Charlize Theron calls out Hollywood for not taking 'risk' on female hero action films
Share and Follow

Actress Charlize Theron criticized the film industry for hesitating to support female-led action films in a recent interview with The New York Times.

Theron and fellow actress Uma Thurman discussed the challenges women encounter in the genre as they promote their new Netflix superhero sequel, “The Old Guard 2.”

Theron said that securing the lead roles in action films is more challenging for women because Hollywood viewed these films as more of a risk.

“Yeah, it’s harder,” Theron stated. “That’s known. Action films with female leads don’t get green-lit as much as the ones with male leads. I think the thing that always frustrates me is the fact that guys will get a free ride.”

The Oscar-winning actress suggested there was a double standard in Hollywood.

Theron claimed that when male actors star in films that flop at the box office, they are often given a pass, while women are rarely given the same leeway.


Charlize Theron at the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project 2025 Block Party.
Charlize Theron attended the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project 2025 Block Party in Universal City, Calif. on June 28, 2025. Getty Images

Charlize Theron as Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road, carrying a rifle.
Theron played Furiosa in the 2015 film “Mad Max: Fury Road.” Jasin Boland

“When women do this and the movie maybe doesn’t hit fully, they don’t necessarily get a chance again,” she said. “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.”

Both she and Thurman have starred in successful female-led action films. Thurman famously played an assassin in “Kill Bill,” while Theron has taken on iconic roles in films like “Mad Max: Fury Road” and the “Fast & Furious” franchise.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Oregon mom, kids held for days after being detained at Canadian border

Oregon Mother and Children Detained for Several Days at Canadian Border

An Oregon mother and her four children, who are US citizens, have…
Ingram family dog makes her way back home days after floodwaters consumed house

Ingram Family’s Dog Safely Returns Home Days After Floodwaters Overwhelm House

Many families had to climb to their roofs, float on mattresses and…
34 cities, counties join immigrant sanctuary lawsuit against Trump

34 cities and counties are participating in a lawsuit against Trump regarding immigrant sanctuary practices

() Thirty-four cities and counties have requested to join a lawsuit from…

Bryan Kohberger believed he committed ‘the perfect murders’ until one key mistake shattered his plot: author

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Bryan Kohberger, a painfully…
Trump says he's considering revoking Rosie O'Donnell's citizenship, reigniting decadeslong feud

Trump is thinking about taking away Rosie O’Donnell’s citizenship, sparking a feud that has lasted for decades.

President Donald Trump reignited a decadeslong feud with comedian Rosie O’Donnell on…
Wyoming's first new coal mine in decades to extract rare earths

First new coal mine in decades in Wyoming dedicated to extracting rare earth minerals

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) The developer of what would be the first new…
'Bad Vegan' Sarma Melngailis claims her ex ruined her life

“Ex-Partner Blamed for Downfall by ‘Bad Vegan’ Star Sarma Melngailis”

The iconic duck portraits, once a staple in the dining room of…
New tax break for auto loans could save some buyers thousands of dollars. But will it boost sales?

Will a New Tax Break for Auto Loans Save Buyers Thousands and Boost Car Sales?

Millions of people receive a federal tax deduction for the interest they…