Charlize Theron Calls Out Studios for Not Wanting to Take a “Risk” on Female-Led Action Movies

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Charlize Theron is speaking up against Hollywood production companies for being hesitant to back female-driven action films, citing risk avoidance as the reason.

In a chat with The New York Times, the longtime action movie star has voiced concerns over gender bias in Hollywood, stating that it’s more challenging to produce action movies headlined by women.

Theron pointed out, ‘It’s well-known that action movies featuring women in leading roles aren’t often given the go-ahead compared to those with male leads. What consistently upsets me is the fact that men seem to receive opportunities without having to earn them.'”

Or more informally: “Theron mentioned, ‘Everyone knows action films with female leads don’t get made as easily as those with males. It always bugs me when guys just get handed roles.’

She went on to say, “If a woman performs in a film that doesn’t succeed, she often won’t get another opportunity. We were mindful of the fact that there was a lot of attention focused on us. Studios usually shy away from such risks, but they are willing to do so for a man who might have a series of action movies that didn’t perform well.”

She added, “When women star in films that fail to achieve success, they seldom get another shot at it. We were keenly aware that we were under the spotlight. Studios usually don’t like taking risks with such situations, but they often do so for a male actor who may have a string of action movies that didn’t do well.”

Lastly:
She continued, “In case a woman acts in a movie that doesn’t hit its mark, she seldom gets another chance. We were conscious of the fact that we were under scrutiny. Studios generally avoid taking risks in such cases, but they’re more likely to take them for a male actor who has had multiple action movies that didn’t fare well.

This Oscar-winning actress has played leading roles in numerous action movies during her career, such as “Æon Flux,” “Atomic Blonde,” “The Italian Job,” “The Old Guard,” “Mad Max: Fury Road,” and several films from the “Fast & Furious” series. Most recently, she reappeared as Andy in “The Old Guard 2.”

Theron also shared her reasons for enjoying action movies, even though she’s often injured during filming due to her tendency to have accidents, resulting in numerous broken bones and several operations throughout her career.

She remarked, “Dance is something I cherish deeply, yet I doubt I could return to being a dancer once more, wouldn’t that be so?” Instead, action films have offered me the chance to be physically active again, to convey tales through movement.

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2025-07-08 02:54