With the modern world stricing ever closer to equality of the genders, it's only natural that it would be represented on the big screen and, with The Incredibles 2 recently releasing, we've got just that.
Though Elastigirl has been a household name since the first Incredibles film back in 2004, this time around she's undoubtedly the main character as we follow her back into a world of superheroics. The list of cinematic female superheroes only continues to grow; Holly Hunter has been representing one of the most famous strong female characters, with the role of Elastigirl, for 14 years now.
Screen Rant recently sat down with Hunter and discussed the poignant return of her character - asking how she views Helen Parr now versus how she did back in 2004 - here's what she had to say:
Well, it was interesting for us because, you know, the Me Too movement and Time’s Up had just occurred. And so, the movie kind of serendipitously dovetails into that. The fact that she is such a leader with the adventure of the film, it just felt fantastic. And I’m just reminded how few superhero characters that are female that are out there on the landscape.
And she is a very unique one because she is a mom but, at the same time, she is a total mother but she does not lead with a maternal kind of instinct at all as a superhero. She is so unabashedly a competitor. Someone who wants to win. So, I love that juxtaposition.
And with Wonder Woman last year and Captain Marvel next year, two of the biggest female icons are finally arriving on-screen - Hunter was asked what it's like to stand amongst those greats.
I don’t know, man. That just happened. But it’s really cool. I feel a certain kinship with Gal Gadot, who I adore both on screen and in person. She’s such an adorable person. But, look! This is Brad Bird’s and Pixar’s genius.
Hopefully the exponential and unprecedented growth in female representation isn't stopping anytime soon.
What do you think about Hunter's comments? What are your thoughts on the resurgence of female superheroes?