James Cameron Slams Wonder Woman for Hollywood Objectification
James Cameron took aim at Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman, criticising Hollywood’s portrayal of the character. His comments sparked debate about female superheroes and representation on screen.
When Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman hit cinemas in 2017, it was met with cheers from punters keen to see a female superhero take centre stage. But not everyone was impressed. James Cameron, the bloke behind Avatar: Fire and Ash, made it clear he wasn’t a fan of how Hollywood handled Diana Prince, played by Gal Gadot. While he didn’t reckon the film was a dud, Cameron was put off by what he saw as the same old objectification of women in blockbusters.
James Cameron’s Take on Female Heroes
In a chat with The Guardian, Cameron didn’t hold back. He pointed out that the industry was patting itself on the back for Wonder Woman, but he thought it was missing the point.
All of the self-congratulatory back-patting Hollywood’s been doing over Wonder Woman has been so misguided. She’s an objectified icon, and it’s just male Hollywood doing the same old thing.
He added,
I’m not saying I didn’t like the movie but, to me, it’s a step backwards.
Cameron’s comments drew a line between his own work and Jenkins’ film, especially when it came to how female leads are portrayed.
Sarah Connor vs. Diana Prince
Cameron looked back at his own creation, Sarah Connor from the Terminator series, played by Linda Hamilton. He argued that Sarah wasn’t there to be a beauty icon. Instead, she was tough, flawed, and earned respect through sheer determination.
Sarah Connor was not a beauty icon. She was strong, she was troubled, she was a terrible mother, and she earned the respect of the audience through pure grit.
He went on,
And to me, [the benefit of characters like Sarah] is so obvious. I mean, half the audience is female!
For Cameron, it was about showing women as real people, not just as something to look at.
Wonder Woman’s Flaws and Strengths
Despite Cameron’s criticism, many locals felt that Jenkins’ take on Wonder Woman didn’t fall into the trap of objectification. Diana Prince, as played by Gadot, was far from perfect. She broke rules, struggled with her feelings for Steve Trevor, and often saw the world in black and white. These flaws made her relatable, not just a symbol. The film’s message was clear: everyone’s got their faults, but it’s how you deal with them that counts.
Wonder Woman’s success at the box office showed that punters were keen for more female-led superhero stories. The film became one of the top earners in the DCEU, proving that audiences would turn out for a story that gave its heroine depth and agency. Diana’s refusal to give up on humanity, even after witnessing its darkest moments, set her apart from the usual action fare.
Wonder Woman’s Impact and Reception
When Wonder Woman landed, it was a rare moment for a female superhero to get a fair go on the big screen. Unlike some other recent attempts, this one struck a chord. The film, directed by Jenkins and starring Gadot alongside Chris Pine and Connie Nielsen, pulled in over $800 million worldwide and scored high with critics and fans alike. With a 7.3/10 on IMDb and a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it was clear the film had made its mark.
Whether or not you agree with Cameron’s take, there’s no denying that Wonder Woman sparked a fresh conversation about how women are shown in action films. The debate over objectification, strength, and character flaws is far from over, but Diana Prince’s story has already left a lasting impression on audiences everywhere.