Scarlet Witch’s Shocking MCU Departure Confirmed

It’s been confirmed that Elizabeth Olsen won’t make an appearance in the upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday” film, ending fan speculation about Scarlet Witch’s possible comeback in the final chapter of the Multiverse Saga. In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Olsen shared that she’s back in the U.S. following her work on Sam Esmail’s “Panic Carefully” in London and is now focusing on a different project. This revelation is important for Marvel fans who have pondered Wanda Maximoff’s destiny since her apparent death in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” The alignment of production schedules and Olsen’s open statement about her current career plans suggest that Scarlet Witch won’t be part of the heroes battling Doctor Doom in the 2026 blockbuster, despite the character’s strong ties to the multiverse narrative that has been central to this phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Indeed, I’ve returned to the United States,” Olsen confirmed when asked about whether the Russo brothers were prolonging her time in London for Avengers filming. “I’ve recently wrapped up Panic Carefully. Next, I’ll be working on a pilot for FX titled Seven Sisters, sharing insights about my upcoming projects that lie beyond the Marvel Cinematic Universe,” she clarified. Olsen’s clear response contradicts popular fan speculations that Scarlet Witch might play a crucial role in the forthcoming Avengers films, given her character’s power to manipulate reality and her importance in the multiverse narrative as depicted in WandaVision and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

It’s quite unexpected that Scarlet Witch was absent from “Avengers: Doomsday,” given her significant role in exploring multiple realities within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The fate of the character following what seemed like a self-sacrifice at the end of “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” has been left intentionally vague. However, Jac Schaeffer, showrunner for “Agatha All Along,” mentioned that she was told to use the term “gone” instead of “dead” when discussing Wanda, hinting at Marvel’s openness to a possible future resurrection. During an interview in November 2024, Feige expressed eagerness about when and how Scarlet Witch might reappear, without revealing any specific plans or projects for her return.

How Marvel Could Reintroduce Scarlet Witch Without Avengers: Doomsday

Since Scarlet Witch has been confirmed not to appear in “Avengers: Doomsday”, Marvel Studios can explore various ways to reintroduce her character, ensuring continuity with her past growth. A plausible option is delaying her comeback until “Avengers: Secret Wars”. Given her power over reality, her abilities would be crucial for a narrative about clashing universes. The upcoming “Avengers” films, according to the Russo brothers, aim to set the stage for a fresh start in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Wanda’s return could function as a link between different phases of the MCU.

An alternate route for Wanda’s reappearance could be through the forthcoming “Vision” series, where the narrative resumes with Vision (played by Paul Bettany), last seen departing in “WandaVision”. Although specifics about this project are scarce, the closely related tales of Vision and Scarlet Witch make this series a fitting choice for bringing back Wanda, perhaps in a brief appearance that wouldn’t necessitate the extensive dedication of an “Avengers” movie. This method would enable Marvel to explore Wanda’s destiny while keeping the spotlight on Vision’s individual path.

In the storyline of “Agatha All Along”, the foundation is set that opens up another possibility for Wanda’s future appearance. The series reveals that Billy Maximoff has been reborn as William Kaplan, which suggests that Tommy may also be alive somewhere. This twin connection in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) provides a compelling reason for Wanda to reappear, considering her quest for her children was the main driving force behind her actions in “Multiverse of Madness”. A narrative centered around the family’s magical reunion could offer a deeply moving way to welcome Scarlet Witch back into the story.

Regardless of which path Marvel takes, it’s evident from Elizabeth Olsen’s remarks that fans should anticipate a bit of wait for Scarlet Witch’s comeback. During the same interview, she also shared insights on her method of juggling Marvel roles with other projects. “I didn’t fully grasp this until around six years ago,” she said, “but since Marvel and its impact consume a great deal of physical time and space in the world, it’s crucial for me to make decisions outside of Marvel that align with my personal preferences.” She added, “Your taste shapes the artist you become, and that wasn’t something I considered when I first began working.

The movie titled “Avengers: Doomsday” is planned for release on May 1, 2026, and the sequel, “Avengers: Secret Wars,” will hit theaters on May 7, 2027.

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2025-03-25 11:09