The 'Wednesday' actress is calling for the creation of original female-led action franchises, rather than gender-swapped versions of existing franchises.
- September 4, 2024
AceShowbiz - Jenna Ortega has expressed her preference for female characters to have their own dedicated action roles, rather than taking over existing male-centric roles.
"I love that there's a lot more female leads nowadays, I think that's so special. But we should have our own," Ortega told MTV. "I don't like it when it's like a spinoff - I don't want to see like 'Jamie Bond.' You know? I want to see another badass."
This comment follows a trend of discussions surrounding the potential for a female James Bond. While some have considered the possibility, producer Barbara Broccoli has firmly stated that Bond will remain a male character.
Ortega's sentiment aligns with similar views expressed by other industry figures, including Daniel Craig and Ana de Armas. Craig believes that there should be better roles for women and actors of color, rather than simply swapping the gender of existing characters. De Armas believes that female characters in Bond films should be given more substantial roles, without the need for a gender-swapped lead.
Despite the lack of a female James Bond, there have been successful female-led action films that have offered similar qualities. These include "Atomic Blonde," "Salt," and "Black Widow." Additionally, Rebecca Ferguson has been praised for her role as Ilsa Faust in the "Mission: Impossible" franchise.
Ortega's call for original female-led franchises emphasizes the need for greater representation and opportunities for women in action roles. As the industry continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more unique and empowering female characters gracing our screens.