Any Marvel Comics fan would know who Scarlet Witch / Wanda Maximoff is. It was Artist Jack Kirby and the late writer Stan Lee who created the character in 1964. Despite the MCU coming to life in 2008 through Iron Man, it was not until 2015 when she made her first appearance in the films.
Scarlet Witch made her Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) debut in 2015's Avengers: Age of Ultron. The Wanda Maximoff has since became one of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most beloved and probably most powerful female characters to date.
With the perfect portrayal of actress Elizabeth Olsen on the character, some viewers are probably not aware that she was not the first choice for the role. Irish actress Saoirse Ronan's name was at the top of the list when Wanda Maximoff was being created.
Elizabeth Olsen’s Impeccably Perfect Portrayal Of Scarlet Witch
Actress Elizabeth Olsen has played the character in total of six films. She has also reprised the role in the Disney+ limited series titled Wanda Vision. Although she has perfectly played the character up to this point, she wasn’t the only actress considered playing the Scarlet Witch.
The timing of landing the role of Scarlet Witch came at the perfect time on Olsen’s career. Although she has earned a little bit of popularity through the Sundance Film Festival sensation Martha Marcy May Marlene in 2011, being a part of the MCU franchise has skyrocketed her Hollywood fame.
Elizabeth Olsen's Hollywood fame has seen a massive leap when she played the role of Wanda Maximoff. Starring in six MCU films definitely made her bank. Although the exact amount was not disclosed, it was reported that actors have earned about $15-20 million starring on 2019’s Avengers: Endgame alone.
The MCU films surely contributed greatly to the actress’ current net worth of $11 million. And her success wasn’t only reflected on her financials; she was also admired and loved as a dear character on the franchise. She has cemented her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a reliable and powerful character which makes her a vital character on the franchise.
Saoirse Ronan Was The First Choice For The Role Of Scarlet Witch
Before Marvel Studios tapped Olsen to star in MCU as Scarlet Witch, they were looking at other actresses who can fit the role. Saoirse Ronan's name was at the top of the producers’ minds at the time.
It was Joss Whedon who helmed the Scarlet Witch maiden outing in the MCU franchise. While they were developing the film Avengers: Age of Ultron, Whedon has been very vocal about wanting to cast Ronan for the role. Rumor has it that the Marvel Studios even based the early concept design for the character on the Irish actress.
Ronan soon became aware that her name came up in conversations about the MCU. She was promoting the film Violet & Daisy when she was asked about playing the part.
During her interview for The Mary Sue, she said “I have heard about it and yes, I would. Yeah, of course, I would. I love Joss and I love those films, and I love his handle on them and how he portrayed these kinds of superheroes. It’s very different from what anyone else has done. So yeah, I’d love to be in it.”
Two months after her interview, the actress who's good friends with Timothée Chalamet has adamantly denied that she has been casts for the part.
It was reported that the actress rejected the project when the Marvel Studios finally approached her to play the character. When Ronan passed to play the part, it was reported that Lindsay Lohan and Pretty Little Liars’ Sasha Pieterse-Sheaffer were also considered. Ultimately, Olsen got the role.
Saoirse Ronan Wouldn’t Be Able To Show Her Versatility Had She Landed The MCU Role
Joining the MCU would indeed gather more popular for any actor. Securing a spot in the franchise would guarantee millions for an actor in the entertainment industry. It might have been a massive loss for Saoirse Ronan, but the actress went on to make a name for herself in Hollywood.
Ronan went on to land several roles in films that have earned her awards. Through the years, the 28-year-old actress has proven her acting skills and turned in stellar performances for films such as Lady Bird, Brooklyn, Atonement, The Host, Mary Queen Of Scots, The Grand Budapest Hotel and a lot more.
Her latest film comedy mystery See How They Run has showed her versatility and has opened to rave reviews from critics. The film went on to gross $22 million on the worldwide box office. Although it might seem like Ronan missed out on the massive opportunity, Ronan went on to earn her spot in the industry. After all, critics and fans alike embraced Olsen's take on the iconic character.