When Patty Jenkins’ “Wonder Woman” smashed box office records in 2017, it wasn’t just Diana Prince breaking barriers on screen.
Behind many of today’s most thrilling action sequences, compelling heroes, and innovative storylines are women whose names appear in the credits under “screenplay by.”
These female action screenwriters are transforming one of Hollywood’s most traditionally male-dominated genres, bringing fresh perspectives and nuanced characters to audiences worldwide.
For decades, action films were largely written, directed, and produced by men, reflecting masculine fantasies and perspectives.
Female characters often served as love interests, damsels in distress, or simply eye candy. Today’s landscape is rapidly evolving, with women not only taking center stage as action heroes but also crafting the stories themselves.
This shift is more than just a trend—it represents a fundamental change in how action films are conceived, written, and experienced.
Female action screenwriters are introducing complex character development, innovative narrative structures, and action sequences that serve the story rather than merely showcasing spectacle.
The result: action films that resonate with broader audiences while still delivering the adrenaline-pumping excitement the genre demands.
In this article, we’ll explore the talented women transforming action cinema from behind the keyboard, examining their unique approaches, significant contributions, and the barriers they continue to overcome in a genre that has historically been resistant to female voices.
The Evolution of Female Action Screenwriters
Early Pioneers Paving the Way
While today’s female action screenwriters are gaining well-deserved recognition, they stand on the shoulders of pioneering women who fought for their place in the industry decades ago.
Leigh Brackett, often called the “Queen of Space Opera,” wrote scripts for Howard Hawks’ “Rio Bravo” (1959) and contributed to “The Empire Strikes Back” (1980), bringing her science fiction expertise to what would become one of the most beloved action-adventure franchises of all time.
The 1970s and 1980s saw writers like Gloria Katz (co-writer of “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom“) and Pamela Wallace (co-writer of “Witness“) making inroads into action-adjacent genres. However, these women were exceptions in a male-dominated landscape where women were rarely entrusted with pure action scripts.
Breaking Through: The Turning Point
The 1990s marked a significant shift with Callie Khouri’s Oscar-winning screenplay for “Thelma & Louise” (1991). Though not a traditional action film, its road movie structure, gun-slinging protagonists, and iconic chase sequences established a new template for female-driven action narratives. The film’s critical and commercial success proved that women could write compelling action scenes that resonated with audiences.
By the early 2000s, more women were breaking into action screenwriting. Laeta Kalogridis worked on scripts for “Alexander” (2004) and later “Shutter Island” (2010), while Jane Goldman co-wrote “Kick-Ass” (2010) and “X-Men: First Class” (2011). Their success helped dismantle the perception that women couldn’t write high-octane action sequences or understand the genre’s appeal.
Statistical Trends: A Changing Landscape
Despite these individual successes, the numbers tell a story of slow progress.
According to the Writers Guild of America, women accounted for just 18% of screenwriters working on the top 100 grossing films in 2019, with an even smaller percentage working specifically in the action genre. However, this represents a significant improvement from the single-digit percentages seen in previous decades.
Recent years have shown more promising trends. Between 2016 and 2024, the number of female screenwriters credited on major action films increased by approximately 30%, suggesting that studios are increasingly recognizing the value of diverse perspectives in action storytelling.
Top Female Action Screenwriters Shaping the Industry Today
Christina Hodson: Reinventing Beloved Franchises
Christina Hodson has quickly established herself as one of Hollywood’s go-to writers for action films, particularly those featuring strong female protagonists.
After her first feature script, “Shut In,” made the 2012 Black List (a compilation of the best unproduced screenplays), Hodson burst onto the action scene with “Bumblebee” (2018). Her approach to the “Transformers” spinoff brought unexpected emotional depth and nuanced characterization to a franchise previously known for prioritizing explosions over storytelling.
Hodson’s biggest success to date came with “Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn” (2020), which she also executive produced. The film showcased her talent for writing kinetic, creative action sequences while maintaining strong character development and a distinctly female perspective.
“I don’t think about writing ‘as a woman’ specifically,” Hodson told Variety in 2020. “I just write the characters and stories that interest me, which often happen to feature women who are complex, flawed, and capable—just like real women are.”
