Sometimes it's more difficult to exist as a female lead

Monica Bellucci’s words, “Sometimes it's more difficult to exist as a female lead, especially in action movies because all those men are around you. They take so much place,” speak to a universal struggle faced by women throughout history: the challenge of finding space and voice in a world often dominated by men. In these words, Bellucci does not simply talk about the difficulties of being a woman in a particular genre of film—she speaks of a broader cultural tension, one that has existed for millennia, where women are often placed in the shadow of male counterparts, their roles secondary, their presence minimized. In the high-octane world of action films, where men are often the heroes, the fighters, and the saviors, the space for a woman to assert herself as a lead can feel small, constrained, and overshadowed by the masculine force around her.

This tension between male dominance and female agency has echoed throughout history. Consider the great warriors of antiquity, like Artemisia of Caria, who fought alongside Xerxes in the battle of Salamis. She was one of the few women who dared to take up arms in a world that had long relegated women to the sidelines of war and leadership. Yet, despite her courage and success on the battlefield, she was often overshadowed by the male generals and leaders around her, who, by virtue of their gender, were afforded more power, more recognition, and more space to assert their influence. Bellucci’s words remind us of this age-old struggle, where women who step into the spotlight often find themselves fighting not only for recognition but for the very space in which to exist without being subsumed by the larger, often louder, presence of men.

The struggle for space is not limited to the realm of action films or battlefields—it is a struggle that plays out in many areas of life. Consider the story of Cleopatra, the last Pharaoh of Egypt. Though she ruled a powerful kingdom, she was constantly confronted with the challenge of being a woman in a man's world. She forged alliances with the most powerful men of her time, like Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, not only to secure her throne but to maintain her voice and influence in a world that often sought to diminish her power because of her gender. Cleopatra’s reign, marked by intelligence, charisma, and strategy, was a triumph of female agency in a patriarchal world—yet she too struggled against the invisibility that often accompanied her gender. Like Bellucci, Cleopatra had to fight for her place in a world where men took so much of the space.

This idea of fighting for space and visibility is something that Bellucci touches upon in her statement. In the realm of action movies, which are often dominated by heroic men, the challenge for a woman to rise as a lead character is not just one of ability but of cultural acceptance. Society, through media and entertainment, has long shaped our expectations of who should be the hero, who should lead, and who should stand on the sidelines. Bellucci’s own experience of being surrounded by men in these movies is symbolic of how the broader cultural landscape still struggles with allowing women to occupy the central space without being overshadowed. Action movies, which thrive on intense physicality and high stakes, are arenas that traditionally celebrate male strength. For a woman to take center stage in such a genre is to challenge not just the dynamics of the film but also the cultural norms that have existed for centuries.

In the ancient world, great leaders and warriors often had to fight not just external enemies, but the very perceptions and restrictions imposed by their society. The story of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and war, offers a powerful example of how a woman could be both a figure of intellect and a leader on the battlefield. Athena, though often portrayed as a symbol of masculine strength, was also a goddess who transcended the limitations placed upon her gender. She commanded respect not through physical prowess alone but through her wisdom, strategy, and ability to guide others. Like Athena, Bellucci’s presence in action films is not just about fighting—it’s about commanding space, being seen not as a supporting character, but as an equal to her male counterparts. Athena’s wisdom in navigating both the battlefield and the limitations of her gender mirrors Bellucci’s understanding of the challenge of existing in a world where the dominant narrative often diminishes the female lead.

The lesson here is one of resilience, self-empowerment, and understanding the value of your own space. Bellucci’s struggle to be a prominent female lead in action films is reflective of the broader struggle many women face—the fight for visibility and recognition in a world where male dominance has long reigned supreme. But her words also carry a message of hope. As more women rise to prominence, not only in film but in all fields, the fight for space becomes a battle that is being won, bit by bit. Every woman who takes center stage—whether in cinema, politics, or business—adds to the legacy of women fighting for their rightful place in a world that often tries to diminish their power.

As you walk through your life, take inspiration from those who have fought for their space, like Bellucci and the great women of history. Do not allow your voice to be diminished by those who seek to take up too much space. Stand firm in your truth, and know that your presence is not just a right, but a necessity. Like Athena, Cleopatra, and Bellucci, you have the power to carve your own path, to command the space that is yours, and to be a shining example of the strength that comes from embracing your rightful place in the world. The world needs your voice—your wisdom, strength, and vision—and it is through claiming that space that we all grow, together.