Award-winning actress Emma Thompson recently shared her experience on a Swedish talk show, where she discussed a pivotal moment during the filming of the 2008 movie adaptation of “Brideshead Revisited.”
Thompson admitted that she was on the verge of quitting the production when she discovered that the producers were pressuring her female co-star to lose weight.
During her appearance on Skavlan, Thompson condemned the harmful expectations imposed on women in the entertainment industry, labeling it as ‘evil.’
She also highlighted the prevalence of anorexia among individuals working in film.
Recalling the incident, Thompson recounted a conversation with the producer regarding her co-star’s appearance.
She firmly conveyed her stance by warning the production team that any further comments on her co-star’s weight would lead her to leave the project.
Thompson’s co-star, Hayley Atwell, corroborated the incident, revealing that Thompson had expressed her frustration during a private conversation.
Atwell shared how Thompson reacted strongly upon learning about the pressure put on her to lose weight for the role.
The film adaptation of Evelyn Waugh’s classic novel featured a talented cast including Felicity Jones, Matthew Goode, and Ben Whishaw alongside Thompson and Atwell.
Thompson emphasized the detrimental impact of such practices in Hollywood, expressing concern over the increasing trend of extreme dieting among actors and actresses.
In her impassioned statement, Thompson criticized the prevailing culture in the industry, particularly highlighting the pressure on individuals to maintain an unrealistic body image well into their thirties.
She stressed the importance of speaking out against such harmful norms that perpetuate unhealthy behaviors.
Furthermore, Thompson candidly shared her personal reservations about relocating to Los Angeles due to the prevalent emphasis on physical appearance in Hollywood.
She humorously remarked on feeling ‘too fat’ and ‘too old’ for the industry standards whenever she visited LA, reflecting on the societal pressures faced by women in the entertainment capital.
Thompson’s bold stance serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment to challenging harmful practices within the film industry.
By using her platform to shed light on issues of body shaming and unrealistic beauty standards, Thompson continues to advocate for greater inclusivity and acceptance in Hollywood.
