Why Do People Dislike Gemma Arterton?
Gemma Arterton is an English actress known for films like Quantum of Solace, Clash of the Titans, and Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters. While many appreciate her acting talents and film roles over the years, some people have expressed dislike towards the actress. There are a few potential reasons why.
Early Overexposure in Big Films
One common criticism of Arterton early on was that she landed major film roles very quickly as a new actress.
After having just a few small TV and film credits to her name, she was cast in the 2008 James Bond film Quantum of Solace as Bond girl Strawberry Fields. While seen as an impressive accomplishment, some felt she was too inexperienced as an actress to deserve such a coveted part so early in her career.
She then quickly moved on to starring roles in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Clash of the Titans, and Tamara Drewe all within a couple years. To some, it seemed her good looks and luck were transitioning her swiftly into A-list films more than her acting skills.
Perceived Arrogance in Interviews
Another reason Arterton has rubbed some people the wrong way over the years is how she has come across in certain interviews. Some have accused her of appearing arrogant or entitled when discussing her career.
For example, she made controversial remarks about her role in Quantum of Solace being “not very taxing” acting-wise. She also stated she was “bored” of the action girl type roles she kept getting offered earlier in her career. While likely honest feelings, these types of comments were poorly received by some fans or those in the film industry.
Statements like these likely contributed to a perception among some that she lacked humility and gratefulness for her swift success as a rising starlet. Even if not intended, this hurt her likeability with a segment of people.
Who Dislikes Gemma Arterton and Why?
Gemma Arterton has achieved success at a young age. However, some people have expressed dislike towards the actress over the years. Here are some of the key groups who tend to dislike her and why:
Movie Fans
Some passionate movie fans dislike Arterton because they feel she landed major acting roles very early in her career due to her looks rather than superior acting ability.
With only a handful of credits to her name, starring in films like Quantum of Solace and Prince of Persia struck some as unfair when many equally or more talented actresses struggle for years to get their big break.
Industry Professionals
Those working within the film industry may harbor some resentment towards Arterton for rising to fame rapidly in a short time frame. Many aspiring actors grind it out for years or decades before getting leading roles.
When someone appears to leapfrog over others due to good fortune or other reasons not tied directly to skills, it understandably stings for some industry veterans.
Interview Readers
People who have read or seen interviews with Arterton over the years in which she made comments perceived as arrogant or entitled tend to have a more negative view of her.
Remarks she made criticizing the role that first made her globally famous in Quantum of Solace or dismissing early career action film roles have rubbed her the wrong way in some interview readers’ eyes.
Online Commenters
As with most celebrities today, Arterton has endured her fair share of negativity from online comment sections, blog responses, forum discussions, and Twitter critics.
Whether due to jealousy, genuine dislike, or other factors, a segment of online commenters seem to have persistent issues with her success and stardom.
Has the Dislike of Gemma Arterton Changed Over Time?
Gemma Arterton first leapt to fame in 2008’s Quantum of Solace, but has the nature or amount of dislike towards her changed since she first came onto the scene?
In general, the dislike and resentment towards her seems to have eased over the subsequent years. Here’s why the negativity has likely cooled:
She’s More Selective in Roles
Earlier in Arterton’s acting career, she accepted just about every major part she was offered, resulting in questionable movies like Clash of the Titans 2 and Hansel and Gretel on her filmography.
In more recent years, she seems more selective in the projects and parts she takes. More thoughtful movie role selection has increased her respect.
Less Arrogance in Interviews
The actress also seems to have course-corrected after early interview blunders. She appears to have become somewhat more humble and reflective when discussing her quick ascent to stardom. This self-awareness makes her past comments seem less pretentious or dismissive.
She’s Focused More on Stage Work
In addition to selected screen roles, Gemma Arterton has made the theater her priority in the 2010s. Her successful turn in theatrical shows like Made in Dagenham has showcased her dedication to honing her acting craft beyond chasing the biggest blockbuster films around. This has won over some previous naysayers.
Natural Career Settling
Finally, over 15 years into her acting work, Arterton landing a wide mix of film roles just seems more natural now than her shot to global fame did earlier on. The likes of Quantum of Solace now feels more deserved in retrospect.
What are the Positives about Gemma Arterton’s Career?
