Marvel Star Evangeline Lilly Says She's Now 'Functioning at a Decreased Capacity' Following Traumatic Brain Injury

Marvel actress Evangeline Lilly has revealed she sustained brain damage from a recent accident and is now "functioning at a decreased capacity."

The star, widely recognized for portraying Hope van Dyne, also known as the Wasp, shared an update on her health through an Instagram video posted over the weekend, where she disclosed she had "bad news" following a recent brain scan.

"Almost every area in my brain is functioning at a decreased capacity," Lilly said, explaining that the injury resulted from a May 2025 accident in which she struck her head on a boulder after losing consciousness. She added that this has led to "cognitive decline."

"So I do have brain damage from the TBI \[traumatic brain injury\] and possibly other underlying factors," Lilly explained. "But now my job is to work with doctors to understand it fully and then begin the difficult process of healing—which I don’t look forward to, because I feel like hard work is all I’ve ever done."

"But that's OK," she continued. "My cognitive decline since I smashed my face open has helped me slow down and brought me a more peaceful end to 2025." She went on to describe her final months last year as the "calmest and most restful" since having children 14 years ago, calling it a "good thing."

Also known for her lead role in Lost and her performance in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy, Lilly’s most recent acting role was in 2023’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, where she once again played Hope van Dyne. Her appearance followed earlier comments she made about Covid vaccine deployment during the pandemic’s early phase. After Quantumania’s release, Lilly indicated her acting career is on hold as she shifts focus to charitable work.

Last year, she disclosed she had lost consciousness at the beach and fallen "face first into a boulder," noting she had experienced fainting spells since childhood.

Reactions to her post included messages of support from her Marvel co-star Michael Pfeiffer and Lost actress Rebecca Mader. "You are a warrior," Pfeiffer wrote. "Nothing—not even this—will defeat you, my friend." Mader added: "Sending you all my love and a massive hug."