Hodson’s approach to action writing is character-driven, with set pieces that reveal personality and advance the plot rather than merely showcase spectacle. Her upcoming projects include “The Flash” and “Batgirl,” further cementing her role as a key architect of DC’s cinematic universe.
Amanda Silver: Revitalizing Action Franchises
Working alongside her husband, Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver has established herself as a master of breathing new life into beloved action franchises. The pair are responsible for resurrecting the “Planet of the Apes” series with “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” (2011), followed by “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” (2014). Their script for the first film was praised for its emotional core and thoughtful approach to action, setting a new standard for the franchise.
Silver’s talent for balancing spectacle with substance also brought her to “Jurassic World” (2015), which successfully rebooted the dinosaur action franchise for a new generation. Her work on Disney’s live-action “Mulan” (2020) demonstrated her versatility, bringing martial arts sequences and battle scenes to life through her writing.
“Great action comes from character stakes,” Silver explained in a 2018 interview. “If you don’t care about who’s in danger, the biggest explosion in the world won’t matter to the audience.”
Silver’s approach to action emphasizes emotional investment, creating scenes where the audience is genuinely concerned about the outcome because they care about the characters involved. This philosophy has served her well, with her films grossing over $3 billion worldwide. Her most ambitious project yet may be her work on the upcoming “Avatar” sequels alongside James Cameron, where she’ll help shape the future of one of cinema’s most technologically advanced action franchises.
Geneva Robertson-Dworet: Bringing Heroes to Life
Geneva Robertson-Dworet has quickly risen through Hollywood’s ranks to become one of the industry’s most sought-after action screenwriters. After breaking into the industry with the 2018 “Tomb Raider” reboot starring Alicia Vikander, Robertson-Dworet made history as the first woman to write a Marvel Cinematic Universe film entirely on her own with “Captain Marvel” (2019).
“I love writing action, but I’m always looking for the human story at its core,” Robertson-Dworet told The Hollywood Reporter in 2019. “Even in the biggest superhero battle, there has to be something emotional at stake.”
Robertson-Dworet’s approach to action writing often involves subverting genre expectations. In “Captain Marvel,” she crafted a superhero origin story that deliberately avoided the traditional romantic subplot, instead focusing on female friendship and self-discovery. Her action sequences serve character development rather than existing purely for spectacle.
Currently, Robertson-Dworet is working on “Gotham City Sirens” for the DC Extended Universe and the sci-fi film “Artemis” with directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. As her career continues to evolve, she’s become a powerful voice championing both visual excitement and emotional resonance in action cinema.
The Wachowski Sisters: Revolutionizing Action Filmmaking
Lana and Lilly Wachowski redefined what action cinema could be with “The Matrix” (1999), introducing a philosophical depth and visual innovation that would influence the genre for decades to come. Their screenplay seamlessly blended cyberpunk, martial arts, and existential philosophy while creating some of the most iconic action sequences in film history.
The Wachowskis’ approach to action screenwriting is distinctly intellectual, using fight scenes and chase sequences to explore concepts of identity, reality, and self-determination. Their work on “The Matrix” franchise, “V for Vendetta” (2005), and “Cloud Atlas” (2012) demonstrates their ability to craft action that operates on multiple levels—as visceral entertainment, visual art, and philosophical exploration.
“We think movies are fairly limited in their scope and vision,” Lana Wachowski once said. “We’re interested in expanding what you can do with movies and what movies can be.”
Their influence extends beyond their own projects. The Wachowskis’ innovative approach to describing action on the page—detailed, visually specific, yet focused on emotional impact—has inspired a generation of screenwriters to think more ambitiously about action sequences. Their legacy reminds us that action films can be intellectually stimulating as well as thrilling.
Emerging Talents to Watch
A new generation of female action screenwriters is making their mark on the industry. Nicole Perlman, who wrote the initial draft of “Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014) and co-wrote “Captain Marvel” (2019), has proven her ability to blend humor and heart with cosmic action. Meg LeFauve, known for her emotional storytelling in animation, brought her talents to “Captain Marvel” alongside Perlman.
