Jenna Ortega has advocated for women’s stories to take center stage.
In a recent MTV interview, the actress emphasized the importance of featuring women as leads in their own franchises, rather than relegating them to spinoff roles.
When asked if she’d be interested in playing “Edith Scissorhands” in a gender-swapped adaptation of the classic film, Ortega suggested that women deserve more than just reimagined male-led stories.
She believes women should have their own unique narratives and franchises, rather than being limited to reworked versions of existing male-dominated stories.
“I love that there’s a lot more female leads nowadays, I think that’s so special. But we should have our own,” Ortega said. “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 comes after Daniel Craig’s recent interview at the Venice International Film Festival which sparked discussion about reimagining James Bond.
When asked if Bond could be LGBTQ+ in the future, filmmaker Luca Guadagnino intervened, urging a more mature conversation.
This exchange revives the long-standing debate about diversifying the traditionally straight, white, and chauvinistic Bond character.
Notably, producer Barbara Broccoli shares Jenna Ortega’s sentiment, advocating for creating original roles for women rather than adapting male characters.
In 2021, Broccoli stated, “I think [the next James Bond] will be a man… I believe in making characters for women and not just having women play men’s roles.”
She emphasized the importance of developing movies centered around women, allowing for greater representation and diversity.
Broccoli also highlighted the possibility of a British Bond from any ethnic or racial background, opening up opportunities for a more inclusive portrayal.
Several films have successfully introduced female characters reminiscent of James Bond, offering a fresh take on the spy genre.
Notable examples include: Atomic Blonde (2017), starring Charlize Theron as a top-level spy, which received critical acclaim for its action sequences and performances. Salt (2010), featuring Angelina Jolie as a CIA agent accused of being a Russian spy, showcasing her versatility in the role.
Black Widow (2021), a Marvel blockbuster starring Scarlett Johansson as the titular character, exploring her backstory and skills as a spy and assassin.
Additionally, Rebecca Ferguson’s portrayal of Ilsa Faust, an ex-MI6 agent, in the Mission: Impossible franchise (starting with Rogue Nation) has been widely praised, making her a fan favorite.
Olekanma Favour is a resourceful, self-motivated, and result-driven writer with a passion for crafting compelling narratives and insightful content. She loves tackling complex topics and weaving engaging stories.
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