Why Elizabeth Olsen Loves ‘Idle People Watching’ and How It Reflects Her Fascinating Views on Death

Elizabeth Olsen, best known for her portrayal of Wanda Maximoff, a.k.a. Scarlet Witch, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has established herself as a prominent figure in blockbuster films such as Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), and the Disney+ miniseries WandaVision (2021). Despite the immense fame and success that the MCU has brought her, Olsen has always maintained a strong preference for indie films, where she feels her personal artistic taste is better reflected.

In a recent interview with Rachel Martin on NPR’s Wild Card on April 3, 2025, Olsen discussed her evolving career, her fascination with death, and the simple joy of people-watching. The conversation explored deeper aspects of her personal life and artistic choices, revealing a side of Olsen that contrasts with her larger-than-life roles in the MCU.

Indie Film Portfolio: A Glimpse into Olsen’s True Artistic Passion

While Marvel fans know Olsen for her iconic role as the Scarlet Witch, her indie film career showcases the full extent of her acting range. In His Three Daughters (2023), a family drama directed by Azazel Jacobs, Olsen portrays Christina, a free-spirited mother who is separated from her children for the first time. The film revolves around the emotional complexities of family dynamics during the final days of their father’s life. The narrative explores how three sisters—Christina, played by Olsen, Katie (Carrie Coon), and Rachel (Natasha Lyonne)—navigate grief, familial wounds, and the complexities of love amidst the looming presence of death. Olsen’s portrayal of Christina captures the tension between love and resentment, embodying the bittersweet nature of family relationships.

In The Assessment (2024), a sci-fi thriller directed by Fleur Fortuné, Olsen steps into the role of Mia, a woman in a near-future world where reproduction is government-controlled. In a society where resources are scarce, Mia and her partner Aaryan (Himesh Patel) undergo a psychological evaluation for their suitability as parents, conducted by the cold and calculating Virginia (Alicia Vikander). As the evaluation progresses, their lives descend into a psychological nightmare. Olsen’s performance in The Assessment adds to her growing reputation for choosing complex, thought-provoking roles, moving beyond the conventional boundaries of traditional blockbusters.

Personal Reflections: A Fascination with Death and Joy in Idleness

In her NPR interview, Olsen opened up about her deep philosophical thoughts, particularly her conflicting feelings toward death. While she admits to being “terrified of dying,” she also finds herself strangely fascinated by the concept of death. This duality—fear paired with fascination—reflects Olsen’s introspective nature and adds complexity to her public persona. It also seems to inform her choice of roles, particularly in her indie work, where themes of mortality and human vulnerability often take center stage.

Olsen also shared a more lighthearted reflection on the joy she finds in “idle people watching.” This simple pleasure, which contrasts sharply with the high-energy, high-profile demands of her acting career, offers a glimpse into Olsen’s appreciation for the quieter, less hectic moments in life. Her ability to find joy in these small, everyday experiences underscores her down-to-earth nature and provides a refreshing contrast to the public’s image of her as an action-packed superhero.

Career Beginnings and Influences

Olsen’s career in acting began at a young age, as she appeared alongside her sisters Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in various family projects. However, it was her breakthrough performance in Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011) that earned her widespread critical acclaim. The film showcased Olsen’s remarkable ability to tackle complex, emotionally charged roles and earned her a BAFTA Rising Star Award nomination. Since then, her indie film work in films like Liberal Arts (2012) and Wind River (2017) has continued to demonstrate her ability to convey deep emotional truths and explore characters on a more intimate, personal level.

Olsen has also spoken about how actress Diane Keaton has been a significant influence on her career, helping her to find her own identity within the world of film. Keaton’s ability to mix vulnerability with strength, as well as her diverse range of roles, has inspired Olsen to seek out projects that are more character-driven, allowing her to challenge herself as an actress while remaining true to her artistic vision.

Moving Beyond the Marvel Universe

While Olsen’s role in the MCU has undeniably brought her global recognition, her heart seems to lie in the more nuanced, character-driven storytelling of indie films. In her NPR interview, Olsen explained that her goal is to move beyond the validation that comes from blockbuster roles and to make choices that reflect her personal artistic tastes. She emphasized that her involvement in indie films allows her to explore more meaningful and complex roles, free from the constraints often imposed by big-budget productions.

As she continues to balance her work in both the MCU and indie films, Elizabeth Olsen remains an actress committed to her craft, unafraid to explore both the joys and the complexities of life, death, and everything in between. Whether she is playing a superhero or a psychologically tormented character in a sci-fi thriller, Olsen’s ability to bring depth and authenticity to her roles has solidified her place as one of Hollywood’s most talented and versatile actresses.