The Geena Davis Institute found that women make up only 25.3% of all characters aged 50 and older. 🎬 Shifting Narratives and Content Trends
Research from the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film indicates a steep drop-off in roles for women once they hit 40. 60% of major female characters are in their 20s and 30s. Only 16% of female characters are in their 40s. Milfed.22.06.10.Rachael.Cavalli.Big.Butt.MILFs....
While women vanish, men often gain prominence. Over 50% of major male characters in streaming and broadcast are older than 40, compared to only 29% of women. The Geena Davis Institute found that women make up only 25
Report: Mature Women in Entertainment and Cinema (2024–2026) Only 16% of female characters are in their 40s
Mature female characters are frequently relegated to tropes of "physical decline" or "the passive problem". However, when women are in decision-making roles—as seen with Frances McDormand producing Nomadland —the age range and complexity of roles expand significantly.
Progress is hampered by structural imbalances in power and funding. Menopause Representation and the Big Screen
