Member-only story
Why aren’t female-led science fiction and superhero franchises doing better?
By Kent R. Kroeger (February 20, 2020)
Whenever someone suggests the post-2016 ‘second wave’ of female-led science fiction and superhero franchises are under-performing with audiences, we hear one of three responses from entertainment industry people:
(1) These movies and TV shows aren’t under-performing. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (which centers on the Force-empowered orphan, Rey, portrayed by British actress Daisy Ridley) has made over $1 billion worldwide. How can that be considered a disappointment?
(2) Blame misogynist males. The traditional science fiction and superhero movie audience is still heavily weighted towards males and they are too misogynistic to embrace strong women characters. She-Hulk writer Dana Schwartz even suggests these are mostly nerds seeking revenge over a lack of sex during their teenage and early adulthood years (I hope that isn’t going to be Marvel Studio’s marketing pitch for She-Hulk).
(3) Cherry-picking data. By ignoring the ‘first wave’ female superheroes (Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel), you are throwing out evidence that disproves the original supposition.
All three of these arguments can be genuinely supported and I am certainly aware (from personal experience) that…
