Women over 40 are twice as likely as men of the same age to have storylines focused solely on physical aging or cosmetic procedures.

Despite its impact on millions, menopause is mentioned in only 6% of top-grossing films featuring leading women over 40, and often only as a joke. Emerging Trends for 2026 Older Women Are Finally Being Represented In Hollywood

Demi Moore has seen a massive 2026 resurgence with the feminist horror hit The Substance , while Sandra Bullock is set for a high-profile return to the big screen this year.

While individual stars are thriving, systemic data shows that significant gaps remain: