Actress Jenna Ortega, known for her role in 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,' recently shared her thoughts on the trend of gender-flipping characters in Hollywood. When asked about starring in a female reboot of Tim Burton's 'Edward Scissorhands,' Ortega emphasized the importance of creating original female characters rather than simply gender-swapping existing roles.
Ortega expressed her support for the increasing number of female leads in films but stressed the need for unique and independent characters for women. She highlighted the significance of maintaining the mystery and sensitivity of iconic characters like 'Edward Scissorhands,' suggesting that creating spinoffs could dilute the essence of the original creations.
The conversation around gender-flipping characters has been a topic of debate in the film industry, with recent remakes like 'Ghostbusters' and 'Ocean's 8' featuring female-led casts. Ortega's stance reflects a growing sentiment among actors and filmmakers who advocate for the development of new and compelling roles specifically tailored for women.
Notably, Ortega's collaboration with Tim Burton on projects like 'Wednesday' and 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' has provided her with insights into the creative process behind iconic characters. Burton himself has expressed reservations about creating sequels or reboots of his singular works, emphasizing the value of preserving the originality and integrity of his creations.
The discussion also touched upon the James Bond franchise, which has faced speculation and backlash over the casting of a female 007 in the latest installment, 'No Time To Die.' The industry's exploration of gender diversity in leading roles continues to evolve, prompting conversations about the balance between honoring classic characters and introducing fresh narratives.