Joss Whedon is kicking ass and taking names once again as he tackles the issue of sexism in popular culture.
The king of nerd culture and the champion of strong, complicated characters has talked openly about sexism in Hollywood, and he is not pulling back any punches.
In a recent interview with Digital Spy, on their trip to the Avengers: Age of Ultron set (bear in mind, this was before the announcement of the Captain Marvel, Wonder Woman and Jessica Jones projects) he actively spoke out against sexism in Hollywood.
The Buffy, Firefly and Dollhouse creator said:
“It’s a phenomenon in the industry we call ‘stupid people’…There is a genuine, recalcitrant, intractable sexism and old fashioned misogyny that goes on.”
Whedon has often spoken out against Hollywood’s treatment of female characters, after famously having a seven year Wonder Woman project scrapped. Also in an interview, Whedon was asked why he insists on writing strong, interesting women, to which he deliciously replied: “Because you’re still asking me that question.”
During the interview with Digital Spy, Whedon was adamant that Marvel and comic book culture in general need to buck the trend of treating women like secondary characters.
Hear hear.
In fact, many assert that the break out star of Avengers Assemble was Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow. This author is among the fans begging for a spin-off featuring the deadly assassin.
Whedon also praised The Hunger Games, saying it proved that female-led films with a complicated character can be a critical and commercial success. He also notes that just because past ventures from studios with a female lead failed, it doesn’t mean they all will.
“’Oh, (female superheroes) don’t work because of those two bad ones that we made years ago.’ There’s always an excuse.”
In fact, the trends are changing. Female characters are becoming prominent and we should all be grateful. Television needs interesting, complicated women and men: real characters. Think Orphan Black with the preposterously talented Tatiana Maslany, Legend of Korra which showed a female lead as the superhero and all powerful Avatar, and even Sansa Stark from Game of Thrones who is an integral game player, clever and brave to have survived in court.
These are the characters we are interested in seeing: interesting, complicated, kick ass characters.
For taking a stand—and just being a general boss—Joss Whedon, we salute you.
Avengers: Age of Ultron will hit cinemas May 1.
So PopWrappers, who are your favorite female superheroes, vigilantes and villains? Who do you want to get the big screen treatment next?
My money’s on Black Widow, but let us know in the comments below!
Keep Up With PopWrapped On The Web!
Author