Jade Bartlett is making waves with her work on upcoming Marvel projects, while Lindsey Beer has established herself as a franchise specialist with work on “Sierra Burgess Is a Loser” and the upcoming “Pet Sematary” prequel. As these and other new voices continue to emerge, the future of female-written action films looks increasingly bright and diverse.
How Female Screenwriters Are Transforming Action Cinema
Beyond One-Dimensional Heroes
Female action screenwriters are fundamentally changing how protagonists are written in the genre. Moving beyond the stoic, invulnerable action hero archetypes of the past, they’re creating leads with psychological depth, emotional vulnerability, and complex motivations.
In Christina Hodson’s “Birds of Prey,” Harley Quinn isn’t simply a chaotic force of nature; she’s a woman processing heartbreak and seeking independence while confronting her own complicity in toxic relationships. Similarly, Geneva Robertson-Dworet’s characterization of Carol Danvers in “Captain Marvel” explores themes of gaslighting and reclaiming one’s identity alongside the traditional hero’s journey.
“Women are often socialized to think about relationships and emotions in complex ways,” explains film scholar Dr. Alyssa Rosenberg. “When they bring that perspective to action writing, we get heroes who aren’t just physically powerful but emotionally multidimensional.”
Authentic Female Protagonists
Perhaps the most visible change brought by female action screenwriters is the emergence of authentic female protagonists who subvert traditional tropes. Instead of the hypersexualized “strong female characters” of the past—who often seemed designed primarily for male viewers—today’s female action heroes feel genuine and relatable.
Amanda Silver’s work on “Mulan” depicted a warrior whose strength comes not just from physical prowess but from courage, strategic thinking, and devotion to family. Laeta Kalogridis’s script for “Alita: Battle Angel” created a cyborg protagonist whose journey of self-discovery resonated with audiences despite her superhuman abilities.
These characters don’t reject femininity or emotional connection to be “strong”—they integrate all aspects of their identities while navigating dangerous situations. The result is action heroes who feel authentic rather than merely performative.
Innovation in Action Sequences
Female screenwriters are also bringing fresh approaches to the action sequences themselves. Rather than relying on bigger explosions or more elaborate car chases, they’re finding innovative ways to reveal character through action.
The warehouse fight scene in “Birds of Prey,” written by Christina Hodson, uses Harley Quinn’s improvisational fighting style and choice of weapons (including a baseball bat and roller skates) to emphasize her chaotic approach to life. In “The Matrix,” the Wachowskis used fight choreography to visually represent Neo’s awakening and self-actualization.
“Great action writing isn’t just about describing physical movements,” explains screenwriting instructor Meg LeFauve. “It’s about making choices that reveal who these characters are and what matters to them, even in the midst of a fight for their lives.”
Expanding Thematic Boundaries
Female action screenwriters are introducing themes previously uncommon in the genre. While traditional action films often focused on individualistic themes of revenge or triumph, many female-written scripts explore community, connection, and collective action.
Geneva Robertson-Dworet’s “Captain Marvel” emphasized the value of friendship and allyship in overcoming oppression. Amanda Silver’s “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” explored empathy across species lines and the ethics of power. The Wachowskis’ “Matrix” trilogy examined the tension between determinism and free will.
By expanding the thematic scope of action films, these writers are creating more intellectually engaging experiences that resonate beyond the adrenaline rush of the moment.
The Impact of Representation Behind the Camera
Diverse Writers, Diverse Stories
The increased presence of women in action screenwriting has corresponded with more diverse stories and characters on screen. When writers’ rooms include female perspectives, films naturally tend to feature more complex female characters and explore a broader range of themes.
This diversity extends beyond gender. The success of films like “Black Panther” (co-written by Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole) and “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” (co-written by Dave Callaham and Destin Daniel Cretton) has demonstrated the market for culturally specific action storytelling. As women of color like Adele Lim (“Raya and the Last Dragon”) gain opportunities in action-adjacent genres, the narrative landscape continues to broaden.
