Imagine a beloved actress defying the overwhelming shift towards digital streaming, insisting that the magic of movies belongs on the big screen first. Elizabeth Olsen is that star, boldly declaring she'll only commit to films that guarantee a theatrical release. But here's where it gets controversial—does this stance make her a throwback in an era dominated by on-demand viewing, or is she a visionary protecting the soul of cinema? Let's dive into her refreshing perspective and explore why it might just resonate with you.
Elizabeth Olsen has always been selective about the roles she takes on, and in a recent interview, she made it clear: she won't sign up for a major studio film unless it promises a traditional theatrical rollout. This means the movie hits cinemas before potentially landing on streaming platforms, allowing audiences to experience it in a shared space rather than just at home. For independent films that skip theaters and go straight to streamers? She's totally fine with that—it's the big studio projects that she draws the line on. 'If a movie is made independently and only sells to a streamer, then fine,' Olsen shared in an InStyle cover story from Tuesday. 'But I don’t want to make something where [streaming is] the end-all.'
At its core, her reasoning ties into the powerful human need for connection. She emphasizes how crucial it is for people to come together as a community, to see each other face-to-face and share in the excitement. 'I think it’s important for people to gather as a community, to see other humans, be together in a space,' she explained. To illustrate, she drew a parallel to sports events, where fans unite in arenas for thrilling shared experiences. 'That’s why I like sports. I think it’s really powerful for people to come together for something that they’re excited about,' she added. And this isn't just talk—Olsen pointed out a stark change in the industry: 'We don’t even audition in person anymore.' For beginners navigating Hollywood's evolving landscape, think of it this way: theatrical releases are like old-school concerts—irreplaceable live vibes that streaming can't fully replicate, fostering real-world interactions that build memories and culture.
Olsen's journey in film began with the indie gem Martha Marcy May Marlene back in 2011, but she's since graced numerous blockbuster studio productions. Notably, she's embodied Scarlet Witch in multiple Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) adventures, which, for those new to it, is a sprawling series of interconnected superhero movies and shows produced by Disney's Marvel Studios. Her latest MCU outing was 2022's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Yet, she's also flexed her range on streaming platforms, starring in Disney+'s WandaVision in 2021, as well as HBO Max's Love & Death and Facebook Watch's Sorry for Your Loss.
Reflecting on her MCU time, Olsen described the process as pure joy mixed with absurdity. 'Making the films are fun. Goofy. It’s ridiculous,' she said. 'We’re grown people like children on a playground.' She painted vivid pictures of the action—flying through scenes, hurling energy from hands—and how returning to Scarlet Witch over a decade has been a privilege. 'It’s a character that I’ve gotten to return to so many times after over 10 years. It’s good to put her down and then I miss her and I want her back. I’d jump at the opportunity to be in her shoes again.'
And this is the part most people miss—the hidden perks of blockbuster filmmaking. Olsen highlighted the perks of MCU productions, from the steady community of collaborators to the sheer scale of the operations. 'It’s the consistency of a community and a job, which is hard to find,' she noted. She marveled at the intricate coordination: 'The insane camera movement, stunt work and special effects, visual effects that are happening in real time. It’s a lot of coordination, it’s hundreds and hundreds of people on set, and it’s a powerful thing to be a part of all those people working towards one goal.' For aspiring actors or film buffs, consider this: the visual effects teams are true artists, and the collaborative spirit fulfills a deep creative need. 'The soul, the spirit, the heart is fulfilled doing it. It does mean something. I care about the acting being great — everyone does,' Olsen affirmed, underscoring how this communal effort elevates the craft.
Just a month ago, she reiterated her willingness to don the Scarlet Witch cape again, but only under the right conditions. 'It’s a character that I love going back to when there’s a way to use her well,' she told Dublin's FM104 radio. 'And I think I have been lucky that when I started I was used well within Age of Ultron.' She praised how the MCU has innovated with the character, especially in WandaVision, where stories unfolded in fresh, unexplored ways. 'So if there’s a good way to use her I’m always happy to come back, however they can make that make sense,' she concluded. Intriguingly, while her next MCU gig isn't confirmed, her passion suggests the door remains open.
Looking ahead, Olsen's upcoming project is A24's Eternity, a fantasy romantic comedy where she stars alongside Miles Teller and Callum Turner. Set in an afterlife realm, the plot centers on the newly deceased having just one week to choose their eternal partner. It's a whimsical concept that blends humor and heart, promising more of Olsen's versatile charm.
But here's the real hook: In a world where streaming has revolutionized entertainment—making movies accessible anytime, anywhere—Olsen's insistence on theaters could spark heated debates. Is she clinging to tradition, or safeguarding an irreplaceable cultural ritual? Some might argue streaming democratizes access, allowing global audiences to watch without costly outings, while others champion the theater's communal buzz as essential for impactful storytelling. And this is where it gets even more divisive—does prioritizing theaters exclude those who can't afford or access cinemas, potentially widening divides in entertainment? What do you think: Is Olsen right to champion theatrical releases, or should the industry fully embrace the streaming wave? Do you believe in-person experiences still trump convenience? Share your opinions in the comments—let's discuss!
