Elizabeth Banks attributes the rejection of Charlie's Angels to the media, stating that the film did not pursue a specific gender agenda. As the director, she views this experience as a significant opportunity for personal growth.
In 2019, Banks undertook her second directorial venture with Charlie's Angels, aiming to rejuvenate the franchise with a new cast featuring Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska. Despite these efforts, the film fell short of expectations, resulting in the cancellation of any plans to continue with the new leading trio. Nearly four years after its release, Banks still believes that media and marketing played a crucial role in shaping Charlie's Angels' fate with the audience.
During an interview with Rolling Stone, Banks reflected on pivotal moments in her career. Despite the setback with Charlie's Angels potentially impacting her professional trajectory, 2023 brought her newfound satisfaction as her latest film, Intoxicated Bear, achieved box office success and garnered attention for its irreverent approach. Banks acknowledges that the journey was challenging but immensely instructive.
Banks contends that the media constructed a narrative around Charlie's Angels as a feminist manifesto, a characterization she believes was exaggerated and restrictive. The perception that the film exclusively targeted a female audience, evident in trailers, posters, and the soundtrack, led to a disconnect with male viewers. Approximately 66% of the film's U.S. audience were reported to be women. Banks emphasizes that her intent did not involve a gender agenda, and she laments the loss of control over the narrative due to media framing.
Despite her efforts, Banks notes a lack of support from Sony, the studio behind the film. Reflecting on the marketing strategy, she reveals attempts to address concerns with those responsible for promoting the film. This experience illuminated her understanding of how the industry perceives and handles such matters.
Banks recounts a conversation about a potential partnership with Drybar, finding it unsettling. Her attempt to diversify the film's advertising, such as having an ad during baseball playoffs, highlighted the industry's perspectives. She concludes that controlling the media narrative is challenging, even with the acknowledgment of her directorial role.
As of now, there are no plans from any studio to revive the Charlie's Angels franchise in any format. While Banks and Kristen Stewart's careers weathered the storm, the same cannot be said for the other two leads. Naomi Scott, following the success of Aladdin, faced challenges in finding successful roles, while Ella Balinska experienced a series of setbacks, with the Netflix version of Resident Evil being her most recent disappointment.
