Jenna Ortega, known for her roles in “Wednesday” and the upcoming movie “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”, wants to see more original action franchises focused on female leads. In a recent interview, the actress expressed her views on representation of women in Hollywood blockbusters. Ortega said she appreciates the growth in female-led movies but thinks the industry should create fresh stories, not just repurpose existing male characters.
She explained that turning classic franchises into spinoffs with women in the iconic roles, like “Jamie Bond,” is not the answer. Ortega would rather see new portrayals of strong, independent female characters headline their own adventure series. Her comments come as the film industry grapples with improving diversity and offering compelling roles for women and people of color.
One franchise often part of this discussion is James Bond. Producer Barbara Broccoli has said the iconic spy will remain male but supports diversifying the actors considered. Actress Ana de Armas, who acted in the most recent Bond film, agreed a gender switch is unnecessary when unique female roles could be crafted. Former Bond actor Daniel Craig also thinks Hollywood should prioritize developing great new characters regardless of gender or race.
The debate sparked by Ortega’s interview highlights both sides of adapting established properties. While some see including female leads as progress, others like Ortega argue for innovation over imitation. Some history shows assigning gender-nontraditional roles was considered before, like an early 007 rights owner musing about Susan Hayward for the part. More recently, Lashana Lynch gained attention as a new 007 in “No Time to Die” though not as a replacement of James Bond.
As she prepares for “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”, Ortega renews the discussion on representation and the demand for wholly original female heroes at the forefront of their own adventures. Only by generating fresh stories, not just swapping genders into familiar franchises, can the industry fully accomplish its diversity goals according to the actress.
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