Rosamund Pike says objectifying men in ‘Ladies First’ was fun and empowering

Rosamund Pike is stepping into another commanding role with the release of Ladies First, a new Netflix comedy that turns traditional gender expectations upside down. The actress recently spoke with Out magazine about the project, revealing how much she enjoyed reversing power dynamics onscreen and embracing the film’s satirical take on sexism in modern society.

Directed by Thea Sharrock, Ladies First stars Pike opposite Sacha Baron Cohen. The film follows a successful male chief executive named Damien Sachs, played by Cohen, whose world changes completely after a sudden injury. When he wakes up, his female assistant, portrayed by Pike, has become the company’s new chief executive while society itself operates under reversed gender norms.

In this fictional world, women hold social and professional power while men face objectification and unrealistic expectations. Pike admitted she found the role entertaining because it allowed her to mirror behaviours often associated with powerful men in real life.

The actress explained that she had spent years observing misogynistic traits displayed by men and found it fascinating to adopt those attitudes for the screen. She said objectifying her male co stars became one of the most amusing parts of filming because the story intentionally exaggerates stereotypes to expose how absurd they can appear when reversed.

Pike has built a reputation for portraying sharp, complex women throughout her career. Her performances in Saltburn, I Care A Lot, and the television adaptation of The Wheel Of Time have earned strong support from LGBTQ+ audiences, particularly queer women who have embraced many of her characters as cult favourites.

During the interview, Pike warmly acknowledged the devotion of her sapphic fanbase and said she proudly embraces being viewed as a lesbian icon. She reflected on how interactions with fans have changed over time, explaining that she now regularly meets members of the LGBTQ+ community after performances and genuinely looks forward to those encounters.

The actress noted that the atmosphere surrounding celebrity fandom has evolved significantly since her twenties. Instead of formal stage door greetings dominated by traditional admirers, Pike said her audience today feels more diverse, passionate, and community driven.

Sharrock also shared her excitement about bringing Ladies First to audiences at a moment when conversations around representation, equality, and minority voices remain central across entertainment. The director said the film reflects the type of world she and Pike already feel part of creatively, one where women are increasingly shaping their own narratives both onscreen and behind the camera.

The Netflix release arrives as studios continue exploring stories that challenge outdated social expectations through comedy and satire. While Ladies First delivers exaggerated role reversals for humour, the film also aims to spark discussion about the treatment of women and the unequal standards often present in workplaces, relationships, and public life.