The box office flop “Madame Web” attempted to change the iconic superhero Spider-Man from male to female.
Dakota Johnson
Dakota Johnson reflected on starring in the box office flop “Madame Web,” saying she wasn’t surprised by the bad reviews and likely won’t do another superhero film. The film attempted to change the iconic superhero Spider-Man from male to female.
‘Madame Web’
“Madame Web” significantly underperformed other Spider-Man films, opening to just $26 million according to Forbes.
A learning experience
While the movie changed from its original pitch, Johnson said it was a learning experience.
‘I’m not surprised’
“Unfortunately, I’m not surprised that this has gone down the way it has,” she said.
Never again
“But it was definitely an experience for me to make that movie. I had never done anything like it before. I probably will never do anything like it again because I don’t make sense in that world. And I know that now,” Johnson said.
In recent years
In recent years, Hollywood has undergone a significant transformation, marked by a noticeable shift towards increased social consciousness and a commitment to diverse and inclusive representation.
‘Going woke’
This evolution, often referred to as “going woke,” reflects a growing awareness of societal issues and a concerted effort to address systemic inequities within the entertainment industry.
Numbers rather than art
Dakota Johnson acknowledged films made based on numbers rather than art can be “ripped to shreds.”
A real learning experience
“But sometimes in this industry, you sign on to something, and it’s one thing and then as you’re making it, it becomes a completely different thing, and you’re like, ‘Wait, what?’ But it was a real learning experience, and of course it’s not nice to be a part of something that’s ripped to shreds, but I can’t say that I don’t understand,” she added.
The current entertainment industry
Johnson further commented on the current entertainment industry, saying audiences are smart and won’t want to see movies made with algorithms or AI alone.
Audiences are extremely smart
“Films are made by a filmmaker and a team of artists around them,” she said. “You cannot make art based on numbers and algorithms. My feeling has been for a long time that audiences are extremely smart, and executives have started to believe that they’re not. Audiences will always be able to sniff out [expletive]. Even if films start to be made with AI, humans aren’t going to [expletive] want to see those.”
Her experience
The actress noted she wasn’t “breaking her silence” on the film’s financial failure but merely discussing her experience in the interview.
Diversity and inclusion
The “woke” movement in Hollywood encompasses a deliberate push for greater diversity and inclusion across various facets of the industry, including film, television, and media.
More diverse actors
This shift is evident in the casting of more diverse actors, the creation of narratives that reflect a wider range of experiences, and the elevation of underrepresented voices both in front of and behind the camera.
Underrepresented voices and stories
Central to Hollywood’s “woke” evolution is the amplification of underrepresented voices and stories. Filmmakers, writers, and content creators are increasingly highlighting narratives that explore issues such as racial injustice, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and other social justice themes.
Intentional storytelling
This intentional storytelling aims to foster empathy, understanding, and awareness of the diverse challenges and triumphs experienced by marginalized communities.
The “woke” movement in Hollywood
The “woke” movement in Hollywood involves a conscious effort to challenge traditional norms and stereotypes prevalent in the industry. This includes addressing outdated and harmful portrayals of race, gender, and sexuality, and actively working to subvert these tropes through more authentic and nuanced storytelling.
Creative endeavors
In addition to creative endeavors, Hollywood’s “woke” evolution is evident in corporate accountability and advocacy. Production companies, studios, and industry leaders are increasingly using their platforms to advocate for social causes, support marginalized communities, and effect tangible change both within the industry and in society at large.
Criticism and pushback
While the “woke” movement in Hollywood has garnered significant momentum, it has also faced criticism and pushback from various quarters. Some critics argue that the entertainment industry’s emphasis on social consciousness has led to a perceived politicization of content and a stifling of creative expression.
Debates around censorship
Debates around censorship, “cancel culture,” and the commodification of activism have fueled ongoing discourse within the industry.
Shaping cultural narratives
As Hollywood continues to navigate its “woke” evolution, the industry is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping cultural narratives and fostering greater understanding and empathyThe ongoing commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social advocacy reflects a broader societal shift towards recognizing and addressing systemic inequities, and the entertainment industry’s role in shaping public attitudes and perceptions.
Consciousness and representation
Hollywood’s embrace of social consciousness and representation marks a transformative and ongoing evolution, reflecting the industry’s commitment to amplifying diverse voices and addressing societal injustices.