Study: Top-Grossing UK Films More Likely to Star Actors Named Chris or Talking Animals Than Women Over 60
By
Natalie Oganesyan
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· 2 sourcesA new study by the Centre for Aging Better, part of the UK's first anti-ageism campaign, found that top-grossing UK films are more likely to star an actor named Chris or a talking animal than a woman over 60. Analyzing the top 100 highest-grossing UK films from 2023 to 2025, the study reported that six films featured a lead named Chris, while only five had a female lead over 60. Variety noted that talking animals were four times more likely to appear as a lead character than an older woman. The research highlights the severe underrepresentation of older women in leading film roles.
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Summary
A study by the Centre for Aging Better analyzing the top 100 highest-grossing U.K. films from 2023-2025 found that movies are more likely to star actors named Chris (6 films) or feature a talking animal as a lead character than a woman over 60 (5 films). The analysis, part of the UK's first anti-ageism campaign, highlights the severe underrepresentation of older women in leading film roles.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledA new analysis of the top-grossing U.K. films of the past three years has unveiled that they are more likely to star actors named Chris or feature a talking animal in the lead role than a woman over the age of 60.
Among the 100 highest-earning films for 2023, 2024 and 2025, six films featured someone named Chris as opposed to just five centering on older women.
Movies are also four times more likely to include a talking animal as a lead character than an actress over the age
