Sydney Sweeney’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of staggering.
She embraces her sexuality in an era where such confidence is often met with criticism, even opposition.
Sweeney first captured the world’s attention as Cassie Howard in HBO’s “Euphoria.” Amidst a cast of compelling characters, Sweeney’s portrayal of a troubled teenager with a penchant for the dramatic stood out.
While her co-star Zendaya played the introspective, troubled Rue with a rawness that earned her critical acclaim, Sweeney’s Cassie embodied sensuality and sex appeal.
Sweeney’s Cassie became an icon of unapologetic femininity.
And Sweeney leaned into her image.
She broke away from the industry’s pathological desire to blur the line between male and female. Her curves and confidence set her apart, making her the epitome of classic sex appeal.
Even “Saturday Night Live” admitted the obvious.
Now, Sweeney is in talks to star in a remake of Jane Fonda’s “Barbarella,” the 1960s comic series known for its daring eroticism.
The project, long considered too controversial to revive, seems tailor-made for Sweeney. The character, a symbol of empowerment through sexuality, resonates with Sweeney’s journey.
Today’s Hollywood tends to sanitize female characters, trading sex appeal for kickass appeal. This shift often leads to the creation of female leads who are portrayed as fearsome warriors, a mold that doesn’t always resonate with audiences.
After all, most women want to be desired, not feared. Most men are drawn to desirable women, not those who induce dread.
Edgar Wright in Talks to Direct Sydney Sweeney’s Barbarella Remakehttps://t.co/lUTMfRzaae pic.twitter.com/3ANXH7hWcm
— ComicBook NOW! (@ComicBookNOW) May 13, 2024
“Barbarella,” released in 1968, stands apart from other science fiction films of its time primarily due to its unabashed sexuality. Directed by Roger Vadim, “Barbarella” was based on Jean-Claude Forest’s French comic series.
The film presented a unique blend of eroticism and sci-fi adventure, a combination that was virtually unheard of in mainstream cinema during the 1960s. The film’s aesthetic played a significant role in its distinctive identity.
Barbarella’s costumes were designed to highlight her sexuality, revealing outfits that were futuristic yet provocative. The film’s visual style, with its psychedelic and campy elements, further amplified its erotic charge.
Barbarella’s interactions, whether with alien creatures or human characters, often had an underlying sexual tension.
Fonda’s embrace of her sexuality more than 50 years ago was refreshing. Today, Sweeney’s embrace of her sexuality is similarly fresh.
The key to the reboot’s success lies in playing up Barbarella’s seductive charm rather than transforming her into a traditional action hero.
Barbarella is not Batman.
The failure of “Furiosa,” which tried to blend empowerment with action movie tropes, is a cautionary tale. It struggled because it lost sight of what audiences truly connect with—the authentic appeal and magnetism that characters like Barbarella exude.
Yet, the question remains: will Hollywood let her continue down the path of sexy subversion? In an industry that is constantly evolving (or devolving), the pressure to conform is immense.
The landscape is filled with executives and creatives who prioritize a very certain, carefully managed image, often at the expense of authenticity.
But if Sweeney has proven anything, it’s that she thrives on challenging Hollywood norms. Her involvement in “Barbarella” could prove to be more than just another role; it could prove to be a declaration of sorts, one that states sex appeal is something to be celebrated and endorsed.
Let women be women. Let real femininity, not feminism, lead the way.
Sweeney is, in many ways, a modern-day Marilyn Monroe.
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Monroe, the quintessential Hollywood sex symbol of the 1950s and early 1960s, embodied a blend of naivety and sensuality. Her roles often played on her sexual appeal, yet she brought depth and vulnerability to her work.
She could seduce, but she could also act. Similarly, Sweeney’s on-screen presence is a modern reflection of Monroe’s magnetism.
If Hollywood is smart, it will let Sweeney do what she does best: captivate audiences through sheer sexiness. Contrary to popular opinion, sex still sells.
Femininity will always be fashionable.
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