The Marvel Cinematic Universe has long been dominated by male superheroes, with Black Widow standing as a striking yet solitary female figure. However, the tide began to turn with the introduction of Elizabeth Olsen's Wanda Maximoff, aka Scarlet Witch. This addition not only delighted fans, but it also resonated deeply with Scarlett Johansson, who not only approved of the move but also found herself in awe of her fellow actress.
A Shift in the Superhero Landscape
Scarlett Johansson, who portrayed Black Widow, publicly expressed her admiration for Elizabeth Olsen and the impact she had on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In an interview on Sirius XM, Johansson praised Olsen's presence, emphasizing the importance of bringing a balance to the male-dominated world of superheroes.
"It was so great when Lizzie came on because, y’know, we had Cobie [Smulders]. It was basically the two of us kind of holding down the fort. And then when Lizzie came on, it semi-balanced out. It was very heavy on the testosterone for a very long time, and now it has like…it calibrated."
Johansson's words exemplify the significance of diversifying the roster of powerful characters, allowing for a breath of fresh air in a genre that had become predictable.
The original 6 Avengers
Elizabeth Olsen's Impact
Elizabeth Olsen's portrayal of Scarlet Witch struck a chord with Scarlett Johansson. Despite the demanding nature of her own role as Black Widow, Johansson couldn't help but feel overshadowed by Olsen's passion and dedication to her character's physicality and sensuality. Olsen's performance left a lasting impression on Johansson, who felt inspired and humbled by her co-star's abilities.
"What she was doing was so hard. Even the physicality of what she was doing was so hard that I would work with her, and I was amazed at what she was creating out of nothing. That she created this whole…again, this physicality. And her character has such a sensuality to her, and she has such a passion. I was amazed by it. It put me to shame."
Johansson's sincere admiration for Olsen highlights the symbiotic relationship between the two actresses, who continue to captivate audiences with their on-screen chemistry.
Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow
Mutual Admiration
The admiration flows both ways. Elizabeth Olsen, speaking to Variety, revealed that she looked up to Scarlett Johansson when she initially joined the MCU. Beyond Johansson's remarkable acting skills, Olsen was struck by the way she interacted with the crew, including everyone and fostering a welcoming work environment.
"I remember being on Ultron and seeing how she was with the crew and I was just amazed by her ease and her comfort and how she includes the crew in everything and how she makes everyone excited to come to work, and I've really taken that into my life since then."
The bond between Johansson and Olsen extends beyond their shared on-screen universe, showcasing the power of collaboration and camaraderie.
Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch
Looking Ahead
Both Scarlett Johansson and Elizabeth Olsen have left an indelible mark on the MCU. As the torch is passed from one extraordinary character to the next, the hope and excitement among fans grow ever stronger. With Black Widow's sacrifice and Scarlet Witch's evolving storyline, the stage is set for Wanda Maximoff to take center stage. Following the highly anticipated "Multiverse of Madness," audiences eagerly anticipate the next chapter in Wanda's journey.
In a cinematic universe once dominated by testosterone, these two talented actresses have brought a new level of depth and representation. Their partnership and mutual admiration continue to propel superhero cinema forward, proving that women can hold their own in the realm of caped crusaders and saving the world.
You can stream Avengers: Age of Ultron on Disney+.
Source: Sirius XM
