Warning! This article contains mild spoilers for Charlie’s Angels.
Charlie’s Angels has always been a property centered on girl power, but the new movie takes a step further. Aside from the core angels Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Ballinska, the movie introduces a larger network of badass spy women – namely with awesome cameo appearances at the top and end of the film.
Film cameos are a tough mark to hit. They can look gimmicky or out of place if not approached the right way. When CinemaBlend’s own Corey Chichizola sat down with Charlie’s Angels writer/director Elizabeth Banks, she explained her careful rationale in assembling big names to the reboot. Take a look:
As Elizabeth Banks explains in the exclusive interview, her concept was to show Charlie's Angels was a larger universe than the established trio. Why not do so with some fun appearances from the likes of female wrestler Ronda Rousey, Pitch Perfect actress Hailee Steinfeld, Olympic gymnast champion Aly Raisman, and so forth?
Elizabeth Banks wanted to share the message that any woman could be an angel too, and it makes a ton of sense that these incredibly skilled females may be part of the team! When she pitched the reboot to Sony, Banks said she wanted to expand the franchise beyond California beaches to a global spy operation. The new Charlie’s Angels doesn’t ignore the roots of the series or early ‘00s movies.
It’s more of a sequel that builds upon the idea and imagines how it may have expanded in the last 20 years. Recruiting more angels seems only natural. Just as 007 isn’t the only agent in his universe, why should Charlie’s Angels stop at three women? However, with all these cameos you’d think there might have been room for the likes of Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu?
The famed Angels made the property iconic again in the 21st century with their roles and have each spoken out in support for the reboot ahead of Charlie’s Angels release. At the same time, perhaps establishing the new angels without leaning on the past movies was necessary. But, keep it in mind for a sequel, Banks!
The action-comedy certainly has starpower already with Kristen Stewart starring as Sabina and letting loose with frequent ad libs in a way we’ve never seen from her on the big screen before. Aladdin’s Naomi Scott continues to make a name for herself as a new recruit Elena, and the badass Ella Balinska (who plays Jane) gets a proper introduction with her first movie role.
Charlie’s Angels has recieved relatively positive reviews from critics (read our 3.5 star review) and a B+ Cinemascore from audiences. However, the upcoming opening weekend box office numbers are tracking below expectations.
See Charlie’s Angels in theaters now and stay tuned here on CinemaBlend for more news on the badass spy trio!
