Did the Marvel Cinematic Universe hurt Elizabeth Olsen’s career? The star looks back on her time at Marvel Studios, and how it still impacts how people in the industry perceive her.
Elizabeth Olsen has had quite a career. While the actress had a rather healthy resume prior to her time in the MCU, it’s obviously picked up quite a bit following her time as Scarlet Witch. However, unlike most Marvel Studios stars who parlay their newfound films into action movies and blockbusters, Olsen has kept a rather low-key standing in the industry, focusing on leading roles in dramas and limited series projects.
One would imagine that the draw of having an MCU actor in the production would make landing these roles trivial. However, it seems that fact may not be as simple as the fiction fans like to wave. While speaking about her time at Marvel Studios, Elizabeth Olsen admitted that playing the Scarlet Witch does affect how people perceive her, especially as those films aren’t the type of art that she likes to consume in her free time.
“I think I haven’t always successfully made choices in my work that are aligned with my personal taste and that is something I feel like I’m still trying to prove when I meet people,” Olsen explained in a recent chat with NPR. “Especially if it’s a work type meeting and be able to express my personal taste in films and literature, and so I still think I have that to prove.”
Is Elizabeth Olsen Ashamed Of The MCU?
Fans of the MCU may bristle at these comments, especially given how prevalent it has been in the past few years for big-name stars to trash-talk the franchise. However, just because Elizabeth Olsen doesn’t enjoy Marvel Studios’ films doesn’t mean she regrets acting in them. In fact, it’s because she loves the character of Scarlet Witch so much that she feels she needs to be more picky when it comes to her role outside of the franchise.
“Because I have spent so many years doing Marvel that I feel like all the other jobs I have to do have to really reflect my personal taste because as much as I love being a part of this world – and I’m proud of what I’ve been able to do with the character – it’s not really the art that I consume. Which I have been very honest about.”
Now more than ever, the industry seems to be sheered between those who claim to create art and those who want to appeal to mass audiences. However, Elizabeth Olsen shows that the line is not as fine as many believe it is. For as much flak as Marvel Studios gets for its output, the MCU can mean just as much to a person who doesn’t enjoy it as it does to those who do. And that’s something everyone should keep in mind when considering discourse about the franchise.
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