Jenna Ortega and Zoe Saldaña have sparked contrasting reactions from fans. Saldaña recently expressed her ambition to direct an action film, specifically suggesting her interest in the James Bond franchise, noting the lack of female directors in the series.
Ortega, however, has championed the idea of creating original female-led stories rather than reimagining existing franchises with female leads, leading discussion among fans, who have applauded Ortega’s stance on fresh narratives while criticizing Saldaña’s desire to break new ground in a major franchise.
Zoe Saldaña Expressed Her Desire to Break New Ground in Directing
Zoe Saldana has recently expressed her wish to helm an action movie, potentially even a James Bond film, arguing that she has never seen a woman direct a single film in the franchise. The actress joined the Toronto International Film Festival for her new movie, Emilia Pérez.
In her conversation with TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey, the actress expressed her interest in directing action and crime films, particularly heist-themed projects. “I’ve never seen a woman direct James Bond,” Saldaña said before further stating, as per Variety,
I like ‘The Equalizer.’ I watch crime shows, and, so, maybe in the future. I’ve always been drawn to heist themes. ‘Heat’ is a film that I need to watch at least once a year and analyze it… So, I would love to start with an action-heist sort of thing.
The actress further expressed her belief in versatility as a filmmaker, highlighting that she doesn’t limit herself to specific genres or styles.
Referring to filmmakers like Ang Lee, who successfully directed both action films and period dramas like Sense and Sensibility, she expressed her aspirations to direct something as different as a Jane Austen adaptation.
Zoe Saldaña’s Franchise Aspirations Clash with Jenna Ortega’s Originality Stance
While Zoe Saldaña aspires to helm an action film, potentially even James Bond, the Wednesday star Jenna Ortega has advocated for more original female-led stories instead of relying on gender-swapped versions of existing franchises.
While promoting her latest film, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the actress was asked if she would consider leading a gender-flipped version of Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands, titled Edith Scissorhands.
Ortega appreciated such efforts to put forth more female lead projects, saying, “I love that there’s a lot more female leads nowadays, I think that’s so special.” However, she denied the potential offer, saying, as per Variety,
But we should have our own — I don’t like it when it’s like a spinoff — I don’t want to see like ‘Jamie Bond.’ You know? I want to see another badass.
While contrasting to Saldaña, Ortega’s stance has garnered respect from many who praised her for advocating original female-led stories. On the other hand, there is less enthusiasm for Saldaña’s idea of taking over a major, well-established franchise like James Bond, valued at $7.8 billion.
Yes, leave things like James Bond alone. Go make a badass female version. I think almost everyone would approve of this
— RussStra (@russ_strahota) September 4, 2024
100%. The gender as well as the race flipped stuff is just being lazy. Get creative and build up a good character like Ripley, Laura Croft, Selene, Katniss, Alice (From Resident Evil but if you want to say from Wonderland that’s fine too), etc…
— LetsGoBayBay (@LetsGoBayBay) September 3, 2024
I absolutely agree that the answer is more well-written female leads rather than just rewritten men’s roles. Everyone deserves better than that. pic.twitter.com/XlH3eTkv2A
— CinemaScope (@Cinema___Scope) September 3, 2024
When people put it like this, it kinda sounds weird.
— gaberial (@AngelCha0509) September 9, 2024
Not the part of a women directing a James Bond movie, that 100% fine. But when I get news of a new movie in a franchise I don’t go “I wonder if a man or women will direct the movie👀”. I focus on the quality of the director.
Please don’t say it like that. Just say I want to director more of spy thriller and that’s that don’t say “women/poc” insert over established lore and work and say this is new or needed
— Bardockobama (@Bardockoba6568) September 10, 2024
why is women's first instinct to try and take over something men like vs create their own thing. You are in the business of creating things why would you immediately go for something like Bond.
— Moosey (@0nlyMeez) September 9, 2024
Many argued that it would be more exciting to see an original story with an original character rather than a female version of an existing franchise. Despite the polarizing nature of the conversation, Ortega’s call for original narratives is noteworthy.
Films like Alien and Kill Bill established a precedent for strong female leads, a trend that continues with actresses like Charlize Theron, showcasing the potential for impactful original stories with powerful female characters.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire