Elizabeth Olsen on New Take on Wanda and Using Tension

Olsen also emphasizes the importance of moments of tension in the series.

[Editor’s note: The following contains spoilers for WandaVision, Episode 2]

We’ve already shared a handful of snippets from Elizabeth olsenepisode of Collider Ladies Night that could work as valuable clues to help piece together exactly what’s going on WandaVision. She pointed out that Wanda was a “blank slate” and not a “blank slate” at the very beginning of the series, and then of course there was this tease that Wanda’s Sokovian accent wasn’t gone after all, but we have one more for you that is worth considering when formulating theories at the start of the series.

At one point in our conversation, I asked Olsen if there was something about this character that she could never have exploited without the unique style and tone of WandaVision. Here is what she said:

“Yeah! I think we haven’t really seen that kind of silliness. What I liked most about this show as an actor is putting this character on – you know, trust that. writing, put this character in a comedy, have her play the part the best she can. What we know about her life and the MCU world comes knocking on the door. There are these tense moments that we let’s give the audience and playing with those levels was what was so fun for me. So sort of playing with her as a mama bear trying to hold onto something and just the tension of it is there. ‘one of the elements that I enjoyed. But there is so much tension that comes through these episodes that reveal little bits of our show that were like my gems.

There’s a lot to like about the first two episodes of WandaVision, but these “moments of tension” are definitely remarkable. These are some of our only clues to understanding what is really going on here. And whether it’s a look at the dinner table or the expression on Wanda’s face when she finds this toy helicopter, Olsen makes sure you feel the tension she describes and the weight of the moment too.

When Olsen says that Wanda is trying to hold on to something, I don’t think she’s trying to hold onto the memories of the MCU world. I think that tension comes from trying to keep this idyllic sitcom existence and keep this MCU world away. Does that mean Wanda is doing this to herself? Perhaps. Or maybe someone else could create this world for her, tempting her with their greatest hopes and desires.

Somehow, kudos to Olsen so far for making simple reaction photos that make such a big impression. If future payments of WandaVision give him the opportunity to further mine those – and based on Olsen’s quote, it’s safe to assume they will – then we have a lot to look forward to as we peel back the layers of this mystery.

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