Elizabeth Olsen’s Most Cherished Role—You Won’t Believe Which Character Holds Her Heart

Elizabeth Olsen, renowned for her remarkable versatility in film and television, has captivated audiences with her portrayal of Wanda Maximoff, also known as Scarlet Witch, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While her career boasts a variety of diverse roles, it is her performance in WandaVision (2021) that stands out as the one she cherishes most. Through critical acclaim, personal reflections, and the profound impact the series had on her career, it becomes clear that this role holds a special place in Olsen’s heart.

Early Career and Breakthrough Roles

Olsen’s acting journey began at a young age, with early exposure to the craft alongside her sisters, Mary-Kate and Ashley. However, it was her breakout role in Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011), where she portrayed a woman escaping a dangerous cult, that cemented her as a talent to watch. This performance earned her widespread praise and several nominations, including a BAFTA Rising Star Award nomination. Olsen’s career trajectory continued to build momentum with standout roles in films like Godzilla (2014), Wind River (2017), and Ingrid Goes West (2017). Yet, it was her entrance into the MCU that truly propelled her into the spotlight, beginning with Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014).

Wanda Maximoff: A Character Like No Other

Wanda Maximoff, first introduced in the MCU in 2014, became a pivotal character in several blockbuster films, including Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Civil War (2016), Infinity War (2018), Endgame (2019), and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022). However, it was in the Disney+ series WandaVision that Olsen’s portrayal of Wanda reached new heights. The series, a blend of classic sitcoms and superhero drama, explored Wanda’s grief, her immense power, and her journey of healing, all while providing a fresh and creative platform for Olsen to showcase her range.

The role marked a turning point in Olsen’s career, earning her nominations for both a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. In interviews, she reflected on her experience filming WandaVision as “damn fun,” relishing the opportunity to embrace the campiness of sitcom tropes while still keeping Wanda’s emotional depth intact. This balance of playful nostalgia and raw emotional sincerity was unlike any other role she had previously taken on, and it left a lasting impact on her career.

Evidence of Olsen’s Connection to WandaVision

Several key factors suggest that WandaVision is the role Olsen cherishes most:

1. Critical Acclaim and Awards: The series’ critical success, with Olsen earning significant recognition, was a career milestone. In a 2023 interview, Olsen expressed pride in the work done on the show, stating, “I’m really proud of what we were able to do.” Her glowing remarks reflect the personal satisfaction she derives from this particular project.

2. Personal Attachment: In a 2024 interview, Olsen shared her deep connection to the character, saying, “It’s a character that I love going back to when there’s a way to use her well.” This statement underscores her affection for Wanda and her willingness to revisit the role whenever it aligns with meaningful storytelling.

3. Career Significance: WandaVision marked Olsen’s first major television role, a departure from the fast-paced, action-heavy MCU films. She described the experience as a period of personal growth, admitting that the show required her to “reorganize how I worked,” highlighting the transformative nature of the role for her.

4. Willingness to Return: Despite mentioning in 2023 that she no longer misses playing Scarlet Witch after nearly a decade, Olsen’s readiness to voice Wanda in upcoming projects like Marvel Zombies (2023) speaks to the lasting importance of the character in her career.

Comparison to Other Notable Roles

While Olsen has certainly taken on a variety of impactful roles, none seem to resonate as deeply as Wanda Maximoff. Her breakout role in Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011) remains significant in her early career but lacks the ongoing career-defining impact of her MCU work. Other roles, such as her portrayal in Wind River (2017) and Ingrid Goes West (2017), were well-received but didn’t carry the same personal or professional weight as WandaVision. In fact, Olsen has rarely singled out these projects in interviews as roles she feels particularly attached to, further reinforcing the unique bond she shares with Wanda Maximoff.

Public Statements and Interviews

Throughout numerous interviews, Olsen has expressed how WandaVision transformed her career. In a 2025 Harper’s Bazaar interview, she noted that while roles like Martha Marcy May Marlene and her MCU work were career-changing, WandaVision was especially transformative due to its creative freedom and the opportunity to bring new dimensions to her character. This aligns with her earlier comments about roles that reflect her taste, suggesting that WandaVision is the project that best suits her artistic aspirations.

Conclusion: A Cherished Role in Every Sense

While Elizabeth Olsen has not explicitly stated that WandaVision is her favorite role, the evidence strongly suggests that it holds a special place in her heart. The critical acclaim, her personal attachment to the character, and the significance of the project in her career all point to the conclusion that Wanda Maximoff is the role Olsen cherishes most. The emotional depth she brought to the character, combined with the series’ innovative storytelling, marked a defining chapter in Olsen’s career and solidified Wanda Maximoff as one of the most beloved characters in the MCU.