Elizabeth Olsen has long been known for her enigmatic presence, but in InStyle’s latest cover story, she reveals a more personal side, speaking openly about love, life, and her enduring career in Hollywood. The actor reflects on her new film Eternity, in which she stars at the center of a love triangle with Miles Teller and Callum Turner, and how the role made her think about her own marriage. She also discusses why she refuses projects without theatrical releases, her permanent departure from social media, and her continued attachment to the Scarlet Witch after more than a decade.
Credit: Izack Morales/InStyle
On whether she feels like she grew up in Hollywood, Elizabeth Olsen says:
“I mean, yes and no. Other than the fact that, like, kids in our house were working, it felt very much like a strict, disciplined household. My sisters always went to a school.”
Reflecting on her childhood ambitions and following in the footsteps of her older sisters Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen:
“I thought I wanted to be a child actor, but then my ballet teacher wouldn’t put me in The Nutcracker because I’d missed so many rehearsals. And that was the only Nutcracker I wasn’t in my whole life because I was auditioning for TV or film or whatever.”
“I wanted to have the career I have now, but I didn’t need to do it until later. I wanted to do recess with my friends.”
Credit: Izack Morales/InStyle
On why Olsen won’t commit to films without a theatrical release:
“If a movie is made independently and only sells to a streamer, then fine. But I don’t want to make something where that’s the end-all.”
“I think it’s important for people to gather as a community, to see other humans, be together in a space. That’s why I like sports. I think it’s really powerful for people to come together for something that they’re excited about. We don’t even audition in person anymore.”
Discussing how Eternity inspired her thoughts about her husband:
“Eternity is supposed to entertain and make you feel joyful and make you think about how we make choices in our lives. It’s a Billy Wilder love song, about a lifetime of love and marriage.”
“It made me think about my husband,” she says. In the same breath, she describes herself as very independent and their relationship as “very codependent. I adore him.”
On the Scarlet Witch’s role in the new animated series Marvel Zombies:
“I recorded that so long ago, I’m sorry. It’s so crazy that… I feel terrible that I don’t… I can’t speak more to it.”
Credit: Izack Morales/InStyle
About revisiting her iconic Marvel character:
“Making the films are fun. Goofy. It’s ridiculous. We’re grown people like children on a playground. We’re flying. We’re shooting things out of our hands. And it’s a character that I’ve gotten to return to so many times after over 10 years. It’s good to put her down and then I miss her and I want her back. I’d jump at the opportunity to be in her shoes again.”
On her passion for the Marvel Cinematic Universe:
“It’s the consistency of a community and a job, which is hard to find. The insane camera movement, stunt work, and special effects, visual effects that are happening in real time. It’s a lot of coordination, it’s hundreds and hundreds of people on set, and it’s a powerful thing to be a part of all those people working towards one goal. The people doing the visual effects are artists.”
“The soul, the spirit, the heart is fulfilled doing it. It does mean something. I care about the acting being great—everyone does.”
