Elizabeth Banks Discusses Misogyny in Filmmaking and New Series Insights

Elizabeth Banks Addresses Misogyny in Hollywood

Elizabeth Banks, an accomplished actor and director, has candidly shared her experiences with misogyny in the film industry, revealing that she was once told she "can't direct men" in Hollywood. During her guest appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, the four-time Emmy nominee, known for directing films such as Pitch Perfect 2, Charlie's Angels, and Cocaine Bear, reflected on the biases she faced. "I was literally told that 'you can’t direct men. They won’t follow you,'" Banks recounted, but she confidently countered this assertion by mentioning her successful collaboration with Ray Liotta, stating, "I think I nailed it. Check the list off. It’s all good."

Advocating for Representation in Filmmaking

Banks emphasized the importance of increased representation in the filmmaking realm. "Even though I know I’m part of a great club, it’s a very small one that requires more diversity. We need storytellers from various backgrounds and perspectives, and we need broader audiences to engage with these stories. I’m dedicated to ensuring that women have a genuine sense of agency in the narratives I create," she expressed.

Promoting Her New Series 'The Miniature Wife'

While promoting her upcoming Apple TV+ series, The Miniature Wife, in which she stars alongside Matthew Macfadyen, Banks described the show as a humorous yet profound exploration of power dynamics in relationships. The plot revolves around a writer who is shrunk to six inches by her scientist husband, leading to a unique examination of feeling diminished by a partner. "It’s a very funny show, but what drew me in was the opportunity to discuss a significant feeling — being made to feel small by someone close to you," Banks explained. She noted that this experience, whether in personal or professional contexts, is relatable, and the show approaches it through an absurdist lens while addressing substantial issues.