Elizabeth Olsen, who plays Wanda Maximoff in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, recently shared some advice for actors who are contemplating joining the franchise. In an interview with the Happy Sad Confused podcast with Josh Horowitz, Olsen revealed that she has been approached by people who are seeking guidance on how to enter the superhero realm. Her response has been simple: “Just give them one.”
By this, Olsen means that actors should consider signing on for a single project instead of committing to a long-term contract. Olsen explained that this way, actors have more control and can decide if they want to continue portraying a superhero for an extended period. It also affords them the opportunity to provide feedback on their characters’ development, granting a sense of agency.
This suggestion seems logical, given that Marvel has traditionally offered its stars multi-project deals out of the gate. Notable examples include Sebastian Stan and Samuel L. Jackson, who reportedly signed nine-movie contracts, while Tom Holland and Chris Evans committed to six projects each. By opting for a trial run, actors have the liberty to decide whether to continue portraying a superhero for an extended period.
Olsen added, “Don’t tell [David] Galluzzi that,” referring to the business affairs representative at Marvel. However, it appears that Marvel’s long-standing practice of multi-project contracts may be undergoing a shift. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige acknowledged this change in a 2021 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, stating that the duration of contracts has become more role-dependent in recent years. Feige expressed a desire for actors who are enthusiastic about the MCU and eager to explore further opportunities, rather than being duty bound by contractual obligations.
More Creative Control
Olsen also elaborated that by signing up for a single project, actors have more creative control for the next one. If they love the character they are portraying, they can provide feedback and input to the studio, which can influence the character’s development in future projects. This grants actors a sense of ownership over the character and allows them to have a greater impact on the story.
Elizabeth Olsen’s advice for actors who are contemplating joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe is to consider signing up for a single project instead of committing to a long-term contract. This way, actors have more control and can decide if they want to continue portraying a superhero for an extended period. It also affords them the opportunity to provide feedback on their characters’ development, granting a sense of agency. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has acknowledged that the duration of contracts has become more role-dependent in recent years, indicating a shift away from the multi-project deals that the studio has traditionally offered its stars. By signing up for a single project, actors can also have more creative control over the character’s development in future projects and a greater impact on the story.
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