WandaVision: Elizabeth Olsen was initially scared to lead MCU series

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Elizabeth Olsen plays arguably the most powerful member of the MCU as Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch and despite several film appearances, her full potential wasn't realized until the debut of the Disney+ Marvel series, WandaVision. Olsen's Scarlet Witch is at the center of Marvel Studios' first television series and this was a daunting task that initially scared the actress before heading into the project.

During a chat on "Vanity Fair's Still Watching" podcast, Olsen admitted to being intimidated by the idea of headlining her own MCU series as she was happy thus far with the appearances she had made in the film. Despite initial trepidations, Olsen admits that doing WandaVision has brought her much closer to the character than ever before:

I've only signed on for a couple [Marvel projects] at a time. Every time they ask me to come back it's a surprise to me. I started getting really comfortable not having the responsibility for the success of the Avengers franchise. I was really happy to take up my little corner. I really enjoyed how they had used me. I always felt like I had something substantial to do in those films. When Kevin proposed this show I was completely freaked out by it because I know how many eyes are on these shows or films and it's very intimidating. It just became something I absolutely adored and loved. Because of the show, it made me love this character more than I ever had. It makes me feel like I have new ownership of her because of the time I got to spend creating this show.

What surprises more than Olsen being intimidated to take on the series was the fact that she only signs on to a couple of Marvel projects at a time. I assumed most of the main actors were locked in for multiple films but perhaps since she's not the lead in any of the MCU films she has been in, that's why they just do it on a film to film basis. The great thing about WandaVision is that it's truly showcasing Olsen's skills in the role and it has made Scarlet Witch a much more interesting character that is worthy of more exploration. I'm looking forward to how WandaVision wraps up and how it ultimately takes her into Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. I have a feeling we're only beginning to see what this character is truly capable of.

WandaVision finds Wanda Maximoff (Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) living the ideal suburban life in the town of Westview, trying to conceal their powers. But as they begin to enter new decades and encounter television tropes, they begin to suspect things are not as they seem.  The series has been well-received by critics and while some fans initially complained about the series' slow start, social media reaction indicates that by the end of Episode Three, the show found its grove as its central mystery comes more into focus.

Have YOU enjoyed the evolution of Scarlet Witch on WandaVision? Do YOU think she will take on a more important role in the MCU moving forward?