Industry Initiatives Making a Difference
Several industry initiatives have helped support women entering action screenwriting. The Blacklist’s “Reproductive Rights” collection highlighted scripts addressing themes of bodily autonomy, while the WGA’s Inclusion and Equity Department provides resources for underrepresented writers. Organizations like Women in Film offer mentorship programs connecting emerging female writers with established industry professionals.
“It’s not enough to say ‘we want more women writing action,'” explains producer Deborah Snyder. “The industry needs concrete pathways and opportunities for these writers to showcase their talents and build their careers.”
These initiatives, combined with increased awareness of representation issues, have helped create more opportunities for women to write action films. As these writers succeed, they in turn create opportunities for others, establishing a positive cycle of increasing representation.
Audience Reception and Box Office Reality
The commercial success of female-written action films has helped dispel the myth that the genre’s predominantly male audience won’t respond to women’s perspectives. “Captain Marvel,” co-written by Geneva Robertson-Dworet, grossed over $1.1 billion worldwide. “Birds of Prey,” written by Christina Hodson, performed well with audiences despite opening during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Critical reception has also been strong. Films like “The Matrix” and “Mad Max: Fury Road” (with substantial contribution from playwright Nico Lathouris alongside director George Miller) have been hailed as genre-defining classics. As more female-written action films reach screens, the industry is recognizing that quality storytelling transcends the gender of its creator.
Challenges That Remain
Persistent Gender Disparity
Despite recent progress, women remain significantly underrepresented in action screenwriting. Major franchise films and blockbusters with budgets over $100 million are still primarily written by men, with women more commonly assigned to romantic comedies, dramas, or family films.
“There’s still an unconscious bias that women don’t understand action or can’t write certain types of scenes,” explains screenwriter Laeta Kalogridis. “I’ve literally been told, ‘We need a male writer for the action sequences,’ as though the ability to write a fight scene is somehow tied to gender.”
This disparity is particularly pronounced for women of color, who remain severely underrepresented across all screenwriting categories, especially in big-budget action films.
Commercial Constraints and Creative Freedom
Female action screenwriters often face additional scrutiny and pressure compared to their male counterparts. When a male-written action film fails, it’s usually considered an individual failure; when a female-written action film underperforms, it can be used to justify broader hesitation about assigning women to similar projects in the future.
“There’s less room for error,” notes producer Lindsay Doran. “Women writing action often feel they’re representing all female writers, not just themselves, which creates enormous pressure to succeed.”
This pressure can sometimes lead to creative compromises or risk aversion, as female writers may feel they need to adhere closely to established formulas rather than pushing boundaries as freely as their male colleagues.
The Future of Female Action Screenwriting
Cross-Genre Innovation
The future of female action screenwriting likely includes significant cross-genre pollination, as writers bring elements from horror, science fiction, comedy, and drama into action frameworks. This hybridization has already produced some of the most interesting recent action films, from the horror-inflected action of “Aliens” to the comedy-action of “Birds of Prey.”
“Genre boundaries are becoming increasingly fluid,” notes film critic Angelica Jade Bastién. “Female writers seem particularly adept at navigating these intersections, perhaps because they’ve often had to work within and against genre constraints throughout their careers.”
Global Perspectives
International perspectives are enriching action cinema as studios increasingly look beyond American writers for fresh approaches. Chinese-American director Chloé Zhao has brought her unique vision to Marvel’s “Eternals,” while British writer Christina Hodson is shaping major American franchises. As global markets become increasingly important to studios’ bottom lines, the demand for culturally diverse storytelling approaches will likely grow.
The Next Generation
The most encouraging sign for the future of female action screenwriting may be the generation currently emerging from film schools and undergraduate programs. Young women who grew up watching “The Matrix,” “Mad Max: Fury Road,” and the Marvel Cinematic Universe are now creating their own action-oriented scripts without the sense that they’re entering forbidden territory.
“The students I see coming through our program don’t feel like they need permission to write action,” explains UCLA screenwriting professor Phyllis Nagy. “They’ve grown up with these films and see action as a natural space for their creative expression.”
This generational shift, combined with evolving industry practices and audience expectations, suggests that the future of action screenwriting will include significantly more female voices, perspectives, and innovations.
