept remains appealing, especially with Olsen’s clear enthusiasm for such a storyline. Wanda’s powers, her struggle with grief, and her complex character development have already resonated with audiences, making House of M a natural progression if Marvel chooses to integrate mutants in the future.
For more updates on Elizabeth Olsen’s potential return to the MCU and developments around Wanda Maximoff, tune in to Vviptimes.
Sources:
FM104 radio, Marvel Comics