Shane Black Admitted Changing Female Villain Over Fears That Toys Wouldn’t Sell, Sexism In Toy Companies Never Stops

Initially, a female villain was supposed to be a part of "Iron Man 3", however, the gender of the female was changed over fears for toy sales as revealed by film director Shane Black in a new interview. Marvel ordered to change the villain to male to boost toy sales.

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The Switch

In a recent interview with Uproxx, Shane Black revealed that Maya Hansen was supposed to be the main villain but the executives at Marvel produced a memo saying that a female villain won't sell as well as with a male character. "All I'll say is this, on the record: There was an early draft of "Iron Man 3" where we had an inkling of a problem", People quoted Shane Black.

"Which is that we had a female character who was the villain in the draft. We had finished the script and we were given a no-holds-barred memo saying that cannot stand and we've changed our minds because, after consulting, we've decided that toy won't sell as well if it's a female," Black finished off.

The entire script was changed because of toy sales, Shane Black pointed out. However, the management who ordered the script change has been replaced. The female villain was eventually turned into Aldrich Killian portrayed by Guy Pearce. He's the scientist behind the Extremis virus.

"Now, that's not [Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige]," Black said. "That's Marvel corporate, but now you don't have that problem anymore," Aces Showbiz added.

Male Dominance In Movies

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" also faced similar controversy with their female lead, Rey. Daisy Ridley's character Rey wasn't included in the toy collection, make J.J. Abrams upset. According to ET News, J.J. Abrams feels it's preposterous and wrong that the main character is underrepresented.

In response, Hasbro spokesperson promised to make the necessary changes and include Rey in the "Monopoly: Star Wars," which will be available later this year. The Guardian has pointed out that toy manufacturers' refusal to accept female villain or hero is absurd. It does not only stop in toys, sexism in film merchandise is apparent as well.

What do you think with this revelation? Hit us with your comments. Meanwhile, check out behind the scenes footage behind "Iron Man 3:"