Case Study: “Birds of Prey” – Female Perspective in Action
Christina Hodson’s screenplay for “Birds of Prey” offers a compelling case study in female-driven action writing. The film’s action sequences are distinctive not just in their visual style but in their narrative function.
The funhouse fight scene, for instance, uses the colorful, disorienting environment to reflect Harley Quinn’s mental state while still delivering kinetic thrills. The hair tie moment during the police station fight—where Canary offers Harley a hair tie mid-battle—inserts a moment of female solidarity and practical reality into the chaos of combat.
“I wanted the action to feel character-driven at every moment,” Hodson explained in the film’s production notes. “Every choice a character makes in a fight tells us something about who they are.”
The film’s commercial success ($201 million worldwide on an $82 million budget) and critical appreciation (78% on Rotten Tomatoes) demonstrated audience appetite for action films with distinctive female perspectives. Its influence can be seen in subsequent projects that embrace similar tonal flexibility and character-driven action sequences.
How Aspiring Screenwriters Can Follow This Path
Education and Training Opportunities
For aspiring female action screenwriters, numerous pathways can help develop the necessary skills. Traditional film schools like USC, NYU, and UCLA offer screenwriting programs with action-focused courses. Online alternatives like Masterclass feature tutorials from established screenwriters, while organizations like Women in Film provide specialized workshops.
“Study the action scripts you admire,” advises screenwriter Nicole Perlman. “Pay attention to how they balance technical description with emotional stakes. Great action writing isn’t just about what happens—it’s about making readers and viewers care about the outcome.”
Finding Mentorship and Community
Mentorship can be crucial for navigating the specific challenges female action writers face. Programs like the WGA’s Mentorship Program, the Black List’s Feature Lab, and the Sundance Institute’s Screenwriters Lab connect emerging writers with established professionals who can provide guidance and industry connections.
Online communities like the International Screenwriters’ Association and various social media groups also offer spaces for female writers to share experiences, advice, and opportunities. These communities help combat the isolation many writers feel and provide practical support for career development.
Writing Strategies for Breaking In
For writers specifically interested in action genres, several strategies can help increase chances of breaking in:
- Develop a distinctive voice: Rather than imitating existing action films, cultivate a unique perspective that only you can bring to the genre.
- Master technical elements: Study how great action is written on the page—concise, visual, and emotionally grounded.
- Create proof-of-concept work: Short films, web series, or comic books can demonstrate your ability to conceptualize action even without big budgets.
- Target emerging platforms: Streaming services and digital studios are often more willing to take chances on fresh voices than traditional studios.
- Write across genres: Demonstrating versatility can open doors that lead eventually to action projects.
“Be persistently yourself,” advises Christina Hodson. “The thing that makes your writing special is your unique perspective. That’s what will ultimately help you stand out in a crowded field.”
Conclusion
The rise of female action screenwriters represents more than just a demographic shift in Hollywood—it signals a fundamental evolution in how action stories are conceived, written, and experienced. As women bring their perspectives to a genre historically dominated by male voices, they’re expanding its emotional range, thematic depth, and narrative possibilities.
From the philosophical explorations of the Wachowski sisters to Christina Hodson’s character-driven set pieces, female screenwriters are proving that action films can be both viscerally thrilling and emotionally resonant. Their success demonstrates that audiences respond to quality storytelling regardless of who crafts it.
Challenges remain, particularly in achieving equal representation and creative freedom. However, the increasing number of women successfully writing major action franchises suggests an encouraging trajectory. As more diverse voices enter the field, the genre will continue to evolve in exciting and unexpected ways.
For audiences, this evolution means richer, more varied action cinema that appeals to broader demographics while still delivering the excitement the genre promises.
For the film industry, it represents an opportunity to tap previously underutilized talent and perspectives. And for aspiring screenwriters of all backgrounds, it demonstrates that action storytelling is limited only by imagination, not by identity.
As we look to the future of cinema, the continued rise of female action screenwriters promises a more inclusive, innovative, and ultimately more thrilling cinematic landscape—one where the question isn’t whether women can write action, but what new heights the genre can reach when all talented voices are welcomed to the table.