Redheaded characters in comic books are coming to life on the big screen more and more every year. Many of the actresses who are cast for the roles opt for red wigs (or a red neon-like dye job) to showcase the red hues from the characters they are portraying. We get it –– it’s easier to wear a wig than do a dye job on set.
Vulture recently published an article on how Hollywood seems “determined to extend the offense with a recent rash of faux redheads who boast utterly unnatural coloring.”
Is the issue the dye color or wig itself? Or does it go even further — as to state it’s almost insulting these actresses are being portrayed so poorly as redheads? Do you think redheads could be represented better?
Vulture provided these five examples of characters where the dye job or wig is very questionable.
1. Amber Heard, Aquaman
2. KJ Apa, Riverdale
3. Julianna Margulies, Dietland
4. Joaquin Phoenix, He Won’t Get Far on Foot
5. Scarlett Johansson, Marvel movies
Slate also came out with an article highlighting this same redhead dilemma. They featured Heard, Johansson and a few other characters such as Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique, Famke Janssen as Jean Grey and Uma Thurman as Poison Ivy.
I will be honest, I am flattered the roles of these characters match the source and red hair is being represented on the big screen in a super empowering way. These actors and actresses, even though not natural redheads, are all talented and fit for each role.
What are your thoughts on this? Are you insulted or flattered?
Rock it like a Redhead!