Why Charlie’s Angels Director Elizabeth Banks Was Told To Never Direct Again

Seldom does the movie industry witness great talent with a versatile skillset in one person. Having started out as a comedy actress, Elizabeth Banks quickly rose to popularity with her ability to do justice to more genres, as well as being a visionary behind the camera. As a filmmaker and actor, Banks has built a diverse career in Hollywood, directing films like Pitch Perfect 2, Charlie’s Angels, and Cocaine Bear. 

Despite her success, Banks has faced questions and doubts from her peers and other critics in the industry. While behind the camera, she has endured persistent industry bias, so much so that she was once told she shouldn’t be directing at all because men won’t follow her direction. Her recent comments shed light on the challenges women directors continue to face, even after proving their capabilities with major studio projects.

Elizabeth Banks Shares Experience With Misogyny

Elizabeth Banks in Skincare (2024) | Image via IFC Films

The Miniature Wife actress Elizabeth Banks has been candid about the barriers she encountered as a woman director in Hollywood. In a recent appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, she recalled being discouraged in a way that male directors rarely experience.

The statement is proof of the long-standing stereotype in the industry where male actors feel superior and intimidated by female leadership on set. For Banks, this wasn’t just an anecdote to share in interviews, but a situation that left her questioning the status quo of the industry. 

However, she pushed back against that notion through her work. Referring to her experience directing late actor Ray Liotta in Cocaine Bear, she added, 

Always opinionated and strong-willed, Banks has never shied away from sharing her take on any situation. She also highlighted the broader lack of representation in filmmaking, emphasizing that while progress has been made, the number of women directors remains limited. The actress added,

Despite me knowing that I’m in a great club, it’s a really small club, and it needs more representation. We need more storytellers from different perspectives, angles. And we need more audiences to watch. … I’m having a lot of fun making sure that women have a real sense of agency in whatever they’re doing, whatever stories I’m telling.

Her comments bring attention to an ongoing issue in Hollywood, where women often have to prove themselves repeatedly to earn recognition and praise in the industry, which in essence, comes naturally to their male counterparts.

Elizabeth Banks’ Next Project Is Titled Invisible Woman

Banks is not the type of woman to let the negativity get to her. She is strong-willed and determined to bring inspiring stories to life and trusts her instincts completely. With a firm belief in her abilities, she continues to move forward with new projects. Banks currently has multiple films in development, including a project titled Invisible Woman. (via Deadline)

Her creative choices frequently center on female-driven narratives, whether through comedy, satire, or genre storytelling. This particular project seems to be a part of the evolving monster-related IP that Universal is currently planning, which also includes Renfield by Dexter Fletcher.

While the studio initially wanted to weave a story across numerous movies like a universe of monsters, but eventually decided against it. Now, they are tapping into the skills of various filmmakers and letting them take creative control over each movie. 

Rather than be bothered by the naysayers in the industry, Banks has doubled down on her work, continuing to direct, produce, and champion stories that challenge these very biases.