Charlize Theron Highlights Hollywood’s Double Standards in Action Movies
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron addressed the glaring double standards in Hollywood regarding action films. Since her breakout role in the 2005 film "Æon Flux," Theron has been a prominent figure in the action genre. However, she pointed out that female actors often face significant challenges in securing lead roles in action movies.
Theron emphasized that while male actors frequently receive multiple opportunities—even after box office flops—female actors are often given just one chance to prove themselves in action films. “It’s harder. That’s a known fact,” Theron remarked when discussing the gender disparity within the industry. “Action films with female leads are less likely to be greenlit compared to those with male leads. What frustrates me the most is that men often get a free ride.”
She elaborated, “When women take on action roles and the film doesn’t do as well as expected, they may not get another chance.” Theron added that the pressure is palpable, as studios are hesitant to invest in female-led projects. “They’ll take risks on the same male actors, even if their previous films didn’t perform well at the box office.”
Currently, Theron is leading the cast of Netflix’s action sequel "The Old Guard 2," following her successful roles in films like "Atomic Blonde" and "Mad Max: Fury Road." She candidly shared that her dedication to action films has taken a toll on her body. “People often ask me, ‘What happened to your arm?’ and I find myself saying, ‘Oh, I just had surgery again,’” she explained. “The last time I saw you, I was recovering from surgery too!”
Theron recounted her journey back to action, mentioning an injury from her very first action film, "Æon Flux." “On day nine, I attempted a back handspring and didn’t get enough height, landing awkwardly on a concrete bridge. It resulted in my last neck surgery 18 years ago,” she shared. “I’ve also had surgeries on both elbows, my right shoulder, my thumb, and even dealt with carpal tunnel syndrome and numerous fractures.”
In "The Old Guard 2," Theron takes on thrilling stunts, including a memorable scene where she hangs from a helicopter. “We filmed that towards the end, and I thought, ‘If I can pull this off, I might be okay with never doing stunts again,’” she laughed. “That feeling didn’t last long, but it was an intricate and psychological experience. The first two weeks involved building trust with the pilot, moving slowly. But by the end, I was hanging off a helicopter—so who cares?”
"The Old Guard 2" is now streaming on Netflix, showcasing Theron’s incredible talent and resilience in the action genre.
