Charlize Theron recently addressed the ongoing disparities in Hollywood regarding action movie roles, speaking out about the industry’s unequal treatment of female leads compared to their male counterparts. In an interview with The New York Times, just days before Scarlett Johansson was recognized as Hollywood’s highest-grossing lead actor, Theron discussed how studios often give women fewer opportunities to succeed in action franchises.
Theron, star of The Old Guard 2, explained that studios tend to be cautious about backing female-led action movies, typically offering women only a single chance to prove a franchise’s viability. In contrast, male actors often receive multiple opportunities even if their films underperform at the box office.
Challenges Facing Female Action Stars Compared to Their Male Peers
Theron candidly shared her frustration about the industry’s unequal standards, noting,
“Action films with female leads don’t get greenlit as much as the ones with male leads,”
illustrating the reluctance of studios to back women consistently in this genre.
She further emphasized the unfair advantage men receive, saying,
“I think the thing that always frustrates me is the fact that guys will get a free ride. When women do this and the movie maybe doesn’t hit fully, they don’t necessarily get a chance again.”
Reflecting on the risks involved in producing The Old Guard franchise, Theron added,
“With this, we were very aware that eyes were on us. It’s not a risk that studios want to take, but they’ll take it many times on the same guy who might have a string of action movies that did not do so well.”
Uma Thurman Reflects on Her Action Film Experience
Co-star Uma Thurman, known for her iconic performances in the Kill Bill series, shared her own perspective on action roles, noting that she has not returned to the genre since those films. Thurman explained,
“I don’t actually have that much experience doing action movies. I did one that turned into two, and then I didn’t really go back.”
While she was not involved in the original Old Guard movie released in 2020, Thurman’s role in the sequel adds a fresh dynamic alongside Theron’s well-established action career.
Scarlett Johansson’s Milestone Underscores Theron’s Point
Theron’s comments on Hollywood’s double standards came alongside news of Scarlett Johansson surpassing her MCU co-stars Samuel L. Jackson and Robert Downey Jr. to become Hollywood’s highest-grossing lead actor of all time. Johansson’s recent blockbuster, Jurassic World: Rebirth, which launched over the Fourth of July extended holiday, earned $147 million in the U.S. over five days and an additional $318 million worldwide in six days.
According to career box office analysis from The Numbers, Johansson has amassed a lifetime gross of $14.8 billion from films where she starred as a lead or part of a leading ensemble, setting a new record for lead actors in Hollywood. Her role in Jurassic World: Rebirth marked a significant franchise takeover, succeeding Chris Pratt in the lead Jurassic role.
The Significance of Female Collaboration in Hollywood’s Action Genre
In addition to addressing industry challenges, Theron and Thurman expressed appreciation for their opportunity to collaborate in The Old Guard 2, a rarity for female leads of major franchises. Thurman spoke about her respect for Theron, saying,
“I find Charlize to be very mysterious. I feel like she keeps a tight circle around her. But she’s revered and admired, and her work speaks for itself, so this was a special opportunity.”
Theron reciprocated this admiration and shared how much she valued working with Thurman, highlighting the uniqueness of projects designed to bring together strong women in leading roles:
“Getting to work with a great actress is a precious thing, and projects are usually not designed to bring multiple heavyweight women together, as Charlize has done with this franchise.”
In a nod to both actresses’ iconic roles, Theron noted the popular desire to see their characters face off on screen, revealing,
“I can’t tell you how many people have said to me, you and Uma should do a movie together. I want to see The Bride and Furiosa go at it. Aside from that, I’ve just always loved her as an actor.”
The Old Guard 2 Arrives on Netflix
The Old Guard 2 is now available for streaming on Netflix, continuing the popular franchise led by Charlize Theron and introducing Uma Thurman into the mix. The film‘s release reinforces the ongoing conversation about female-led action movies and the challenges women face in earning sustained opportunities in Hollywood’s action genre.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What illness did Charlize Theron have as a child?
A. During her childhood, she often suffered from jaundice. The antibiotics she took caused her upper baby teeth to decay, leading to surgical removal. Her adult teeth didn’t appear until she was about ten.
Q. Does Charlize Theron have OCD?
A. In a radio interview, Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron shared her past struggles with OCD. She mentioned her need for order and how she has trouble sleeping if things at home are out of place.
