Elizabeth Olsen on Her MCU Future: “I Hope to Return, But They Don’t Tell Me Anything”
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Elizabeth Olsen’s portrayal of Wanda Maximoff, aka Scarlet Witch, has become one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most compelling journeys—from her debut in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) to starring in the Emmy-winning WandaVision (2021) and her latest appearance in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022). Yet as of mid-2025, Olsen’s future with Marvel remains uncertain, marked by candid remarks about the franchise’s famed secrecy and her own hopes for a return.
A Decade as Wanda: Success and Reflection
Over nearly a decade, Olsen has brought depth and nuance to Wanda Maximoff, appearing in six MCU films and headlining WandaVision, which redefined superhero storytelling on Disney+. However, in a 2023 Variety interview, Olsen hinted at mixed feelings: “I think it’s been almost 10 years of playing her. And I’ve loved it. But I’m really proud of what we were able to do,” suggesting a possible break from the character.
Confirmed Absence from Upcoming Avengers Films
The speculation was partly confirmed in early 2025 when Olsen announced she would not appear in the forthcoming Avengers: Doomsday (2026) or Avengers: Secret Wars (2027). Multiple outlets, including Entertainment Weekly, reported her decision, highlighting a current pause in her MCU involvement.
Marvel’s Secrecy and Hints of Wanda’s Future
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has hinted that Wanda’s story may not be finished, especially given the recent Agatha: Coven of Chaos series, which further explores the mystical corners of the MCU tied to Wanda’s legacy. Still, no official announcements have confirmed Olsen’s return or new projects centered on her character.
This uncertainty is not unusual in the MCU. Past denials by actors like Dafne Keen and Andrew Garfield—who later appeared in Deadpool & Wolverine and Spider-Man: No Way Home, respectively—underscore the franchise’s penchant for surprise reveals. Olsen herself has acknowledged this secrecy, telling The Tonight Show in 2022, “They don’t tell me anything,” reflecting a typical lack of insider knowledge even among lead actors.
What Lies Ahead?
While Olsen’s statements suggest a current hiatus, her expressed hope to reprise Wanda remains a possibility. The MCU’s history of evolving storylines and unexpected returns means fans shouldn’t count her out entirely.
For now, Elizabeth Olsen navigates the delicate balance between honoring an iconic role and exploring new creative paths—her future in the MCU shrouded as much in mystery as the multiverse itself.
