Hollywood star Elizabeth Olsen is making her stance on the future of filmmaking loud and clear — she’s done signing onto projects that skip the big screen. In an era dominated by streaming platforms, Olsen is championing the power of theatrical releases and the shared experience of cinema.
In a recent interview, the WandaVision and Doctor Strange actress revealed that she now only wants to act in movies that are guaranteed to release in theaters, rather than go directly to streaming platforms. Her comments reflect a growing sentiment among actors and filmmakers who believe that the magic of movies lies in collective viewing — not on living room screens.
Olsen’s Strong Stand for Theatrical Cinema
Elizabeth Olsen shared that she’s fine working on independent films that might eventually sell to streaming platforms, but she doesn’t want streaming to be the final destination for her projects.
“If a movie is made independently and only sells to a streamer, then fine,” Olsen explained. “But I don’t want to make something where streaming is the end-all. I think it’s important for people to gather as a community, to see other humans, to be together in a space.”
The actress went on to compare the cinematic experience to sports — both serve as opportunities for people to connect and share in moments of excitement.
“That’s why I like sports,” she added. “It’s powerful for people to come together for something they’re excited about. We don’t even audition in person anymore — and that sense of togetherness is getting lost.”
Her comments resonate deeply at a time when many studios have prioritized digital releases over traditional moviegoing experiences. Olsen’s position highlights a larger conversation about the future of storytelling and the importance of human connection through art.
From Indie Beginnings to Global Stardom
Before joining one of the world’s biggest movie franchises, Elizabeth Olsen first made her mark in independent cinema. Her breakout performance came in the 2011 psychological drama Martha Marcy May Marlene, where she played a young woman escaping from a cult.
The role earned her critical acclaim and established her as a serious, emotionally grounded performer. That indie spirit continues to influence her choices even now, as she prioritizes meaningful storytelling over box-office spectacle.
Still, it was her turn as Wanda Maximoff, also known as the Scarlet Witch, that catapulted her into worldwide fame. Olsen joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) and went on to appear in multiple blockbuster films, including Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Streaming Success and Its Limitations
While Olsen’s most recognizable work has been on the big screen, she has also found major success in the streaming world. Her acclaimed Disney+ series WandaVision became a pop culture phenomenon in 2021, blending sitcom nostalgia with superhero drama. The show not only expanded her character’s emotional depth but also earned multiple Emmy nominations.
Olsen later starred in HBO Max’s Love & Death, a true-crime miniseries based on real events, and Facebook Watch’s Sorry for Your Loss, in which she portrayed a grieving widow navigating love and loss.
Despite her successful ventures in streaming, Olsen feels the experience of making and watching movies in theaters cannot be replicated. For her, it’s not just about the final product — it’s about the creative energy that comes from communal participation.
Reflecting on Her Time in the Marvel Universe
Olsen has often expressed gratitude for her time in the MCU and her love for the character of Wanda Maximoff. Reflecting on her Marvel journey, she described making those films as a joyful, almost childlike experience.
“Making the films is fun — goofy, even,” Olsen shared. “We’re grown people acting like children on a playground. We’re flying, shooting things out of our hands. And it’s a character I’ve been able to return to for over 10 years. It’s good to put her down for a while, but then I miss her and want her back.”
She also emphasized how fulfilling it is to work within such a large creative community.
“It’s the consistency of a community and a job, which is hard to find,” she said. “There are hundreds of people on set, from stunt coordinators to visual effects artists. Everyone’s working toward one goal, and that’s a powerful thing to be a part of. The people doing the visual effects are artists — their work has soul and spirit.”
Her appreciation for the MCU’s craftsmanship shows her deep respect for collaboration and artistry — values she associates with the best of both theatrical and studio filmmaking.
Would She Return as Scarlet Witch?
Although Olsen doesn’t currently have another Marvel project lined up, she hasn’t ruled out a return. In a recent interview, she admitted she would happily step back into Wanda’s shoes if the right story came along.
“It’s a character I love going back to when there’s a way to use her well,” she explained. “I think I’ve been lucky that when I started, I was used well within Age of Ultron, and they were able to utilize the character in interesting ways with WandaVision. So if there’s a good way to use her, I’m always happy to come back.”
Fans of the Scarlet Witch have been eager to see her return since Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which left her fate uncertain. Olsen’s openness to reprising the role has sparked speculation about where Wanda might appear next in the MCU’s expanding multiverse.
What’s Next for Elizabeth Olsen
Outside of Marvel, Olsen is taking on a variety of creative projects — and her next one sounds especially intriguing. She stars in A24’s upcoming film Eternity, a fantasy romantic comedy set in the afterlife.
The story follows the recently deceased as they navigate a celestial realm where they have one week to choose who they’ll spend all of eternity with. Olsen stars opposite Miles Teller and Callum Turner, and the film is already generating buzz for its blend of humor, emotion, and surreal world-building.
Given Olsen’s newfound commitment to theatrical storytelling, Eternity is expected to receive a full theatrical release, aligning perfectly with her creative values.
Olsen’s Message to the Industry
Elizabeth Olsen’s comments reflect a broader shift among filmmakers who are re-emphasizing the value of theaters in a post-pandemic world. While streaming has made entertainment more accessible than ever, Olsen believes the collective experience of moviegoing — the laughter, the tension, the silence before a dramatic moment — is irreplaceable.
In standing up for traditional cinema, Olsen joins a growing list of artists who want to preserve the essence of storytelling as a communal art form rather than a solitary pastime.