Fresh off the amazing female character Jyn Erso in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” women are finally being portrayed as heroes in their own right and are not waiting to be saved. Equal and realistic representation is what we need and looks like we will be getting in 2017 with a handful of great actresses portraying some badass women in the upcoming films. We’re so excited for these films that we’re even going to give away some merchandise from one of the films! Read the full list to learn more and how to enter to win!
Kate Beckinsale in “Underworld: Blood Wars”
Kate Beckinsale is back as our favorite vampire death dealer, Selene. Can you believe this is the fifth installment of the “Underworld” series? We can because Beckinsale has portrayed Selene with a fierceness that makes the audience want more. As much as a beauty as Beckinsale is, she’s definitely found a way to navigate Hollywood on her terms and not be put in the damsel-in-distress or sidekick girlfriend roles she could have easily fallen into. We love her kickass spirit both on and off screen and can’t wait to see her take some names in the newest installment hitting theaters Jan. 6.
Milla Jovovich in “Resident Evil: The Final Chapter”
This will be Milla Jovovich’s final portrayal as Alice in the “Resident Evil” franchise and it’s safe to say, she will be missed. We’ve been through six kickass films where Alice is outsmarting and fighting the Umbrella Corporation to the very end. The fighting spirit and leadership is what we admire in her character and the ability to not back down from the overwhelming challenge of fighting a swarm of zombies and evil corporation at the same time. “Resident Evil: The Final Chapter” hits theaters Jan. 27.
Brie Larson in “Kong: Skull Island”
Step aside guys, Brie Larson has arrived. Fresh off her Oscar win for “Room,” Larson has already been confirmed as “Captain Marvel,” but first she’ll be starring in “Kong: Skull Island.” In previous Kong films, women always know best and this should be no exception. Larson has played strong characters and we can’t wait to see her portrayal as Weaver in the latest addition to the Kong franchise. “Kong: Skull Island” hits theaters March 10.
Emma Watson in “Beauty and the Beast”
It seems as if Emma Watson can do no wrong. As a real life advocate for female empowerment, equal rights and face of the UN HeforShe movement, we were beyond excited that she will be Belle in the live-action film, “Beauty and the Beast.” She not only shares her love of books with Belle (having started her own Goodreads group, Our Shared Shelf), but fights to break female stereotypes. We’ve learned that Belle’s character will be an inventor and Watson refused to wear a corset. You go girl! “Beauty and the Beast” hits theaters March 17.
Charlize Theron in “The Fate of the Furious”
The eighth installment of the fast franchise is back with a vengeance and the ultimate badass in Charlize Theron. Theron stole my heart in “Mad Max: Fury Road” as Furiosa, the shaved head apocalyptic heroine who overpowered Max himself. Now she’s back in equal measure on the other side. Villains can be beautiful and fierce and a woman. I love that the fast franchise decided to cast a female villain and that Theron is the one to play it and bring Vin to the dark side on April 14.
Zoe Saldana in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2”
Chris Pratt is Star Lord and could have been solely the star of this film, but Zoe Saldana as Gamora is equally up there with him. The fact that in this film, Star Lord is pining for Gamora is a sigh of relief since it’s always the other way around. Gamora isn’t giving in that easily though and needs no man to protect her. We can’t wait to see her and the whole gang back on the big screen on May 5.
Katherine Waterston in “Alien: Covenant”
We’re happy to have Katherine Waterston back on the big screen in another fantastical atmosphere, except this one is definitely a little more hostile. The original “Alien” featured one of the most exceptional female action stars in Sigourney Weaver as the iconic Ripley. We’re so excited that the tradition of strong female characters in the “Alien” franchise continues with Waterston and believe she’ll do Ripley proud. “Alien: Covenant” hits theaters May 19.
Gal Gadot in “Wonder Woman”
Step aside boys, “Wonder Woman” will probably save the DC Universe future in films. Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman was one of the bright spots of the critically panned, “Batman vs: Superman” film and we all wanted more of the Amazonian! With a female director at the helm and Gadot, “Wonder Woman” is sure to inspire a new generation of little girls and women who will know they too can be strong, sentimental and caring all at the same time. “Wonder Woman” hits theaters June 2.
Daisy Ridley in “Star Wars: Episode VIII”
How many little girls wanted to be Rey after watching “Star Wars: Episode VII?” We don’t know what 2017 has in store for us, but we do know we’ll have Rey in “Star Wars: Episode VIII” awaiting us to finish up the year on a high note. Just like Jyn, in “Rogue One” Rey is independent, a leader and willing to put her life on the line to fight for what is right. She is a great role model and character and can’t wait to see more of her on Dec. 15.
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Catherine grew up watching action flicks at a very young age which led to her love of film. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelors in Radio-TV-Film in 2012. Always the adventurer, Catherine traveled and lived in Sydney, Australia for a year where she took a selfie with Brad Pitt. She runs Shuffle with passion, lots of caffeine and tacos. When she’s not editing or writing you can find her crafting and planning her next adventure.