Elizabeth Olsen Deserves Better: The MCU Has Wasted Her Potential!

A Star with Unmatched Talent, Overshadowed by the MCU Machine

Since her debut in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Elizabeth Olsen has captivated audiences with her mesmerizing portrayal of Wanda Maximoff, also known as the Scarlet Witch. With an undeniable depth of emotion, commanding screen presence, and the ability to turn any scene into an unforgettable moment, Olsen quickly became one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) most beloved stars. But despite her immense talent, the franchise has consistently failed to give her character the respect and attention it deserves.

While other heroes have been given sprawling character arcs and dedicated trilogies, Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch has been relegated to the sidelines, often serving as a plot device rather than a fully realized protagonist. The MCU’s failure to maximize her potential is not only frustrating but also a tragic waste of one of the most powerful characters in Marvel Comics history.

Wanda Maximoff: A Story Rushed and Underdeveloped

From the moment Elizabeth Olsen stepped into the MCU, she brought a level of emotional complexity that few other actors could match. Wanda’s tragic backstory—losing her parents, her brother, and later, the love of her life—provided fertile ground for one of the most compelling character arcs in the entire franchise. Yet, instead of allowing her to grow organically, the MCU rushed through her evolution, never fully exploring her grief, trauma, or the sheer magnitude of her power.

Take, for example, Avengers: Infinity War. Wanda played a critical role in the battle against Thanos, yet she was largely confined to being Vision’s emotional anchor rather than an independent force in her own right. By the time Avengers: Endgame arrived, she was barely given any screen time, despite being one of the few characters powerful enough to truly challenge Thanos.

The release of WandaVision seemed like a turning point. For the first time, Elizabeth Olsen was given the spotlight she deserved, and she delivered a breathtaking performance that showcased her range like never before. The series was an emotional rollercoaster, exploring Wanda’s grief in a way that was raw, human, and deeply compelling. Yet, just as fans thought the MCU was finally giving Scarlet Witch the depth she deserved, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness erased much of that progress, reducing her to a one-dimensional villain with little nuance.

The Multiverse of Missed Opportunities

The MCU has consistently set up Scarlet Witch as one of the most powerful beings in its universe—arguably even stronger than Doctor Strange himself. So why has she never been given the solo film treatment? Other Marvel heroes, including lesser-known characters, have received dedicated trilogies, yet Wanda remains confined to supporting roles and television spin-offs.

In the comics, Scarlet Witch is an omega-level mutant, capable of altering reality itself. Her storylines in House of M and The Children’s Crusade rank among the most compelling in Marvel history, offering a goldmine of potential for cinematic adaptation. Yet, rather than delving into these rich narratives, the MCU chose to pigeonhole her as a tragic figure who is defined solely by her loss and pain.

The greatest disappointment came with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Instead of expanding on the emotional depth and growth she experienced in WandaVision, the film turned her into a one-note antagonist whose motivations felt rushed and underdeveloped. Elizabeth Olsen did her best with the material given, delivering another stellar performance, but even she couldn’t fully salvage a script that did little justice to her character’s complexity.

How Wanda Compares to Other MCU Heroes

The MCU has given solo movies and extensive development to characters who, arguably, have less narrative potential than Scarlet Witch. Black Widow, for instance, received a solo film long after her character arc had essentially ended in the mainline franchise. Meanwhile, Doctor Strange, despite being positioned as one of the most powerful sorcerers in the MCU, has had two films exploring his growth and evolution.

Even supporting characters like Ant-Man and Captain Marvel have been granted multi-film arcs, while Wanda—who possesses abilities far beyond most of her peers—remains stuck in a cycle of loss, grief, and tragedy without meaningful resolution. The lack of a dedicated Scarlet Witch film not only undermines her significance but also robs fans of what could be one of the most visually stunning and emotionally rich stories in the entire franchise.

What a Solo Scarlet Witch Movie Could Look Like

If Marvel Studios were to finally give Elizabeth Olsen the solo film she deserves, there are countless directions they could take her story. A House of M adaptation could explore Wanda’s struggle to control her reality-warping powers, leading to a crisis that challenges the very fabric of the MCU. Alternatively, The Children’s Crusade could introduce her long-lost children, Wiccan and Speed, setting the stage for a powerful redemption arc.

Another compelling storyline could focus on Wanda’s search for her true origins. In the comics, she is a mutant, a fact that the MCU has yet to officially address. A solo film could serve as the bridge between the current universe and the long-anticipated introduction of mutants into the MCU. Such a film would not only satisfy fans who have long demanded more Wanda content but also provide Marvel with a seamless way to integrate the X-Men into the larger franchise.

The Future of Scarlet Witch: Will Marvel Finally Deliver?

With Wanda’s fate left uncertain after Multiverse of Madness, fans are left wondering: Will the MCU finally do justice to Elizabeth Olsen’s immense talent, or has her journey come to an abrupt and unsatisfying end?

Rumors have swirled about a potential solo Scarlet Witch movie, and Olsen herself has expressed interest in returning—if the story is right. But given the MCU’s track record of sidelining her character, there’s no guarantee that she will be given the depth, agency, and screen time she truly deserves.

It’s time for Marvel Studios to recognize what they have in Elizabeth Olsen. She is more than just a supporting character. She is more than just a tragic figure. She is an actress of incredible talent, portraying a character with limitless potential. If the MCU fails to give her the storyline she deserves, it won’t just be a missed opportunity—it will be one of the greatest injustices in superhero cinema.

Fans are ready. Elizabeth Olsen is ready. The question is—will Marvel finally deliver?

What do you think? Should Scarlet Witch get her own solo film? Let us know in the comments!