‘Fast and Furious’ Actress Michelle Rodriguez Threatens to Quit Over Treatment of Women
Photo: Universal Pictures
Step it up, folks.
Actress Michelle Rodriguez, known for her role in the Fast and Furious franchise, has issued an ultimatum: either the franchise steps up its game and improves the way it treats women, or she’s out.
The actress took to social media to express her frustrations, explaining on Instagram that the film’s executives need “to show some love to the women of the franchise on the next one. Or I just might say goodbye to a loved franchise. it’s been a good ride.”
It seems as though Rodriguez has been thinking about this move for a while now. She expressed her frustrations in an interview with Entertainment Weekly back in May: “I’ve been making movies with Jordana,” she said, referring to her character’s sister in the franchise, “for 16 years and I can count on one hand how many lines I’ve had to her […] At the end of the day, the only leverage I have as an individual is my participation.”
Rodriguez’s decision comes with good reason. Prominent female characters have been killed off left and right throughout the series, making female representation minimal in an already male-dominated franchise. Rodriguez is using her own voice and her own actions to try and make an impact.
That’s the most important thing a person can do to try to make change, especially from a position of power. Fans can complain about the lack of female representation all they want; unfortunately, that doesn’t mean it pulls enough weight. But Michelle is doing something with her position: she is using it to her advantage, taking a stand against the man (literally), and speaking up for what she believes in. The franchise has something to risk by losing Michelle Rodriguez: money.
So, what happens if they don’t change? Well, that depends on whether or not Michelle means what she says. But from her Instagram and recent interviews, I’d say she seems sick and tired of women being underrepresented. If things don’t change, it looks like Michelle will be saying “see ya.”
News Source: The Huffington Post
Meg Thomson is a writer, photographer, blogger, and activist. When she isn’t writing, Meg can be found immersing herself in television scripts, adopting and playing with animals, or updating lists of her dream travel destinations (the list never ends). Meg believes writing is power, and equality is essential. She is determined to make a difference in the world, one word at a time. See more articles by Meg.