“It’s two b**ches in a car”: Ridley Scott Revealed Execs Destroyed His $45M Brad Pitt Movie That Has Now Become the Feminist Bible

In the glitzy world of Hollywood, where even blockbuster budgets can’t always guarantee success, Ridley Scott’s $45M Brad Pitt film had a rollercoaster ride. This audacious project, initially dashed by execs who thought it was too risky, is now being hailed as a feminist triumph. Imagine: a film torn apart by studio suits only to rise from its ashes as a cult classic championing gender equality. 

With its once-derided two-woman car heist now revered, the movie’s sparked debates and inspired countless discussions on feminist cinema. Buckle up for a deep dive into the film that defied the odds, proving that even in Hollywood, the best stories sometimes come from the wreckage of what almost was. 

How Thelma & Louise and Alien became more than just stories, redefining feminist cinema 

“It’s two b**ches in a car,” is how execs once dismissed Ridley Scott’s Thelma & Louise—a film they clearly underestimated. But Scott knew better, countering the movie was a bit more than just ‘two b**ches’. And indeed, it was. 

The film didn’t just redefine feminist cinema; it became a cultural touchstone, showcasing Scott’s knack for crafting powerful, complex female characters—a trend he continued in films like Alien and Gladiator. Talking about the feminist undertone, the filmmaker opened up (via The Guardian): 

It’s gratifying when people mention that. I remember reading Thelma and the executives were saying, ‘Well, it’s two b**ches in a car’ and I said, ‘actually it’s a little more than that’. One said, ‘I’ve got a problem with women’ and I said, ‘That’s the point, you dope! Clearly, you have big problems with women. 

But Scott’s story with female-driven narratives goes beyond just one movie. Take Alien, for instance. Originally written with an all-male crew, it was Scott himself who pushed to cast Sigourney Weaver as Ripley, turning her into one of the most iconic heroines in film history. 

And this wasn’t a calculated move to champion women’s rights—it just made sense. He admitted, reflecting on Ripley’s unplanned rise as a feminist icon:

After the event, I went, ‘Oh, OK, yeah, absolutely,’ but I never thought about that. 

Fast forward to today, Scott’s Alien: Covenant feels like a homecoming. Back in the director’s chair, he’s rekindled the terrifying spirit of the original, all while continuing his trend of strong female leads. Katherine Waterston’s Daniels channels Ripley’s grit and determination, even donning the classic singlet, a nod to Alien’s roots. 

Ridley Scott’s films aren’t just about thrilling visuals or edge-of-your-seat horror. They’re about characters you care about. It’s this commitment to authenticity that keeps his work feeling fresh, even after decades in the industry.

From the underestimated duo in Thelma & Louise to the terror-filled corridors of the Alien franchise, Scott’s filmography is a testament to his belief in strong, capable women—and his understanding of what truly makes a story resonate.

Ridley Scott boldly declares Gladiator II his best film ever, promises brutal action and battles

It will come as no surprise that if there’s one thing Ridley Scott loves to do is share his opinions. The legendary filmmaker made a bold statement that his upcoming sequel, Gladiator II, is the best film he’s ever created. Scott gushed in an interview with Empire Magazine:

It’s the best thing I’ve ever made. It’s full-bore, brutal action.

Now, that’s a bold statement coming from a director who helmed some of the most iconic films in world cinema, such as Blade Runner, Alien, and the first Gladiator. That’s why Scott’s confidence is justified: the cast includes Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, and more. 

Gladiator II continues the story twenty years after Gladiator with Lucius, a former heir who loses his throne for Gladiator after an invasion of his house. A story of revenge and redemption, epic battles—it’s all there that made the first part so successful. 

Watch Thelma & Louise on Apple TV & Fubo TV.