Why do studios fear women in action roles?

Charlize Theron says Hollywood backs men despite flops

Charlize Theron has sharply criticised Hollywood's double standard in women-led action films, pointing out that men often receive far more leniency even after box office flops. At the same time, women are expected to succeed on the first try.

Speaking with The New York Times, Theron emphasised, "When women do this and the movie maybe doesn't hit fully, they don't necessarily get a chance again. 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."

This frustration is not new to Theron. She has built her career on playing physically demanding roles in Æon Flux, Atomic Blonde, The Italian Job, The Old Guard, Mad Max: Fury Road, and multiple Fast & Furious franchise installments. She has endured many injuries while filming her stunts. "I've had surgery on both elbows, my right shoulder, my thumb, carpal tunnel, and fractures. A lot of fractures," she recounted.

Theron reiterated why she loves doing action films despite their taxing process: "I love dance, but I would never have been able to go back and be a dancer again, right?" She added, "Action movies gave me this opportunity to be physical again, to be a storyteller with my body." Her words show that women are committed to making great films, if given the chance and the right script to support them.

In Theron's current project, she reprised the role of Andy in The Old Guard 2, exemplifying her continued commitment to steering her action roles, even when the stakes are high.