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In recent years the conversation around adequate representation in all aspects of filmmaking, has been gaining a new momentum. Audiences demand for a diverse range of actors onscreen and age is one of the many factors. It is a known fact that actors in Hollywood have a certain time-limit, beyond which they do not receive enough offers.
Recently director Eli Roth restarted the discussion around the industry’s treatment of older actors and stated how they tend to disregard their talent just due to age. He then proceeded to name two senior actors he approached for his movieBorderlands,further cementing that age doesn’t matter to him.
Eli Roth on Ageism: Casting senior actors in his movie
Eli Rothis known for his work in the horror genres, for films likeCabin FeverandHostel, but he has transitioned into a new genre. The director shifted his interest to sci-fi with his new ventureBorderlands. Recently on an interview withScreenTime, he discussed about the casting of the movie and the topic of ageism came up.
‘BORDERLANDS’ director Eli Roth blasts “ageist” industry with major casting changepic.twitter.com/PzhKuv5Ieo
It wasn’t about the age, I’m reading the script and I’m thinking about the game. I’m thinking about the movie.
I am not thinking, ‘Oh this person is a certain age in the game, they have to be that’.
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The director stated how it was never about age for him, he instead wanted to cast the ‘best actors in the world‘ and someone who felt right to him. He did however agree that ageism was a huge issue in the industry.
I do think there’s a tremendous amount of ageism in Hollywood and it’s kind of I understand why people bring it up
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Roth spoke about the industry’s disregard of senior actors and how their age plays a huge hurdle in their acting career. Fortunately the director isn’t to keen on the topic of age, for him getting the right talent was more important.
I felt tremendously lucky to have the cast I had, I think they all really went for it and gave it a life that’s completely different from the games.
TheBorderlandsdirector appreciated the star cast ofCate Blanchett,Jack Black, Jamie Lee Curtis and Gina Gershon, crediting their talent and skill.
Celebrating experience: Value of senior talent
The 2024 game adaptation movieBorderlandsbroke the unspoken barriers in the industry by casting senior actors in lead roles. The film truly embraced age diversity and showed the deserved respect to the monumental talent of the seasoned actors.
You are talking about the best actor in the world you know, you go right to Cate Blanchett. She said yes.
Roth spoke of his admiration for Blanchett and how he approached her first. He then goes on to name two senior actors he wanted for his movie-Jamie Lee CurtisandGina Gershon. He signed on the 2023 Oscar winner actress to play the role of Tannis and then proceeded to sign Gershon.
I wanted Gina Gershon to play Moxie, I thought she was brilliant at it. So for me it’s always about getting the best actors in the world and watching them in screen.
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The director got the legendary actresses in their 60’s to play two lead roles in the movie and praised their efforts. Irrespective of the performance of the movie on the Box Office, the mere act of casting senior talent in the otherwise dismissive industry, deserves appreciation.
Borderlandswill officially premiere on August 9 in nearby theatres.
Shruti Pathak
Articles Published :286
An entertainment writer with a passion for storytelling that transcends genres, Shruti Pathak is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in English. She is also a devoted poetry enthusiast, exploring the beauty of language and emotion through verse. Obsessed with the show Friends, a self-proclaimed swiftie, and inspired by classical literature these are just some characteristics that describe the novice writer. Newly joining FandomWire as an intern writer, she hopes to share her thoughts while sharpening her writing skills on various entertainment topics.
