NewKerala.com

Key Points

Scarlett Johansson reflects on how early Hollywood roles typecast her as a desirable figure rather than a fully developed character. She acknowledges progress in the industry, with more opportunities for women to play multi-dimensional roles. The actress recalls feeling objectified and struggling to break free from hypersexualized typecasting. Today, she sees a shift with more female role models and diverse storytelling in film.

Key Points: Scarlett Johansson Reflects on Male Gaze Roles in Early Hollywood Years

  • Johansson recalls being typecast in hypersexualized roles early in her career
  • She notes Hollywood now offers more diverse female characters
  • The actress felt objectified and struggled to break free from stereotypes
  • Johansson sees progress with more women in powerful industry roles
2 min read

Scarlett Johansson recalls her initial years in Hollywood, says she was offered roles revolving around desirability, or the male gaze

Scarlett Johansson opens up about being typecast early in her career, discussing Hollywood's shift toward more diverse female roles today.

"A lot of the roles I was offered had their ambitions revolving around desirability or the male gaze. – Scarlett Johansson"

Washington DC, June 30

Actress Scarlett Johansson, who is known for working in 'Avengers', 'Black Widow', and many other successful performances, recently shared how roles for women have changed since she entered Hollywood, according to Variety.

The 'Scoop' shared that when she started working in the industry, the roles she was offered usually centred around "desirability," and the goals and needs of her male counterparts.

However, she feels that things are changing, and today Hollywood is bringing "a different time for young women," as per the outlet.

"The messaging is different, there are many more role models, women are visible in powerful positions, and the opportunities I have had to play women who don't have to be just one thing or another have increased," shared Johansson, reported Variety.

She added, "But when I was younger, a lot of the roles I was offered, or I went for, had their ambitions or character arcs revolving around their desirability, or the male gaze, or a male-centred story. That is less frequent, though; something has shifted."

The A-list star has been vocal about her representation in the entertainment industry. In 2022, Johansson said she was so "hypersexualised" by the industry at a young age that she thought it would be impossible to branch out into different types of roles.

"I kind of became objectified and pigeonholed in this way where I felt like I wasn't getting offers for work for things that I wanted to do," said Johansson.

"I remember thinking to myself, 'I think people think I'm 40 years old.' It somehow stopped being something that was desirable and something that I was fighting against, " she added, reported Variety.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
At least Hollywood is changing! In India, most female leads still have to be "eye candy" first and actors second. Look at how many talented actresses disappear after 35 while male stars work till 60+.
A
Ananya R
Respect to ScarJo for speaking up! 👏 But let's not forget she still benefited from that system early in her career. Many actresses don't even get that initial break unless they fit the "desirable" mold.
V
Vikram M
This is why I appreciate actresses like Vidya Balan and Taapsee Pannu who choose substantial roles over flowerpot ones. But they're exceptions, not the norm in our film industry.
S
Sarah B
As an NRI, I see both sides - Hollywood has improved but still has miles to go. Bollywood needs to wake up! Why can't we have more female-led films like English Vinglish instead of just item numbers?
K
Karthik V
The male gaze problem exists in all Indian entertainment - from films to ads to web series. Even in progressive shows, female characters often exist just to be romanced by the hero. When will this change?

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50