While a segment of people may still dislike Gemma Arterton, the actress undeniably has many accomplishments to celebrate in an already successful career:
- Versatile Acting Chops – From costume dramas to thrillers, comedies and more, Arterton has showcased impressive range as a performer.
- Hollywood Blockbusters – Even her harshest critics can’t argue she’s starred in huge movies from Bond to the Clash of the Titans franchise.
- Stage Credits – Glowing reviews for theater work like The Duchess of Malfi cement her as more than just a movie star.
- Prestigious Awards – Arterton has earned high honors ranging from an Empire Award to a Glamour Award for her acting over the years.
- Philanthropic Efforts – She dedicates time and resources to worthy causes like water.org and promoting equal rights.
So while Gemma Arterton will likely always have some critics or haters, she can take pride in a stellar, award-winning Hollywood career still rapidly on the rise. For every naysayer, many more fans and admirers fill theaters to enjoy her newest films. Her mix of blockbuster and independent movies means she should retain an enthusiastic audience for years to come.
Table: Gemma Arterton’s Acting Work Over the Years
| Year | Film/Show | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Capturing Mary | Mary | First on-screen acting role |
| 2008 | Quantum of Solace | Strawberry Fields | Big breakout opposite Daniel Craig as Bond girl |
| 2008 | RocknRolla | June | Guy Ritchie crime film |
| 2010 | Clash of the Titans | Io | Fantasy blockbuster |
| 2010 | Tamara Drewe | Tamara Drewe | Comedy |
| 2011 | Hannah | Hannah | TV movie |
| 2013 | Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters | Gretel | Major studio fantasy thriller |
| 2014 | Gemma Bovery | Gemma Bovery | Comedy drama |
| 2015 | 100 Streets | Emily | Ensemble drama |
| 2016 | Their Finest | Catrin | WWII comedy drama |
| 2018 | The Escape | Tara | Play adaptation |
| 2021 | SAS Rogue Heroes | Eve | TV series |
| 2022 | Ritual: AEXISTD Horror | Alice | Netflix horror film |
Table: Awards and Nominations for Gemma Arterton
| Year | Award/Nomination | Category | Film/Show | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Empire Award | Best Newcomer | Quantum of Solace | Won |
| 2009 | London Critics Circle Film Award | British Actress of the Year | Quantum of Solace | Nominated |
| 2010 | Glamour Award | Woman of the Year | Acting | Won |
| 2013 | Empire Award | Best Female Newcomer | Byzantium | Nominated |
| 2016 | Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year Award | Theatre Icon Award | Won | |
| 2018 | Evening Standard Theatre Award | Best Actress | The Duchess of Malfi | Nominated |
Conclusion
In the end, Gemma Arterton has likely always faced a level of criticism or dislike thanks to a meteoric rise as an actress in some major Hollywood blockbusters. While she had some early missteps in seeming arrogant or entitled, recent years have shown her to prioritize more serious acting pursuits on stage while becoming more selective in film roles she accepts.
Though some online commenters or industry folks may still harbor jealousies, she continues winning over fans with stellar acting talent showcased across diverse genres. While no celebrity can fully escape naysayers, Arterton seems less divisive than during her earliest fame. All signs point to an acting career still building momentum rather than peaking prematurely.
Her mix of smart role choices, acting range, and avoiding overexposure should set Arterton up well for decades of dynamic success however some may feel about her earliest work. As a creative, rising star not even 40 years old yet, Arterton’s dislike levels have cooled considerably while her fan base has likely never been stronger heading into the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did people dislike Gemma Arterton originally?
Most early dislike stemmed from perceptions she got major acting roles quickly due to luck rather than talent. This stoked resentment, especially after remarks considered arrogant about roles that propelled her fame.
Has Gemma Arterton become more likable in recent years?
In general, yes – she has shown humility, picked more serious acting projects, focused on honing theater skills, and avoided overexposing herself which has softened earlier dislike.
What’s the major source of any remaining negativity towards her?
Any lingering resentment likely comes from a small minority like online commenters or industry people harboring jealousy over her swift success early on as a fresh young actress.
What are some positives about her career?
She has outstanding acting range, continues earning critical praise for theater work, chooses roles more selectively now, stays involved in important causes offscreen, and has racked up awards and nominations.
Will the dislike last forever or fade over time?
It has definitely faded substantially already and will likely continue warming up as her early breakout mega fame feels more natural in hindsight and she keeps proving herself a skilled, still rising actress.
