Will Elizabeth Olsen Return as Scarlet Witch? Plus, Her Fight for Theaters!

Our beloved Scarlet Witch, Elizabeth Olsen, recently dished on her Marvel Cinematic Universe future and her firm stance on how Movies should be released. She's got some thoughts on Wanda Maximoff's potential comeback and why hitting the big screen matters more than ever!

TL;DR

• Elizabeth Olsen misses playing Scarlet Witch and would "jump at the opportunity" to return, despite not knowing if Wanda is alive.
• She won't commit to major studio films unless they guarantee a theatrical release, prioritizing the community experience.
• Fans are buzzing about Wanda's potential return in future Avengers films, but Olsen has stated she isn't currently slated for Doomsday or Secret Wars.

The Scarlet Witch Saga: Is Wanda Maximoff Truly Gone From the MCU?

Ever since Wanda Maximoff seemingly met her end in 2022's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, fans have been on the edge of their seats, wondering if their favorite chaos-magic user would ever make a comeback. And Elizabeth Olsen herself is right there with us, expressing a mix of nostalgia and uncertainty about Wanda's fate.

In a recent interview with InStyle, Olsen was asked point-blank if she thinks Scarlet Witch is still alive. Her reply? A simple, "No idea." Classic Marvel actor misdirection, or the honest truth? Only time will tell! But what she does know is how much she loves playing the character and being part of the Marvel family.

"It's ridiculous. We're grown people behaving like children on a playground. We're flying. We're shooting things out of our hands. And it's a character that I've gotten to return to so many times over 10 years. It's good to put her down and then I miss her and I want her back. I'd jump at the opportunity to be in her shoes again."

— Elizabeth Olsen, on playing Scarlet Witch

She also chimed in on the "goofy" and "fun" experience of making those big-budget superhero flicks, praising the intricate stunt work, special effects, and the sheer coordination of "hundreds and hundreds of people on set working towards one goal." It sounds like a blast, right?

Fan Frenzy and the Mystery Surrounding Her Return to the Shared Universe

Despite Olsen's uncertainty, fan speculation about Wanda's return is at an all-time high. Especially with big titles like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars on the horizon, everyone's hoping for a Scarlet Witch sighting. Marvel Studios has even been fanning the flames a bit, recently sharing a montage of epic Wanda moments on social media, leading many to believe a new contract might be signed or a return is "sooner than you think." Even Marvel boss Kevin Feige teased, "we're excited to find out when and how the Scarlet Witch might return."

However, here's where things get a little hazy. Olsen herself reportedly told The Hollywood Reporter that she wouldn't be in London for the filming of either Doomsday or Secret Wars. Now, whether that's another classic Marvel misdirect to keep us guessing or a genuine statement, remains to be seen. What we do know is that Marvel has said further actors for Avengers: Doomsday will be announced later, leaving the door open. Plus, she did lend her voice to this year's animated series Marvel Zombies, though she admitted those lines were recorded "years ago" and she didn't even remember what happened!

Upcoming Avengers Films and Other Character Tidbits

While Wanda's live-action status is up in the air, we do have some intel on the next big Avengers movies:

• Avengers: Doomsday: Currently eyeing a theatrical release on December 18, 2026.
• Avengers: Secret Wars: Expected to follow about a year later, on December 17, 2027.

The Russo brothers, who are connected to these upcoming films, have hinted that these two movies will be a "new beginning" for the MCU, setting the stage for Phase 7. We've also heard that Robert Downey Jr. is set to return as Doctor Doom, and Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange in Secret Wars. Joe Russo emphasized their focus on developing three-dimensional villains, especially with an actor of Downey Jr.'s caliber. It's clear they're aiming for complex character arcs, hero or villain!

Elizabeth Olsen's Passion for the Cinematic Theatrical Experience

Beyond her iconic superhero role, Elizabeth Olsen has been making waves with her strong opinions on the future of film releases. She's drawing a line in the sand, stating she won't sign onto major Hollywood studio movies if they're only destined for streaming platforms, without a guaranteed theatrical run.

