Where are the buff women in media? A critique on disappointing casting
In 2025, it's disheartening to see that the media still struggles to portray women accurately; instead of showcasing them as competent leaders or innovators, they're often depicted as overly emotional, manipulative, or cold, reinforcing outdated gender norms. This misrepresentation extends beyond behavior to physical appearance. In franchises like “Marvel” or series like “The Last of Us”, female characters meant to be strong and fit are sometimes cast without the same physical preparation expected of their male counterparts. This double standard undermines the authenticity of these roles and sends a message that a woman's strength is secondary to their appearance.
In season two of “The Last of Us”, Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, is a strong survivor who was written into the videogame as physically imposing. Characterized with muscular arms and broad shoulders, she has the type of strength you'd expect from someone who spends her life fighting to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. In the game, her build wasn't just for looks; it was central to the identity and emotional journey of her character. However, in the HBO adaptation, many people were upset with the casting, saying that the actress doesn't physically resemble the character's canonical robustness. The backlash wasn’t rooted in body shaming Dever, or trying to gatekeep what strength looks like- it's about consistency and upholding the same physical standards for female and male characters. Male actors are often expected to undergo intense transformations to fit roles (think Chris Hemsworth's Thor or Hugh Jackman's Wolverine), yet when a woman’s role is just as physically demanding, suddenly expectations disappear. This not only diminishes the realism of the story, but it also reinforces the idea that, when it comes to meeting arduous physiques, women are always below men.
Research by Gabriela Morales Rodriguez and Johnny Lopez-Figueroa in the Journal of Student Research highlights how the media has historically constrained women to traditional roles, depicting them as either caring figures or hostile antagonists. They note a shift in the early 2000s, where femininity was vilified, leading young girls to distance themselves from traditional feminine traits to appeal to male standards. This internalized misogyny, perpetuated by media narratives, has lasting impacts on how women perceive themselves and their roles in society.
Feminism is constantly painted in a bad light as people think it's just this man-hating regime when, in actuality, feminism isn't about hating men at all; it's about demanding better. The idea of feminism has been around for centuries and has gotten us to the place we are today, it's about creating space where women don't have to shrink themselves, literally or metaphorically, and to be taken seriously in a society that has continuously undermined the impact that women make in the world. The tendency to label outspoken women as aggressive or radical is just another way to keep us repressed and silent. As time progresses, people have started to smudge the harsh line between the capabilities of men and women, but there's still a long way to go before we can all be equally represented as one persons and not a million factions of better or worse groups.
Still, there are bright spots, proof that the media can, in fact, get it right. “Black Panther” gives us some of the most powerful and well-rounded female characters in recent film. Shuri (Letitia Wright) isn't just a genius; she's a scientist, a fighter, and a leader grappling with grief and pressure in a deeply human way. Similarly, Okoye (Danai Gurira), a warrior who balances fierce loyalty to her nation with the emotional weight of sacrifice continuously proves the strength that women embody. The producers didn't try and sugarcoat these women or make them seem weak. They're not only physically strong, but mentally and emotionally as well. They lead without apology, they mourn without being weak and they fight not because they have something to prove but because they have something to protect. The same can be said for Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in “The Hunger Games” series. Katniss was never written to be likeable in the traditional sense, and that's exactly what made her revolutionary. She's emotionally guarded, uncomfortable with fame, and constantly questioning the things around her. She resists being turned into a symbol, yet becomes one through her integrity and strength. Unlike so many female leads before her, Katniss isn't sexualized or overpolished. Her strength doesn't come from superpowers or charm, but from resilience, survival, and the courage to stand up for what's right. Both Shuri and Katniss show that there's no one way to be strong; you can lead with science or brute strength, or both, regardless of who you are physically. These characters aren't flawless or empowering in a neat and marketable way, they're real in a way all women and media should be.
Moreover, the lack of diverse representation exacerbates the issue. Women of color, queer women and transgender women are often erased or stereotyped in media portrayals. Such misrepresentations not only marginalize these groups but also deny audiences the opportunity to see the full spectrum of women's experiences and strengths.
Accurate and diverse portrayals of powerful women are crucial in challenging societal biases and promoting gender equity. When the media showcases women as multifaceted individuals— leaders, innovators—it empowers audiences to envision a more inclusive and equitable world.
