South African-born actress Charlize Theron has taken aim at Hollywood’s ongoing gender bias, particularly within the action film genre. In a recent interview with The New York Times, the Oscar winner reflected on the harsh reality women face in leading action roles — a space where male counterparts are often given repeat chances despite commercial failures.
ALSO SEE: South Africa crowned world champions in street dance at Dance World Cup 2025
Studios still wary of women-led action films
Theron did not hold back as she addressed the unequal playing field in Hollywood. “Action films with female leads don’t get greenlit as much as the ones with male leads,” she said. “What frustrates me is that guys will get a free ride. When women do this and the movie may not hit fully, they don’t necessarily get a chance again.”
The actress, known for roles in Mad Max: Fury Road, Atomic Blonde and The Old Guard, said that while men are allowed to fail and try again, female actors are judged more critically. Their box office success — or lack thereof—often determines whether they’ll ever be offered similar roles again.
Theron’s comments echo the frustrations of many female performers who have long felt that gender bias influences not only casting but the level of creative risk studios are willing to take on women-led films.
From broken bones to broken ceilings
In addition to the industry’s double standards, Theron discussed the toll her commitment to physically demanding roles has taken. She recalled suffering a serious neck injury during the filming of Aeon Flux, which left her needing several surgeries on her neck, shoulder, elbows and hand.
“My adult woman brain is like, ‘No thank you. I’m OK not doing that,’” she said, noting a shift in how she approaches stunts today. While still passionate about the genre, she now carefully assesses the risks involved.
This practical approach is one she shares with her Old Guard 2 co-star Uma Thurman, who returns to action after a long hiatus. Both women are acutely aware of the pressures and expectations placed on female leads — particularly in a genre known for valuing spectacle and physicality.
An overdue win for stunt performers
Theron also applauded the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for its decision to introduce an award for Achievement in Stunt Design from 2027. She called the move long overdue, stressing that stunt professionals are essential to the believability and brilliance of action films.
“It’s about time we recognise those performers,” she said, adding that their contribution has been overlooked for too long.
The category is expected to open up new conversations around how the physical demands of action films affect all involved — and may also encourage a more nuanced understanding of the risks taken by both male and female performers.
A global voice for change
Theron’s remarks have struck a chord far beyond Hollywood. In South Africa, where her global success continues to inspire, her words are a powerful reminder that representation — both on-screen and behind the scenes — still needs work.
By using her platform to speak out, Theron continues to challenge the status quo and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable film industry. Her stance contributes to a broader, growing movement calling for women-led stories to receive the same investment and support that male-driven projects routinely enjoy.
As Theron put it, “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.” The message is clear: it is time to rewrite the rules — and ensure women are given the same chances to succeed, stumble, and shine.
ALSO SEE:
Featured Image: Getty
