Kristen Stewart, the actress who rose to global fame as Bella Swan in the 'Twilight' saga, has openly expressed her disdain for one of her later mainstream projects: the 2019 reboot of 'Charlie's Angels'. In a recent interview with a prominent entertainment magazine, Stewart did not hold back her feelings, stating bluntly, 'I hated making this film.' The revelation has stirred conversations among fans and industry insiders about the challenges of reviving beloved classics.
A Painful Production Experience
Stewart was part of a new generation of angels alongside Naomi Scott and Ella Balinska, with Elizabeth Banks directing and also playing the role of Bosley. The film aimed to reboot the franchise with a modern feminist twist, but its performance at the box office and critical reception were middling. Budgeted at around $48 million, the movie grossed just over $73 million worldwide—a lackluster return for a major studio release. Critics praised the cast's chemistry but criticized the script and execution. Stewart, however, pointed to a deeper issue: her emotional connection to the original 2000 film starring Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu, and Drew Barrymore.
During the interview, Stewart was asked to identify movie quotes from her filmography. When the opening line of 'Charlie's Angels' (2019)—'Did you know it takes men seven seconds longer to perceive women as a threat than it does men?'—was read aloud, she immediately recognized it. 'We wanted to make a strong start, you know? We wanted to announce what this film is really about. It was a good idea at the time. But I hated making this film,' she confessed. She elaborated, 'You just can't top those three. Cameron, Lucy and Drew... I love that movie.'
Her admiration for the original cast runs deep. The 2000 film, directed by McG and produced by Drew Barrymore, became a cultural phenomenon, blending action, comedy, and star power. Stewart acknowledged that the original's success was a tough act to follow, and trying to replicate its magic felt like an uphill battle from the start.
From Twilight to Independent Cinema
Kristen Stewart was born in Los Angeles in 1990 and began acting as a child. Her breakout came with the 'Twilight' series (2008–2012), which cemented her status as a teen idol. However, after the saga ended, Stewart deliberately shifted away from blockbuster franchises to focus on independent and arthouse films. She worked with acclaimed directors such as Olivier Assayas ('Clouds of Sils Maria'), Kelly Reichardt ('Certain Women'), and Pablo Larraín ('Spencer'). Her portrayal of Princess Diana in 'Spencer' earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, proving her versatility and depth as a performer.
Stewart has also expanded into directing. Her short film 'Come Swim' premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and she has expressed interest in helming a feature-length project. This artistic pivot reflects her desire to take creative control and explore stories that resonate on a personal level. The experience on 'Charlie's Angels' may have reinforced her commitment to choosing projects that align with her artistic vision rather than commercial expectations.
The Legacy of Charlie's Angels
The 'Charlie's Angels' franchise began as a 1970s television series starring Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith, and Farrah Fawcett. The 2000 film reboot reinvigorated interest with a modern, glamorous take. Many fans consider the 2000 film a beloved classic, and any follow-up inevitably invites comparisons. The 2019 version attempted to update the formula for a new era, but divisive reviews and mediocre box office receipts suggest it struggled to satisfy both nostalgic audiences and new viewers.
Stewart's honesty about her negative experience has sparked a broader discussion about the risks of rebooting iconic properties. Some fans argue that Hollywood should focus on original stories rather than rehashing existing IP. The question often arises: do audiences truly want reboots, or are they simply craving fresh narratives? Stewart's comments add a personal dimension to this industry debate.
A Career of Bold Choices
Beyond 'Charlie's Angels', Stewart has built a reputation for selecting challenging, unconventional roles. From the surreal horror of 'Personal Shopper' to the psychological drama of 'Spencer', she consistently avoids safe choices. Her willingness to speak candidly about her dissatisfaction with a project is rare in Hollywood, where stars often remain diplomatically vague. This honesty has earned her respect among fans and colleagues alike.
In recent years, Stewart has continued to work both in front of and behind the camera. She stars in the upcoming thriller 'Love Lies Bleeding' and is attached to several other indie projects. Her directorial debut feature is in development. While she may have disliked her time on 'Charlie's Angels', that experience has not derailed her upward trajectory. If anything, it has clarified her priorities: to tell stories that matter to her, even if they don't always align with mainstream expectations.
The original 'Charlie's Angels' film remains a touchstone for many millennial viewers, and its stars—Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu, and Drew Barrymore—have moved on to other ventures. Stewart's candid comments serve as a reminder that even for successful actors, not every project turns out as hoped. However, these missteps can provide valuable lessons for future endeavors. As Stewart herself might say, sometimes the best way to honor a classic is to step away and let it shine on its own merits.
Source: Promiflash.de News