In a recent conversation with Vulture, Sofia Boutella opened up about the challenges of Hollywood’s gender biases, especially through her experiences on projects like ‘Rebel Moon.’
During the interview, Boutella voiced her frustration with the film industry’s approach to female characters, saying:
“If this was a few years ago, for ‘Rebel Moon,’ they would have looked for a male-lead action character. … Sometimes I see the industry as saying, ‘Okay, we’re going to prove that change is being made, so we’re going to do all these projects.’ And sometimes I look at them, and the attention to detail wasn’t there as if it was a man.”
She then pointed out a big difference in how men and women are depicted on screen, particularly in the editing room. Revealing how the camera and editing choices often undermine women’s roles, the actress continued:
“It is a man’s world. Look at how a man is filmed. For men, the camera punches in. For men, the camera lingers — the editing doesn’t cut away, and it pulls in tight in the eyes. For women, the cut is quick. I see it’s punching in — but then quickly, it cuts before you actually get to where we’re supposed to be.”
This bias, she argues, not only undermines women’s roles on screen but also reflects a broader issue of gender inequality within the industry.
Boutella Stands By ‘Rebel Moon’ Against Criticisms
Boutella’s recent work in ‘Rebel Moon,’ a Zack Snyder sci-fi epic released on Netflix last year, has not been immune to criticism, but the actress stands firm in her pride for the project. Despite mixed reviews and the emotional toll they took, Boutella expressed a heartfelt commitment to the film and its team, saying:
“I always thought that I was fully armed to take on those punches, and then I read the critics that came down on ‘Rebel Moon,’ and it really affected me. … It really affected me for all of those who put so much heart, tears, and sweat in this project. It’s hard to see something being demolished to that extent. I’m proud to have been part of it, and if there is no more ‘Rebel Moon,’ it will be a very important part of my life that I will defend forever.”
The future of the ‘Rebel Moon’ franchise seems promising, with plans for an extended universe that includes a sequel, ‘Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver,’ slated for release on April 19, 2024. Despite the initial reception, this expansion includes a multimedia approach, with novels and comic books contributing to the universe.
You can watch the teaser for ‘Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver’ below.
