Emma Thompson has called for more films to focus on older women after new research revealed that there are more recent films led by men named Chris than by women over 60. The study, conducted by the anti-ageism charity Centre for Ageing Better, examined the top 100 films of 2023, 2024, and 2025.
It found that six films had a lead actor named Chris, compared to just five with a woman over 60 in the lead role. Additionally, talking animals were four times more likely to be the lead than older women.
Thompson, known for her roles in Good Luck to You, Leo Grande and Years and Years, said: "Women are half the population and we get older. So where are the stories about us? The older we get, the more interesting we are. I want to see more films centre ageing women, we are compelling, relatable, and overdue for centre stage."
The films with older female leads included Allelujah (Jennifer Saunders), My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 (Nia Vardalos), Book Club: The Next Chapter (Diane Keaton), The Substance (Demi Moore), and Freakier Friday (Jamie Lee Curtis). The Chris-led films featured Chris Pratt, Chris Pine, Chris Hemsworth, and Christian Friedel.
Dr Carole Easton OBE, chief executive of the Centre for Ageing Better, described the findings as "absolutely ludicrous". She noted that up to one in five UK cinema attendees are aged 55 and above, spending hundreds of millions of pounds annually. "The lack of representation is insulting frankly," she added.
A poll commissioned by the charity found that one in three participants would like more films led by women over 60, while one in five wanted more films led by men over 60.
