Elizabeth Olsen has dropped a bombshell that’s left Marvel fans reeling: she won’t be reprising her iconic role as Scarlet Witch in the upcoming MCU blockbusters Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. The actress, synonymous with Wanda Maximoff since her 2014 debut, confirmed her absence in a recent interview, dashing hopes of seeing her in the Russo Brothers’ next big projects. With Olsen stepping away, what does this mean for the MCU’s future, and could Marvel still have a surprise up its sleeve? Let’s dive into the drama shaking up the multiverse.
Olsen Breaks the News: No Scarlet Witch in Sight
When asked if directors Joe and Anthony Russo would extend her London filming schedule to join Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars, Olsen was blunt: “No, I’ve come back to America.” She elaborated, “I just finished Panic Carefully, and now I’m moving on to shoot a pilot for FX called Seven Sisters.” Her candid response signals a clear break from the MCU—at least for now—leaving fans stunned after her decade-long run as Wanda Maximoff.
Olsen’s Scarlet Witch has been a cornerstone of the MCU since her cameo in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. She’s appeared in six films, with her most recent outing in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) ending in a dramatic sacrifice to destroy the Darkhold and Mount Wundagore. Her Emmy-nominated performance in WandaVision (2021) further cemented her as a fan favorite. But with Doomsday and Secret Wars on the horizon—two films poised to redefine the MCU—her absence feels like a seismic shift.
A New Chapter for Olsen
Olsen’s departure from Marvel aligns with her packed slate of non-MCU projects. Fresh off Panic Carefully, she’s diving into Seven Sisters, a pilot for FX that hints at a pivot to fresh creative pastures. After years of wielding chaos magic, it seems Olsen is ready to explore new roles beyond the red cape. But her exit raises questions: Is this truly the end for Scarlet Witch, or could Marvel’s secrecy masters be playing a longer game?
Marvel’s History of Misdirection
The MCU thrives on surprises, and Olsen’s statement doesn’t necessarily close the door entirely. Take Dafne Keen, for example. The Acolyte star recently admitted to fibbing about her role in Deadpool & Wolverine. “I had a blast keeping that secret,” Keen laughed, revealing she’d dodged questions in interviews before Marvel dropped a teaser confirming her return as Laura (X-23). She credited Andrew Garfield—infamous for denying his Spider-Man: No Way Home cameo—as her inspiration. “He’s the master of this,” she said.
Marvel’s track record of misdirection keeps hope alive for Scarlet Witch fans. Olsen could be pulling a Garfield, throwing fans off the scent to preserve a jaw-dropping twist. After all, Secret Wars promises a multiversal clash where variants—like a resurrected Wanda—could easily emerge. Yet, her firm “I’m done” vibe suggests this might not be a bluff.
What This Means for Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars
Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars are set to be MCU juggernauts, tackling Doctor Doom and a sprawling multiverse saga. Wanda’s chaos magic and emotional depth made her a prime candidate to face such cosmic stakes, especially after her Multiverse of Madness arc. Without her, the Russo Brothers may lean harder on heavyweights like Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) or new players like Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds). Olsen’s absence could shift the narrative focus, leaving fans wondering who’ll fill the void.
Her exit also fuels speculation about Scarlet Witch’s fate. Did her Multiverse of Madness sacrifice stick, or will Marvel find a way to bring her back later? The MCU’s multiverse logic means no death is final, but Olsen’s current stance suggests fans shouldn’t hold their breath for these two films.
Fans Left Hanging—For Now
Elizabeth Olsen’s MCU journey has been a rollercoaster, from Sokovian orphan to all-powerful Scarlet Witch. Her confirmed absence from Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars marks a turning point, both for her career and the franchise. While she dives into new projects, Marvel fans are left grappling with a Wanda-less future—at least until 2026 or 2027, when these films hit screens. Will Olsen return someday, or is this truly goodbye? In the MCU, nothing’s certain until the credits roll. Stay tuned—this saga’s far from over.