: In 2024, 42% of top-grossing films featured female protagonists, including massive hits like Wicked and Moana 2 .
The industry reached a historic milestone in 2024, with for the first time. While 2025 saw a temporary dip in these numbers, the trend toward mature female leadership remains a defining force.
: Only 1 in 4 films currently passes the "Ageless Test," which requires at least one female character over 50 who is essential to the plot and not reduced to a stereotype. 4. A New Era of Longevity