Noted Hollywood actor Elizabeth Olsen is drawing a line when it comes to signing on for studio films. She has made it clear that she will no longer take on projects from major studios that don't guarantee a theatrical release.
Known for her indie film roots, starting with Martha Marcy May Marlene in 2011, Olsen is open to working on films that sell directly to streaming platforms, reports Variety. However, her preference remains for films that get a theatrical release.
In an interview with InStyle magazine, she explained, “If a film is made independently and then sold to a streamer, that’s fine. But I don’t want to work on a project where streaming is the only option. It’s important for people to come together as a community, to experience something in a shared space.”
She went on to add, “That’s why I love sports. There’s something powerful about people gathering for something they’re passionate about. We don’t even audition in person anymore."
Since her last outing as the Scarlet Witch in the Marvel Cinematic Universe courtesy of 2022’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Olsen has made only indie movies such as 2023’s His Three Daughters, 2024’s The Assessment and the upcoming A24 romantic comedy Eternity. Only 'His Three Daughters' was backed by a streamer (in this case Netflix), although it was given an awards-qualifying theatrical release in select theaters.
Elizabeth Olsen certainly knows how to bring millions together in movie theaters, having portrayed Scarlet Witch in the MCU since her first appearance in the post-credits scene of Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014).
Reflecting on her MCU experience, Olsen described the films as "fun, goofy, and ridiculous", comparing it to a group of grown-ups playing on a playground. “We’re flying, shooting things out of our hands, and it's a character I’ve had the privilege of returning to multiple times over more than a decade. It’s nice to set her down, and then I miss her and want to return. I'd jump at the chance to play her again,” she shared.
On the appeal of the MCU, Olsen spoke about the unique sense of community: “The consistency of a community and a job like that is rare. The intense camera work, stunts, special effects, and visual effects are happening right in front of you.”
She went on to highlight the immense coordination involved, saying, “It’s a massive effort, with hundreds of people working together towards a single goal. The visual effects team are true artists. The whole process feels meaningful, and it’s fulfilling to be part of it. Everyone cares about delivering great performances.”
