Olivia Colman says Hollywood ss still 'afraid' of queer stories while promoting 'Jimpa'

Colman says there remains a lingering hesitation when it comes to backing projects that center LGBTQ+ lives

Olivia Colman is speaking candidly about the challenges queer stories still face in Hollywood as she promotes her new film Jimpa, saying the industry remains hesitant to fully embrace LGBTQ+ narratives.

Speaking about the current landscape, Colman said Hollywood is still “afraid” of queer stories, noting that there remains a lingering hesitation when it comes to backing projects that center LGBTQ+ lives. She pointed out that concerns around financing and perceived audience reach continue to shape what gets made, even as audiences show increasing appetite for diverse storytelling.

Colman described Jimpa as exactly the kind of film that deserves wider support, calling it “a beautiful story” that explores identity, family and belonging in a deeply human way. She stressed that stories like this are universal, adding that they resonate “whether you’re queer or not,” because they speak to shared emotional experiences.

The Oscar-winning actor also emphasized the importance of representation, explaining that seeing authentic stories on screen can be life-changing for people who rarely feel seen in mainstream cinema. She said the industry needs to be “braver” and trust audiences more when it comes to inclusive storytelling.

Her remarks come amid ongoing industry conversations about diversity and access, with Colman expressing hope that films like Jimpa will help push Hollywood forward and encourage decision-makers to invest in a broader range of voices and perspectives.