Before Elizabeth Olsen became part of a $29B franchise, her career mainly revolved around low-budget indie films. At a certain point, Olsen’s agent advised her to approach major studios to avoid being typecast as solely an indie film actress. The 2014 monster film, Godzilla, played a crucial role in propelling her career forward.
The Sorry for Your Loss actress went on to portray Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch in the MCU, a character crucial in altering the course of events in the Avengers universe.
Elizabeth Olsen’s Breakthrough Came With The Role In Godzilla
Elizabeth Olsen initially focused on dramatic roles in indie films after her debut in Martha Marcy May Marlene. However, the 34-year-old actress took her agent’s advice and started pursuing opportunities in big-budget films. Olsen began attending meetings with various studios to explore her options and expand her horizons.
It’s worth noting that the WandaVision actress’s sisters, Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen, were well-known child actors, recognized for their roles in Full House and The Adventures of Mary-Kate & Ashley. The Love & Death actress was determined to forge her own identity in the industry, distinct from her sisters’ fame.
Eventually, Legendary Pictures, the production company behind Godzilla, offered the Wind River actress a role in the film. The movie’s director, Gareth Edwards, himself coming from an independent film background, was an admirer of Olsen’s work in Martha Marcy May Marlene. Despite this, Olsen initially hesitated to accept the role.
Elizabeth Olsen Almost Rejected Godzilla Role If Not For Oppenheimer
Initially, Elizabeth Olsen had doubts about joining the $529M monster film. Being accustomed to roles in low-budget high-performance-oriented films, taking on Godzilla represented a big change for the Ingrid Goes West actress. However, it was the father of the atomic bomb, J. Robert Oppenheimer, who inspired the Captain America: Civil War actress to embrace the role:
“I was like – oh God, I’m going to this meeting about Godzilla, how stupid is that? And then, I see this teaser and it’s an Oppenheimer quote about him creating the most powerful weapon in the world. Meanwhile, you’re looking at this devastated city and then, Godzilla roars and you’re like – what is this? And you’re like – this is amazing! And that’s why I wanted to do the movie. I was like – if that’s the movie you’re making, I want to be a part of it.”
The experience gained from her role in Godzilla proved invaluable as Olsen ventured into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It allowed her to become familiar with the special effects prevalent in Marvel films and establish a bond with actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson. This bond later translated into their portrayal of twins in The Avengers: Age of Ultron, Olsen’s first film within the franchise.
Also Read: Upcoming MCU Show and Spiritual Successor to Elizabeth Olsen’s WandaVision Gets Disappointing Update
Elizabeth Olsen’s upcoming project, His Three Daughters, has completed shooting. The Oldboy actress continues to reprise her role as Scarlet Witch in the MCU and will lend her voice to the character in the second season of Marvel’s animated series, What If…?
Source: The Interrobang
