Angelina Jolie is a Hollywood star who’s played many action roles throughout her career. Her role in Salt is one of the most memorable ones as it was compared to James Bond. Jolie had the opportunity to play a Bond girl in Casino Royale but turned it down. Instead, she played the lead character, Evelyn Salt, in the 2010 action-thriller Salt.
In an interview, Jolie explained why Salt is nothing like James Bond and how her character differs from the famous British spy.
Angelina Jolie Slams James Bond Comparisons: Salt is a Whole New Character
Angelina Jolie has always been known for her action-packed movies, and when she starred in Salt, many people drew comparisons to James Bond. However, Jolie disagreed and stated that Salt is nothing like James Bond.
In an interview with Britain’s Mail via Contact Music she explained that her character, Evelyn Salt, is a strong, independent woman who doesn’t rely on her sexuality to get what she wants
“Salt is nothing like Bond. In so many films women are femme fatales and we wanted to avoid that. My character doesn’t use her sexuality to get anything. It’s the roughest I’ve looked.”
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This is in contrast to James Bond, who often uses his charm and sexuality to achieve his goals. Jolie also mentioned that the fight scenes in Salt are rough and not pretty
“It’s the roughest I’ve looked. When we fight, it gets ugly. Somebody breaks my nose in the film. It’s not pretty.”
Angelina Jolie’s statement makes it clear that her character, Evelyn Salt, is nothing like James Bond. In fact, Salt was originally written for a male actor.
“I think when people write things for women – at least with the films I’ve done in the past, such as Tomb Raider – they’re not serious. They’re not raw. They’re not hard. So when we wanted a real female action hero, we looked towards something that wasn’t written for a woman,”.
The idea to cast a woman in the role came later.
Angelina Jolie’s role in Salt is nothing like James Bond’s. Jolie turned down the opportunity to play a Bond girl and that lead her to play the lead character in a film that’s unique in its own right.
Angelina Jolie Wanted to Be James Bond, Not Just Another Bond Girl: Why Hollywood Needs Better Roles for Women
Angelina Jolie was once considered for the role of Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale, but she turned it down because she didn’t want to be a typical Bond girl. Jolie, however, had a different idea in mind for herself. She didn’t want to play a Bond girl but wanted to be James Bond herself.
She felt that the role of a Bond girl was too limiting and didn’t want to be just another pretty face on the screen. She wanted a more substantial role that would challenge her acting skills and showcase her talents. Jolie once said in an interview with Vanity Fair.
“It started with a call from Amy [Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures],” “She asked if I wanted to play a Bond girl. I said, ‘No, I’m not comfortable with that, but I would like to play Bond.’ We laughed, and then, about a year later, she called back and said, ‘I think I found it.’”
Rachel McAdams and Charlize Theron were also on the shortlist for the role. But ultimately, Eva Green got the part, and she became Craig’s partner in the movie.
Over the years there has been a lot of talk about the possibility of a female James Bond, but Daniel Craig, who played James Bond in Casino Royale and subsequent Bond movies, does not think that should happen.
“There should simply be better parts for women and actors of color. Why should a woman play James Bond when there should be a part just as good as James Bond, but for a woman?”
Craig said in a recent interview with Radio Times.
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Craig expressed that he thinks there should be roles just as good as James Bond, but for a woman. His comments suggest that the idea of a female James Bond is not necessary and that Hollywood needs to create better roles for women.
Aha is currently streaming the movie Salt.
Source: Showbiz Cheatsheet
