S Poddar
Halle Berry, known for some of the most iconic faces in Hollywood and known for movies like Catwoman and X-Men, has now publicly thanked the director of this movie, Matthew Vaughn, who intervened in a situation that could have turned toxic. Vaughn is known to have directed films such as Kingsman and Argylle. A year ago, Vaughn had gone on record to say that he was approached to direct X-Men: The Last Stand but he refused to direct the movie when he saw the problematic plot.
Vaughn revealed that a studio executive had been playing dumb with Berry about what he was supposedly prepared to offer her in the film. The director felt that the executive was milking Berry’s talent and popularity in the arts for his own take. The confession thrown across the entertainment world shocked people with regards to the underhand tactics that sometimes go on in plain sight.
Berry was quick to respond, this time, to Vaughn’s revelation. Taking social media for a flash, she wrote, “Ya just never know the shady sh*…stuff going on behind ya back. Thank you Matthew Vaughn for bringing the dark to light.” This was what every fan would have otherwise squawked over this executive’s actions.
Vaughn’s decision not to take the X-Men project when that was his chance for career advancement reflected a lot about the integrity and commitment he had in protecting Berry’s interests. His actions remind everyone that, even in that dazzling Hollywood bubble, there are people with the courage to stand up for what is right.
This is crucial because this is a sign of appreciation from Berry to Vaughn as evidence of how meaningful friendship and support in the entertainment industry may be. This also is an indicator of the need to raise one’s voice for justice, hard as it may seem, and the revelation by Vaughn necessitates greater transparency and accountability in the film world.
The Berry-Vaughn case would be a lesson to all wannabe actors and actresses on the several pitfalls one should watch out for and the importance of having a sound support system. Outspokenness against injustice can serve as an activist’s driving force toward creating a more just and equal industry for everyone.