"If a movie is made independently and only sells to a streamer, then fine. But I don't want to make something where that's the end-all," Olsen explained to InStyle. Her reasoning is refreshingly grounded in the communal aspect of moviegoing. "I think it's important for people to gather as a community, to see other humans, be together in a space. That's why I like sports. I think it's really powerful for people to come together for something that they're excited about."

From Streaming Series to Championing the Big Screen

Olsen's perspective on streaming was apparently shaped by her experience with the critically acclaimed but little-seen Facebook Watch series, Sorry for Your Loss. Despite her Emmy-nominated turn in the Disney+ hit WandaVision, it seems the big screen holds a special place in her heart.

Since her last live-action Marvel appearance, Olsen has focused on independent films like His Three Daughters (2023) and The Assessment (2024). Her next project, the A24 romantic comedy Eternity, co-starring Miles Teller and Callum Turner, is set for a theatrical release on November 26, showcasing her commitment to her philosophy. She's even an executive producer on Eternity, highlighting her dedication to these projects. She also mentioned "Panic Carefully" as an upcoming film.

The MCU, for Olsen, also provides valuable "financial security" that allows her the freedom to pursue these independent projects. It's a smart balance, letting her explore diverse roles while still being open to the blockbuster world if the story is right.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Scarlet Witch in the Marvel Universe?

So, where does this leave Wanda Maximoff? Elizabeth Olsen's continued enthusiasm for the character, coupled with Marvel's teasing and the ever-shifting nature of comic book deaths, suggests a return is more likely than not. The question isn't if she'll be back, but when and how. Will it be in one of the upcoming Avengers films, a standalone project, or perhaps a different corner of the multiverse? Given her preference for compelling storylines ("if there's a good way to use her"), we can expect any potential comeback to be impactful and well-thought-out.

For now, we'll keep an eye out for any magical red wisps in the sky and look forward to catching Elizabeth Olsen on the big screen in her upcoming non-Marvel roles!

Frequently Asked Questions About Elizabeth Olsen & Scarlet Witch

Is Scarlet Witch officially returning to the MCU? While Elizabeth Olsen has expressed a strong desire to return and Marvel has teased her comeback, there's no official confirmation of her next live-action appearance. Olsen herself stated she has "no idea" if the character is alive, and has indicated she isn't currently slated for Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars. When is Avengers: Doomsday scheduled for release? Avengers: Doomsday is currently slated for a theatrical release on December 18, 2026. What is Elizabeth Olsen's next movie? Elizabeth Olsen's next film is the A24 romantic comedy Eternity, co-starring Miles Teller and Callum Turner, which is set for a theatrical release on November 26. Why is Elizabeth Olsen advocating for theatrical movie releases? Olsen believes that seeing films in a theater fosters a sense of community and shared excitement, similar to attending live sports events. She prefers to make films that offer this collective experience rather than going straight to streaming as their "end-all" destination.

Sources:

• ComicBookMovie.com (re: Elizabeth Olsen Gives MCU Return Update Amid Avengers: Doomsday Rumors)
• Deadline (re: Elizabeth Olsen Won’t Act in Studio Movies if There’s No Theatrical Release)
• IGN (re: MCU Star Elizabeth Olsen Says She’d Jump at the Chance to Play Scarlet Witch Again)
• CinemaBlend (re: Marvel Posted A Scarlet Witch Montage, And Fans Think Elizabeth Olsen Signed A New MCU Contract)
• Collider (re: Elizabeth Olsen Will Only Do Movies That Get a Theatrical Release)
• SlashFilm (re: Elizabeth Olsen Loves Her Marvel Role As Scarlet Witch -- Partly For Funding Her Other Movies)
• Zoom TV Digital (re: Elizabeth Olsen Expresses Nostalgia for Portraying Scarlet Witch in the MCU)
• JoBlo.com (re: Elizabeth Olsen isn’t interested in making movies that would be exclusive to streaming)