As with many industries, Hollywood is subject to fighting for gender equality in film on a daily basis. This year, many outspoken, famous actresses have taken to the stage to air their worries about sexism in the industry, including Amanda Seyfried on the pay gap and Emma Thompson on female beauty expectations.
On Friday, George Clooney joined ranks at the Toronto International Film Festival saying that “There’s a lot more [roles] out there if people just started thinking.” He referenced Gravity co-star Sandra Bullock’s role in Our Brand Is Crisis, which was originally intended for a male actor. In fact, the role was meant to be played by Clooney, himself, but, when Bullock addressed filmmakers personally, plans quickly changed.
About two and a half years ago I put out feelers saying, ‘I’m not reading anything I’m excited about. Are there any male roles out there that [the filmmakers] don’t mind switching to female?’
This prompted a rethink on the set of Our Brand Is Crisis, and Bullock went on to play the lead role as political strategist “Calamity” Jane Bodine; Clooney serves as producer on the film.
Our Brand Is Crisis will be released on October 30.
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