Okay Marvel fans brace yourselves because some major news just dropped about our favorite chaos magic wielder Scarlet Witch. Elizabeth Olsen has pretty much said "nope not gonna happen" when it comes to appearing in the upcoming Avengers movies Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. Yeah you read that right. Let's break down why and what this means for Wanda Maximoff's future in the MCU.
"Not Gonna Be There": Elizabeth Olsen Sets the Record Straight on Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars Rumors
For a while now everyone's been buzzing about who will be in these next massive Avengers movies. Would Scarlet Witch return after her seemingly tragic end in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness? Well Elizabeth Olsen herself has put those rumors to rest at least for now. In a recent interview she was asked point-blank if she would be extending her stay in London where the Avengers films are set to shoot back-to-back. Her answer was a pretty clear "No I'm back [in the States]."
Olsen explained she just finished filming Sam Esmail's Panic Carefully in London and is now moving on to a new project a pilot for an FX series called Seven Sisters. So it sounds like her schedule is full and Avengers duty is not on the list. Is this just a classic Marvel misdirection tactic to keep secrets under wraps? Maybe. But Olsen's tone seems pretty definitive this time. She is not giving us the usual "never say never" or "maybe who knows" vibe. It sounds like Scarlet Witch really will be sitting these next Avengers events out.
Taste Over Titans: Why Elizabeth Olsen Is Choosing Non-Marvel Projects Right Now
So why the change of pace for Olsen? She opened up about her decision-making process and it makes a lot of sense. She told The Hollywood Reporter that about six years ago she realized something important. Because Marvel is so huge and takes up so much time and energy she feels it's crucial for her to make choices outside of the MCU that reflect her "own taste."
She emphasized that "Your taste does create the artist that you are" and that wasn't something she considered as much when she started out. Now Olsen wants to prioritize projects that align with the kind of work she personally enjoys and the people she wants to collaborate with. That is why she is returning to independent films like The Assessment which is out now and the upcoming FX pilot Seven Sisters with Sean Durkin the director of her breakout indie movie Martha Marcy May Marlene.
Olsen started her career in indie films before becoming a Marvel superstar. Now it seems like she is consciously making an effort to reconnect with those roots and explore different kinds of roles. She even mentioned she was originally attached to Yorgos Lanthimos's quirky film The Lobster before Avengers: Age of Ultron changed her plans. It seems like she has a real appreciation for unique and character-driven stories.
From WandaVision to... FX Pilot? Elizabeth Olsen's Journey Beyond the Scarlet Witch
While Scarlet Witch might be taking a break Elizabeth Olsen is definitely not slowing down. She has been super busy even outside the MCU. Remember WandaVision? That Disney+ series was a massive hit and really showcased Olsen's talent earning her Emmy nominations. It also expanded Wanda's storyline in fascinating ways leading to her appearance as the antagonist in Doctor Strange 2.
Now she is diving into new territory. Her new movie The Assessment is a sci-fi drama where she plays Mia a woman undergoing a psychological evaluation to determine if she and her husband are fit to have children in a dystopian future. It sounds intense and thought-provoking. And then there is Seven Sisters the FX pilot which will reunite her with Sean Durkin. We don't know much about that project yet but given their past collaboration it is bound to be interesting.
It is impressive how Olsen is balancing these smaller indie projects with her big Marvel commitments and now seemingly shifting focus. She has been part of the MCU for a significant chunk of time appearing in six movies three Disney+ series and even the animated What If...?. Maybe stepping back from the superhero world for a bit is exactly what she needs to keep growing as an artist and explore new creative challenges.
Listing Elizabeth Olsen's Recent and Upcoming Projects:
- The Assessment (2025): Sci-fi drama movie currently in theaters where Olsen plays Mia undergoing a parenting assessment.
- Seven Sisters (FX Pilot): Upcoming FX drama pilot reuniting Olsen with Sean Durkin director of Martha Marcy May Marlene.
- Panic Carefully: Sam Esmail project filmed in London recently completed.
- Agatha All Along (Disney+): Though Scarlet Witch is not expected to appear directly this spin-off series is connected to WandaVision and Scarlet Witch's universe.
- Marvel Zombies (Disney+): Animated series where Olsen voices Scarlet Witch expected in 2025.
Is This Really Goodbye to Scarlet Witch? Never Say Never in the MCU (But Don't Hold Your Breath for Avengers 5 & 6)
So is this the end of Scarlet Witch in the MCU? Well in the superhero world you never really say never right? Elizabeth Olsen herself has been careful to not completely rule out a return someday. But for now it seems like Wanda Maximoff is taking a break from saving the multiverse. And Elizabeth Olsen is taking a break from the MCU to explore new and different roles. While it might be disappointing for some fans to not see her in the next Avengers movies it is also exciting to see Olsen branch out and showcase her talent in diverse projects. We will definitely be watching what she does next and keeping a tiny sliver of hope alive for a Scarlet Witch comeback down the line. After all anything is possible in the multiverse right?