X-Men: Apocalypse, as well as some X-Men films before, featured young and old versions of Professor X and Magneto. Well, that's exactly what Famke Janssen, who played Jean Grey in previous X-Men films, wants to happen to her character in future films in the franchise.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the 51-year-old actress explained how old versions of women characters are replaced but men aren't:
...it's not the first time obviously that it's happened. In the X-Men series, they've been doing this for years. Although women, it's interesting because they're replaced, and the older versions – or more mature, whatever the politically correct version of that is – are never to be seen again.
Whereas the men are allowed to be both ages. Sexism. I think that I should be back along with my younger version and the way that we've seen it with Magneto and Professor X.
Meanwhile, the new Jean Grey, to be played by Sophie Turner, apparently emailed Janssen asking for advice. Janssen answered her:
You don't need any. You're perfect. You're great.
So I can't wait to see the movie and what she's done with it.
Personally, I think Jansen has a valid point, although casting younger versions of the mutants and doing away with the old probably has something to do with the storyline rather than sexism.
In any case, it's worth noting that the actress even pitched the idea to the heads of the franchise. What answer did she get? Quite frustrating.
Yes, I have. I have not heard any feedback on that, other than total radio silence.
So maybe I was wrong. Maybe the studios just don't want to see older versions of their female superheroes.
Hear the entire interview below:
X-Men Apocalypse hits theaters on May 27.
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