Marvel's Evangeline Lilly Reveals Brain Injury Limits

Marvel star Evangeline Lilly has revealed that she sustained brain damage in an accident last year and is currently "functioning at a reduced capacity."

The actress, famous for playing Hope van Dyne, also known as the Wasp, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, provided a health update via a weekend Instagram video. In it, she informed fans she had "bad news" to share after a recent brain scan.

"Almost every area in my brain is functioning at a decreased capacity," Lilly stated, attributing it to a May 2025 incident where she blacked out and struck her head on a boulder. This has led to "cognitive decline," she added.

"So I do have brain damage from the TBI [traumatic brain injury] and possibly other factors," Lilly explained. "My focus now is to work with doctors to understand the full picture and then begin the difficult process of recovery. I'm not looking forward to the hard work, as it feels like that's all I ever do."

"But that's okay," she continued. "The cognitive changes since my injury have actually helped me slow down and enjoy a more restful end to 2025." In fact, Lilly described her final months of last year as the "most calm and restful" period since becoming a parent 14 years ago, calling it a "positive outcome."

Also recognized for her role in Lost and a part in Peter Jackson's The Hobbit trilogy, Lilly last appeared in 2023's Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, once again portraying Hope van Dyne. This followed previous public comments she made about COVID-19 vaccines that drew attention early in the pandemic. After Quantumania's release, she indicated she was taking a break from acting to concentrate on philanthropic efforts.

Last year, the actress recounted losing consciousness at the beach and falling "face first onto a boulder," noting a history of "fainting spells" since she was young.

Well-wishes in response to her post included messages from Marvel co-star Michelle Pfeiffer and Lost actress Rebecca Mader. "You are a warrior," Pfeiffer wrote. "Nothing—not even this—will defeat you, my friend." Mader commented, "Sending you all my love and a huge hug."