Oscar-winning actress Alicia Vikander has opened up about her groundbreaking role in The Danish Girl, reflecting on how the film industry has evolved in its portrayal of transgender stories. The 2015 biographical drama, directed by Tom Hooper, starred Vikander as Gerda Wegener, the wife of Lili Elbe, one of the first known recipients of gender-affirming surgery.
In a recent interview, Vikander shared her thoughts on the film's legacy and the broader conversation around trans representation in cinema. "It was an honour to be part of such an important story," she said. "But looking back, I realise how much the dialogue around casting and authenticity has progressed."
The film, which earned Vikander an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, was both praised and criticised upon its release. While some lauded its emotional depth, others questioned the decision to cast Eddie Redmayne, a cisgender actor, in the role of Lili Elbe.
"At the time, there was less awareness about the importance of trans actors playing trans roles," Vikander acknowledged. "Today, the industry is starting to understand why representation matters both in front of and behind the camera."
Vikander's comments come as Hollywood continues to grapple with issues of diversity and inclusion. Recent years have seen more trans actors landing leading roles, such as MJ Rodriguez in Pose and Elliot Page in The Umbrella Academy.
The Swedish actress also spoke about the personal impact of working on The Danish Girl. "It changed my perspective on so many things," she revealed. "I met incredible people from the trans community during research, and their stories stayed with me."
As the film approaches its tenth anniversary, Vikander hopes it will be remembered as part of an ongoing conversation rather than a definitive portrayal. "Art should evolve as society does," she said. "What matters is that we keep telling these stories with respect and authenticity."
