You Won’t Believe Who Almost Became Scarlet Witch Before Elizabeth Olsen Took Over!

Elizabeth Olsen’s portrayal of Wanda Maximoff, also known as Scarlet Witch, has become one of the defining performances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). From Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) to the groundbreaking Disney+ series WandaVision (2021), and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), Olsen’s nuanced take on the complex character earned her critical acclaim, including Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. But before Olsen donned the Scarlet Witch mantle, the role was nearly given to another actress—one whose involvement might have changed the trajectory of the MCU.

Casting Contenders: Who Almost Wore the Cloak?

The casting process for Scarlet Witch was notably competitive, with several actresses considered before Elizabeth Olsen’s breakthrough. Among them, Saoirse Ronan stands out as the primary alternative. Director Joss Whedon reportedly used Ronan as the “prototype” for Scarlet Witch—her appearance and acting style served as a blueprint during the character’s development. Although Ronan was deeply connected to the role conceptually, she did not ultimately join the MCU, likely due to scheduling conflicts or other commitments common in major franchises.

Another surprising contender was Lindsay Lohan, the former child star famous for Disney hits like The Parent Trap and Mean Girls. In her 2014 docuseries Lindsay on the Oprah Winfrey Network, Lohan mentioned auditioning for an Avengers role—widely believed to be Scarlet Witch—though she never explicitly named the character. Given her Disney background and timing, she seemed a logical choice. However, personal struggles and career turbulence at the time may have affected her chances.

A lesser-known name in the running was Sasha Pieterse, best known for her role in Pretty Little Liars. While she was briefly considered, she did not advance far in the casting process, suggesting she was not a frontrunner.

Why Elizabeth Olsen Was the Perfect Fit

While Ronan was the initial muse and Lohan a notable candidate, Elizabeth Olsen’s commitment and ability to delve deep into Wanda’s emotional complexity ultimately secured her the role. Her portrayal in WandaVision transformed Scarlet Witch from a secondary hero to a richly layered protagonist, gaining praise for bringing vulnerability and strength to the character.

What If?

The near-casting of Ronan and Lohan invites intriguing “what if” speculation. How might the MCU have evolved with Ronan’s or Lohan’s interpretation of Wanda? Would the narrative have taken different turns? Hollywood casting decisions often balance availability, chemistry, and studio strategy, and the choice of Olsen reflects the MCU’s focus on long-term franchise development.

Conclusion

Though multiple actresses were in the running, it was Saoirse Ronan who came closest to playing Scarlet Witch before Elizabeth Olsen emerged as the definitive Wanda Maximoff. Lindsay Lohan’s audition adds an unexpected twist to the story behind one of the MCU’s most compelling characters. This casting saga underscores the complexities behind Hollywood’s star-making machinery and reminds us that behind every iconic role lies a trail of near-misses and alternative possibilities.