Elizabeth Olsen on Why She’s Stepping Away from the MCU and Embracing Non-Marvel Roles in ‘The Assessment’

Elizabeth Olsen has spent the past decade cementing her status as a household name, particularly with her role as Wanda Maximoff, aka the Scarlet Witch, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). From her debut in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) to the groundbreaking WandaVision (2021), Olsen’s journey with Marvel has been nothing short of transformative. However, as her MCU commitments grew, so did her desire to explore roles outside the franchise—choices that align more closely with her personal artistic vision. Olsen’s latest project, The Assessment, represents a pivotal moment in her career, marking her deliberate shift away from the superhero genre.

“The Assessment”: A New Direction

The Assessment, directed by Fleur Fortuné in her feature debut, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024 and hit U.S. theaters in March 2025. This science fiction thriller presents a near-future dystopian world where prospective parents, including Olsen’s character Mia, must undergo a seven-day assessment to prove their suitability for parenthood. Set in a gripping, psychologically complex environment, the film departs from the flashy special effects typical of blockbuster fare, instead focusing on deep character exploration.

Olsen’s performance has garnered widespread praise from critics, with Variety and Rotten Tomatoes highlighting the film’s originality and her compelling portrayal of Mia. The film’s focus on psychological depth, combined with Olsen’s nuanced performance, underscores her desire to step away from the larger-than-life characters she’s known for and embrace more intimate, thought-provoking roles.

A Personal Artistic Journey

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Olsen spoke candidly about the importance of diversifying her portfolio beyond Marvel. Reflecting on her decade-long MCU involvement, she admitted, “I didn’t realize this until about six years ago, but because Marvel and its influence takes up so much physical time and space in the world, it’s really important for me to make choices outside of Marvel that reflect my own taste.” Her decision to focus on non-Marvel roles, including The Assessment, is a deliberate attempt to explore her artistic identity beyond the constraints of her superhero persona.

Olsen emphasized that an actor’s choices are crucial in defining their identity, stating, “The choices you make in your movies reflect your taste, and that does create the artist that you are.” This insight into her creative journey highlights the significance of her non-Marvel projects, which allow her to challenge herself in new genres and roles.

Embracing Genre Diversity

Olsen’s desire to push her boundaries as an actress is evident in her upcoming projects. In an interview with Collider, she revealed her preference for stories that “play by their own rules,” a sentiment that aligns with her involvement in unconventional films like The Assessment. Her willingness to explore genres beyond the MCU, such as romantic comedy in Eternity and thriller in Panic Carefully, reflects her commitment to diversifying her craft.

For Olsen, this genre-hopping is more than just a break from the MCU; it’s a strategic move to explore different facets of her acting abilities. After more than 10 years portraying Wanda, Olsen’s focus on non-Marvel projects speaks to her desire for growth and new challenges in her career.

A Strategic Pivot: MCU Departure and Future Focus

A key turning point in Olsen’s career came when she confirmed that she would not be appearing in the upcoming Avengers films, Doomsday and Secret Wars, set for release in 2026. The decision to step away from these major Marvel projects is largely due to scheduling conflicts with her FX pilot, Seven Sisters. This marks a significant pivot away from the MCU and further emphasizes Olsen’s commitment to pursuing projects that reflect her artistic evolution.

As she continues to explore roles in independent films and diverse genres, Olsen’s departure from the MCU symbolizes a conscious shift in priorities. Rather than continue to be defined by her iconic role as the Scarlet Witch, Olsen is focused on shaping a career that reflects her true interests and creative aspirations.

Looking Ahead

With The Assessment marking a milestone in her career, Olsen’s future is filled with exciting new possibilities. As she navigates away from the Marvel universe, she is carving out a space for herself as a versatile actress with a keen eye for unique, boundary-pushing roles. Her focus on non-Marvel projects, including The Assessment and future endeavors, signals the next chapter in her career—a chapter where artistic integrity and personal taste take center stage.

As Elizabeth Olsen continues to evolve as an actress, it’s clear that her post-MCU career will be defined by bold choices, creative exploration, and a commitment to roles that challenge both her and her audiences.