Elizabeth Olsen
That’s what she loves about her Marvel role, Wanda
Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff (right).
© ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved. / Disney/Hanna Boussouar
“Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness” opens in cinemas. Elizabeth Olsen talks about the special features of her role as Wanda.
With “Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness” (theatrical release: May 4th) the next Marvel adventure for the supreme magician Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch, 45) starts. With allies old and new, he traverses the dangerous alternate realities of the multiverse to face a mysterious new foe in the sequel to 2016’s Doctor Strange. The Disney+ series “WandaVision” has a direct influence on the film by Sam Raimi (62), which is why Elizabeth Olsen (33) as Wanda Maximoff becomes part of the “Doctor Strange” universe.
For the actress, it was only a short jump from series to film, as she reveals in an interview with the news agency spot on news. “I finished filming ‘WandaVision’ on a Wednesday, flew to London on Friday and started ‘Doctor Strange’ after the quarantine. I was happy to be able to take the experience with me, also because the series’ content is related to the Film connects.” But one thing is special about her role this time.
“At the beginning of the film, Wanda feels clarity and self-confidence for the first time,” says the actress. “In the MCU she’s struggled a lot with her own abilities and there’s been a lot of hype about what’s happened to the people in her life. Now she knows her purpose and her destiny.” Wanda’s sons also appear in the film. “Being a mother was all she ever wanted,” explains Olsen. “If she could choose a life, she would prefer to be at home and with her children.”
That’s what Elizabeth Olsen “loves” about her role
In terms of the look of her role, Olsen “likes the hair above all,” as she admits with a laugh. “I love the wig, even if it takes a few hours to get everything in place. The make-up was also a lot of fun. We were able to play with it a lot this time and tell a story. I’m very proud of this work with the team .”
Olsen also particularly appreciated the collaborative work with director Sam Raimi and screenwriter Michael Waldron. “From the first Zoom call it was clear they wanted my input. Michael is so talented and has also become a good friend over time. Going home after a shoot with a new friend is always something special.”
Another project with Benedict Cumberbatch?
Shooting with Benedict Cumberbatch was also “great,” enthuses Olsen. “I’m a huge fan of his work and was excited to be a part of his process as he approaches the character and story.” She was particularly impressed by his performance in “Power of the Dog”. “It was magical and poetic how he gave the viewer the opportunity to look inside this man.” Working together was easy as they both “approach things very similarly. I would love to work with him again, whether it’s on another Marvel movie or any other project.”
The fact that the MCU continues to grow with series, Avenger and solo films is also a challenge for the actors involved. “I’ve definitely lost track,” explains Olsen with a laugh. “I only know what I really need to know. But I admire all the fan theories about how everything is connected.”
Prior to the release of a Marvel film, strict secrecy applies – a fact that makes Olsen “nervous” before a promotional tour. “I’m really bad at keeping secrets and I don’t even notice when I’m spilling something.” Away from the cameras, she tells friends and family “everything because I know it would never end up on any website”. However, she makes an exception: “My older brother is a big Marvel fan, so of course I don’t want to spoil him and ruin his experience. I keep quiet about him.”