Jennifer Lawrence found herself in the midst of controversy after a candid discussion on the Variety series "Actors on Actors" with Viola Davis.
The conversation centered around the presence of women in action films, with Lawrence specifically referencing her role as Katniss Everdeen in "The Hunger Games" as groundbreaking. She stated that, during the making of the film, she was told that a woman couldn't lead an action movie, claiming that boys couldn't identify with a female protagonist.
However, Lawrence's assertion faced immediate backlash on social media, as users pointed out iconic female leads in action films predating "The Hunger Games," such as Sigourney Weaver in "Alien" and Uma Thurman in "Kill Bill." In response to the criticism, Lawrence later clarified her remarks in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, acknowledging her error and expressing that her intention was not to undermine other female action stars.
Lawrence emphasized that she did not want to convey that she was the first woman to lead an action film and recognized the significant contributions of actresses like Weaver and Thurman. She explained that her focus was on the positive impact of breaking stereotypes in the industry and overcoming myths surrounding female protagonists in action movies.
Despite the controversy, Lawrence acknowledged the changing landscape in Hollywood, where more actresses are headlining blockbuster films. From Daisy Ridley in "Star Wars" to Brie Larson as "Captain Marvel" and Gal Gadot in the "Wonder Woman" franchise, the industry has witnessed a shift towards more diverse and powerful female leads.
In retrospect, Lawrence admitted her nervousness during the conversation with Viola Davis, a living legend in the industry. She clarified that her aim was to highlight the positive feelings associated with challenging stereotypes, but she acknowledged that her words did not convey that effectively.
As Lawrence continues her career, her impact in the film industry remains notable, with "The Hunger Games" franchise leaving a lasting legacy and a prequel, "Ballad of Birds," set to premiere on November 17, 2023, further expanding the franchise's universe.
