Jenna Ortega Advocates for Original Female Roles

Jenna Ortega, the star of the upcoming film Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, has voiced her opposition to gender-flipped reboots of iconic male characters, advocating instead for original female-led franchises. In a recent MTV interview, Ortega specifically rejected the idea of playing a female version of Edward Scissorhands or James Bond, emphasizing the importance of creating new, unique female characters. She expressed her excitement about the increasing number of female leads in Hollywood but insisted that women should have their own original stories rather than inheriting male-centric roles. This sentiment aligns with broader industry discussions, where other actors like Emily Blunt, Tatiana Maslany, and Emma Thompson have criticized the trope of the 'strong female lead' as reductive. Longtime James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli has similarly stated that Bond will remain male, advocating for the creation of distinct female roles. Ortega's comments have sparked further debate on the topic, reflecting a growing desire for more authentic and nuanced female representation in film.