Elizabeth Olsen Expresses Frustration with MCU Contract, Regrets Turning Down Oscar-Nominated Roles

In a parallel universe, Elizabeth Olsen could have been the star of Yorgos Lanthimos' critically acclaimed film “The Lobster.”

However, due to her commitment to Marvel, the actress had to let go of this opportunity.

Olsen, known for her portrayal of Wanda Maximoff, also known as the Scarlet Witch, in various MCU films since 2014, reflects on the alternate paths her career could have taken, including Lanthimos' Oscar-nominated project.

Opening up to The New York Times, Olsen expressed her frustration about being tied down by a Marvel contract.

She explained, “I started to feel frustrated.

I had this job security, but I was losing out on roles that felt more connected to my essence.

The further I distanced myself from those opportunities, the less I was considered for them.”

During the 2015 American Film Festival, Olsen referred to missing out on “The Lobster” as a “heartbreak.”

She revealed that she was unable to pursue the role due to her contractual obligations to Marvel.

She said, “I was in a contract [for Marvel] I could not get out of.

So that didn't work out.”

Olsen first burst onto the scene in 2011 with two back-to-back premieres at the Sundance Film Festival: “Silent House” and “Martha Marcy May Marlene.”

Her talent quickly made her an indie favorite, leading to roles in films like “Ingrid Goes West” and “Wind River,” while simultaneously becoming more involved in the Marvel universe.

Speaking to the NYT, Olsen confessed that her MCU commitments limited her ability to explore other projects aligned with her personal preferences.

She said, “It prevented me from taking on certain jobs that I believed were more in line with my interests as an audience member.

I'm being completely honest here.”

However, after fulfilling her three-film Marvel contract with “Avengers: Infinity War,” Olsen made the decision to join the Disney+ series “WandaVision.”

Explaining her choice, she emphasized the importance of having the power to choose.

According to Olsen, the series offered a new sense of “freedom” within the MCU.

She added, “We felt like what we were doing was so unconventional, and we weren't sure if there would be an audience for it.

But that lack of pressure and fear made it a truly enriching experience.”

Looking ahead, following her appearance in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” which leaves Wanda's fate uncertain once again, Olsen is considering the possibility of a standalone film.

“I think I would,” she stated, “but it has to be based on a compelling story.

These films work best when they have a strong perspective, rather than just being about churning out content or sticking to a predetermined trilogy.”

Previously, Olsen defended Marvel's style of storytelling in an interview with The Independent.

She expressed her concern that criticizing Marvel overlooks the hundreds of incredibly talented crew members involved.

Olsen said, “I understand that there's a different kind of performance happening, but I don't appreciate putting