Elizabeth Olsen has voiced her opinion about the criticism the Marvel Cinematic Universe has faced in recent years, most notably from emblematic directors in Hollywood. TheDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnessstar highlighted that her frustration arises when people belittle the work and attempt to make Marvel movies “seem like a lesser type of art.”
Olsen made her long-awaited return to the big screen as the Scarlet Witch in theDoctor Strangesequel, which earned $187 million domestically at the end of its debut weekend. The 33-year-old MCU star last appeared in the hit Disney Plus original seriesWandaVision, kicking off the current slate of Marvel Studios streaming projects. Olsen has been an important part of the MCU since 2014, making her first appearance inCaptain America: The Winter Soldier. The veteran star undoubtedly understands the work that brings the beloved universe to life, which is a vantage point those from the outside looking in don’t possess.
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“I’m not saying we’re making indie art films, but I just think it takes away from our crew, which bugs me,” expressed Olsen while sitting down with The Independent. “These are some of the most amazing set designers, costume designers, camera operators, and I feel diminishing them with that kind of criticism takes away from all the people who do award-winning films, that also work on these projects.” Unfortunately, veteran directors in Hollywood have been relatively unkind to MCU films, despite the incredible box office success the films have generated.
Martin Scorsese is one notable director who has voiced his strong opinion about the MCU and the projects they produce and deliver to audiences.The Irishmandirector made it clear that MCU stories are not for him because they resemble more of a theme park than an actual film.Moonfalldirector Roland Emmerichalso had comments regarding the MCU, stating that they were ruining the industry because of the originality it was taking out of Hollywood. Iconic director Francis Ford Coppola also weighed in, describing MCU films as recycled prototypes made to look different. Other voices have chimed in over the years to add to the pile of criticism, and while Olsen understands some of it, she draws a line when things go too far.
“From an actor’s point of view, whatever, I get it,” stated theMultiverse of Madnessstar. “I totally understand that there’s a different kind of performance that’s happening. But I do think throwing Marvel under the bus takes away from the hundreds of very talented crew people. That’s where I get a little feisty about that.” The MCU has been a powerful presence at the box office and showcased its muscles once more with theperformance of theDoctor Strangesequel. The film posted the highest box office opening in 2022 and the second-highest in the pandemic era, falling only behind another Marvel Studios hit project,Spider-Man: No Way Home. Of course, opinions will always be there, but audiences love what Marvel Studios offers.
It’s no secret that the MCU has four films seated in the top ten highest-grossing films of all time globally. The formula implemented by Kevin Feige and company works and has attracted a fandom that stretches across demographics. However, the studio struggles to receive recognition when it comes to awards. 2018’sBlack Pantheris the only MCU project to receive theBest Picture Academy Award nomination. Nevertheless, criticism should not diminish the work put in to bring the adored universe to life, even if the films are not everyone’s favorite cup of tea.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnessis now playing in theaters.
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