Scarlet Witch: Actresses Almost Cast as Wanda Maximoff
Elizabeth Olsen is our Scarlet Witch, but she was not the only actress who was considered for the iconic role in the MCU. Here’s what could have been.
In something as culturally iconic as the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it is near impossible for us to picture other actors cast as the beloved characters than the ones we already know and love. However, in the entertainment industry, it is not uncommon for multiple big-name actors to be considered for a single role. Since Robert Downey Jr. kicked off Phase One of the MCU as Iron Man alongside roles such as Captain America played by Chris Evans and Thor played by Chris Hemsworth, it seems ridiculous that anyone else could have been called to fill such big shoes.
Scarlet Witch was first introduced in Marvel’s Avengers: Age Of Ultron in 2015. The character that is considered to be one of the most powerful characters in the MCU has captured the hearts of Marvel fans. The role of being the Scarlet Witch is fulfilled by actress, Elizabeth Olsen, appearing in 4 Marvel movies so far and starring in her own Disney+ original series WandaVision. What's more, earlier this year, it was reported that Olsen extended her Marvel contract and will appear in even more MCU projects. However, although Olsen has cemented her role as Wanda Maximoff, she was not the only actress considered for it. Let’s dive into some ‘What If' scenarios in the following list of the actresses that were considered and almost cast as Wanda Maximoff.
Saoirse Ronan
Saoirse Ronan is probably the most talked-about actress who was close to taking on the iconic MCU role. Creating the perfect mock-up of a character entering a franchise like Marvel takes time. According to FilmBuffOnline, Ronan was Joss Whedon's original inspiration for the Scarlet Witch. Ronan continues to live up to her already incredibly accomplished acting career despite her not becoming the Marvel hero on the big screen. Ronan landed multiple nominations at the Academy Awards for her stellar performances in Atonement, Brooklyn, Lady Bird, and Little Women. As she continues to pursue projects to add to her already immaculate resume, make sure you check out her part in the upcoming movie See How They Run.
Sasha Pieterse-Sheaffer
Choosing the right person to play Wanda Maximoff is a trial and error process where multiple options and prospects are a must to find the right fit. Pretty Little Liars actress Sasha Pieterse-Sheaffer was another actress considered to fulfill the role of Scarlet Witch. Pieterse-Sheaffer is a beloved actress that has appeared in many iconic projects from The Adventures Of Sharkboy And Lavagirl and Disney Channel Original Movie Geek Charming to her role on Pretty Little Liars and Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists. Pieterse-Sheaffer's part in the thriller mystery fit incredibly well with what we ended up seeing from Olsen's Wanda when she made her debut in the MCU, making much less of a shock that she was once considered for the role.
Lindsay Lohan
This one might be a little unexpected, but the more we think about it, the less shocking it becomes. The well-known actress and former child star Lindsay Lohan reportedly auditioned for the role of Wanda Maximoff. Although she did not land the role in the MCU, Lohan has proven herself to be an incredibly dynamic actress that could take on the role of Scarlet Witch. Lohan continues to be a prominent figure in popular media, recently revisiting and revamping her acting career. The Parent Trap actress has recently signed a deal with Netflix for multiple films and is going to star in a 2022 holiday romantic comedy alongside Glee actor Chord Overstreet. The film Falling For Christmas will release on Netflix this year.
