Elizabeth Olsen, Praises America Chavez actor Xochitl Gomez

IN an exclusive interview with Screen Rant, Elizabeth Olsen who plays Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch commends America Chavez actor Xochitl Gomez for her preparedness and bravado during the production of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. 

The MCU veteran compared Gomez to her younger self, stating that the 16-year-old actor was much more confident than she was when she first entered the franchise. Olsen then expresses her excitement for whatever the future holds for her.

“[S]he has so much energy and so much undeterred, youthful positivity and confidence. When I was 16, I was jaded, and maybe I was also more of a fool or something, I don’t know what I was. But she, on her own, can do whatever she wants. She’s way more prepared than I was at 25 for the Marvel Universe. She’s just really a light and an energy that was amazing to be around just pure kindness and goodness. I’m excited for her. I’m excited to see what she gets to do with America.

Raimi has praised Gomez, as well as Marvel Studios’ embrace of diversity and inclusivity. In the original Marvel Comics lore, the character of America Chavez is a young Latina who comes from another world, in which she had two mothers. As this was translated exactly into the movie, Raimi happily professed that “this young Latina can now represent a heroic figure for many people out there that were underrepresented before.“

Directed by Sam Raimi, this newest theatrical installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe was released in cinemas this weekend to a generally positive reaction from critics and audiences.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness reviews specifically praised it for its horror/gothic elements — a franchise first for the MCU.

Not much was revealed about the character of America Chavez prior to the movie’s release, but she proved to be the driving force of the story. Pursued by something – or someone – who wants to harness her mysterious powers, she seeks the help of Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and they embark on an adventure through the multiverse to find out why she is so coveted – only to discover that her pursuer is actually the Scarlet Witch herself. Rounding out the main cast are Rachel McAdams, returning as Christine Palmer, Chiwetel Ejiofor, who returns as Baron Karl Mordo, and Benedict Wong as the Sorcerer Supreme, Wong.

Despite being underrepresented in the marketing, Gomez’s America played a key role in the story of Doctor Strange 2, and learning to embrace her powers in the final act hints that Marvel has plans to use her character in the future. Though it’s unclear how much longer the franchise will want to play with the multiverse, the young superhero is shown learning sorcery at Kamar-Taj following the climactic battle, suggesting she will have powers that remain relevant even when that storytelling device is sidelined. And this praise from Olsen suggests Gomez will be ready off-screen for anything Feige & Co. have planned for America Chavez on-screen. (source screenrant.com)

(ROHN ROMULO)