Interviews
Black Widow
Scarlett Johansson said that her favourite compliments come from girls that say, “I love that movie”. This is probably because Black Widow was the only female superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for a very long time and so she showed young girls strength.
There was less merchandise for Black Widow compared to the other Avengers, leading to fans creating hashtags like “We want Widow!” and “Where’s Natasha”. This lack of merchandise leads to less exposure of the female superhero, meaning less girls see a superhero like them.
Scarlett Johansson faces unequal questioning in interviews. Whilst the men are asked about their character and talent, women are asked about the latest fashion trend or makeup. Women should also be asked about their acting and their actual job, since men and women do the same job.
At The Avengers press conference in 2012, Robert Downey Jr. was asked about playing Iron Man, whereas Scarlett Johansson was about her diet.
The Joker
Joaquin Phoenix had to lose weight for his role as the Joker looks skinny and ill. Phoenix said that it was difficult to lose weight but also exciting once you reach your target weight. Losing weight for a role is dangerous and can be unhealthy, especially as Joaquin described feeling exhausted a lot. In the 21st century, the film producer’s should have used technology to make the actor look skinny, not make him lose weight.
Captain America
Chris Evans said that the size of his body after working out so much to look a certain way for the films was unnatural. His body did not want to be that size.
Chris Evans does point out that he does not normally look like he does in the movies. They even shoot all the scenes when he wears a t-shirt at the beginning of filming so he looks his best, because when filming he can’t go to the gym every day.
In Captain America: Winter Soldier the script said to zoom in on his biceps, probably as a way to show off the superhero’s strength but also objectifies the actor.
Chris Evans has been in magazines discussing whether he is the sexiest man alive, which is objectifying him and overlooks his talent as an actor. Also, Evans was named People Magazine’s “Hottest Bachelor” in 2006. Evans is a feminist and pro-choice! Magazines should definitely look at this side of the actor and all the support he gives to charities. Not his appearance.
Wonder Woman
An American journalist said that in 1972, when she started her magazine, Wonder Woman was the only female superhero and so the only superhero to make you feel good about yourself. We need more female superheroes so everyone can feel good about themselves.