Elizabeth Olsen, known to Marvel fans worldwide as Wanda Maximoff, has officially thrown cold water on speculation about her return to the franchise’s next major blockbusters. After nearly a decade in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Scarlet Witch appears to be stepping away — at least for now.
No Scarlet Witch in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ or ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’
Olsen recently confirmed she won’t appear in the upcoming Avengers sequels, Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), which are set to film back-to-back in London.
When asked by The Hollywood Reporter whether she’d extend her stay in the UK for the projects, the 36-year-old actress gave a surprisingly straightforward answer. “No, I’m back [in the States]. I just finished [Panic Carefully]. I’m moving on to filming a pilot for FX [called Seven Sisters],” she said.
This news puts a halt to fan theories that her character — last seen in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness — would rise from the rubble to join the Avengers once more. Wanda’s fate was left deliberately ambiguous after the 2022 film, fueling hopes for a comeback.
A Decade as the Scarlet Witch
Olsen’s Marvel journey began with a brief but memorable appearance in 2014’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier. She quickly became a fan favorite, evolving from a cautious Sokovian twin to one of the most powerful — and tragic — figures in the franchise.
Her portrayal of Wanda Maximoff reached new heights in 2021’s WandaVision, Marvel’s first foray into prestige television. The series garnered critical acclaim and secured Olsen an Emmy nomination for her layered performance.
Over the course of six films and one series, Wanda went from villain to Avenger to, ultimately, a grieving mother clinging to a false reality. Her arc concluded (for now) with Multiverse of Madness, where she seemingly sacrificed herself to destroy the corrupted Darkhold.
But as comic book fans know — nobody stays dead forever.
What’s Next for Olsen?
With Marvel in her rearview mirror (for now), Olsen isn’t slowing down. She just wrapped filming Panic Carefully, an indie drama, and is moving on to FX’s new thriller series Seven Sisters.
While Marvel fans may be disappointed, this shift could mark an exciting new phase in Olsen’s career. Known for her powerful performances in indie hits like Martha Marcy May Marlene, the actress seems keen to explore more grounded, complex roles outside the superhero spotlight.
Still, the door isn’t entirely shut on Wanda Maximoff. In a previous interview with Variety, Olsen admitted she’s protective of the character and open to returning — if the right story emerges.
“I’m proud of what we built with Wanda,” she said. “If they want me back, I’d want to make sure it’s something meaningful, not just a cameo.”
What This Means for the MCU
Olsen’s absence leaves a significant gap in the upcoming Avengers saga. The Scarlet Witch was poised to be one of the MCU’s most powerful forces — potentially a key player in the Secret Wars storyline, which traditionally involves multiverse-shattering events.
Marvel, however, is no stranger to reshuffling plans. With the introduction of characters like Kang the Conqueror, the Fantastic Four, and X-Men on the horizon, the franchise is clearly evolving.
The real question is: can the MCU maintain its momentum without one of its most compelling — and complex — heroes?
For now, fans will have to wait and see. But in a universe filled with time travel, alternate realities, and magic, Wanda Maximoff may not be gone for good.
