Bristen Broy
Up, Up, and Gazing Away: The Representation of Women in Superhero Films of the Post-2000s Era
Superhero films have quickly become some of the most profitable films in Hollywood, with 16 of the top 50 highest-grossing films of all time coming from the genre. These comic-based films, most known for their intense action and powerful heroes and heroines, are capitalizing on a harmful, yet common, industry practice regarding the representation of women.
Background Information
The post-2000s era was a significant and prosperous time in film history, especially for the superhero genre.​ Regarding representation, women in these films are often portrayed in a sexualizing and objectifying manner.
That being said, this representation spreads beyond just the superhero genre and is prevalent in most film genres. It also extends past the films themselves and can be seen in promotional materials such as posters and trailers.
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Watch this video to learn more about the superhero genre, the post-2000s era, and the issues that surround the representation of women in film and promotional materials, regardless of time or genre. In addition to this, you will also be introduced to some key statistics about gender diversity, or lack thereof, within the media production process.
2000-2009
In this section, I will guide you through the 2000-2009 sub-decade of the post-2000s era, and we will look at the representation of women in various superhero films, posters, and trailers from the sub-decade. ​​​​​
Trailer for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009):
2010-2019
In this section, I will guide you through the 2010-2019 sub-decade of the post-2000s era, and we will look at the representation of women in various superhero films, posters, and trailers from the sub-decade. ​​​​​
Trailer for TMNT: Out of the Shadows (2016):
2020-Present Day
In this section, I will guide you through the 2020-Present Day sub-decade of the post-2000s era, and we will look at the representation of women in various superhero films, posters, and trailers from the current decade. ​​​​​
Trailer for The Flash (2023):
Reflection and Looking Forward
Although attempts have been made to challenge this harmful representation, at the end of the day, Hollywood is a business where profits matter. This makes this objectifying and sexualizing industry practice one that is difficult to dismantle.
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The continuation of these portrayals has real-world implications that can greatly harm society. That being said, there is a path towards a more equal and positive representation of gender within media. Watch this video to learn more!
