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Study Reveals Older Characters Are Predominantly Cast as Villains in Films
Hollywood's Age Bias: Older Characters More Likely to Be Villains Than Heroes, Says Geena Davis Institute Los Angeles, CA – A recent report from The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media highlights a significant disparity in the portrayal of older characters in film, revealing that ageism remains prevalent in Hollywood. According to the institute's findings, a striking 59% of villains in films are characters aged 50 or older, while only 30% of heroic roles are filled by individuals in the same age group. Two-time Academy Award winner Geena Davis, founder of the institute, emphasized the organization's mission to combat biases and stereotypes across all forms of media. "Our goal is to achieve true on-screen equity," Davis stated in a recent video, underscoring the importance of diverse and accurate representation. The institute advocates for a fundamental shift in how older individuals are depicted in storytelling. The data suggests a pervasive narrative where age is often associated with malevolence rather than heroism, perpetuating harmful stereotypes. The organization calls on the entertainment industry to "rewrite the script" and embrace more positive and varied roles for older characters. This research aims to spark a conversation about the impact of media representation on societal perceptions of aging and to encourage creators to develop more inclusive and empowering narratives.
