Elizabeth Olsen's path to Marvel stardom was anything but conventional. As a young acting student at New York University, she found herself in the understudy role for the Broadway play "Impressionism," alongside Jeremy Irons. However, the 56 performances went by, and Olsen never stepped onto the stage.
Her patient approach to fame continued as she entered the Marvel universe, initially portraying Wanda Maximoff, the reality-bending witch, in supporting roles. Despite being part of the ensemble in three Marvel films, Olsen remained a pivotal yet secondary character. That is until the unexpected phenomenon of "WandaVision" catapulted her into the spotlight. Now, with "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness," where she takes the lead alongside Benedict Cumberbatch, Olsen finds herself at the forefront of a blockbuster.
In a recent interview, Olsen expressed her genuine surprise and embarrassment at this shift in her career trajectory. Accustomed to independent cinema, she likened her experience to turning a comic book page and finding a massive panel dedicated solely to her character. With the success of "Doctor Strange," grossing $185 million in its opening weekend, Olsen faces the unique pressure of leading a commercial film alone, a new challenge in her already diverse career.
During the global press tour for "Doctor Strange," Olsen, despite battling sickness, remained easy-going and personable. She reflected on the intense schedule, which included shooting three major projects back-to-back: "WandaVision," "Doctor Strange," and the HBO limited series "Love and Death."
Navigating the intricate connection between "WandaVision" and "Doctor Strange," Olsen took on the responsibility of bridging the gap between the two projects. In "WandaVision," her character copes with loss by creating an alternate reality, while "Doctor Strange" explores a darker side as Wanda grapples with demonic forces.
Olsen's portrayal of Wanda's complex emotions received acclaim, with critics noting her ability to convey sadness and regret even amidst destructive powers. Despite her success in the superhero realm, Olsen remains candid about her original career aspirations, acknowledging that the physical demands of Marvel projects redirected her from roles aligned with her initial preferences.
As she continues to navigate the Marvel universe, Olsen's journey from Broadway understudy to Marvel leading lady showcases her versatility and commitment to bringing depth to her characters, even in the realm of superheroes.
