The COMEBACK QUEENS

Leading ladies who are back on the big screen - and every bit as good

- DONNA HARDIE-SCOTT

Hollywood loves a comeback story - and now it's not only the plots which reflect that, it's the stars of the films as well. Whether reprising roles in a blockbuster franchise, bursting back on to screens in a leading role or making an exciting return after years away from the limelight, Hollywood's female actors are reclaiming their rightful place in the spotlight, whatever their age.

One of the highlights of this year is the eagerly anticipated The Devil Wears Prada 2, which is due to premiere on 1 May. It coincides with the week of New York's Met Gala, when the original movie's stars will be back to mirror the world of Anna Wintour's Vogue.

This golden age for acting royalty is a far cry from a few years back, when Kelly McGillis was overlooked for 2022's Top Gun: Maverick - 36 years after she played the romantic lead as civilian instructor Charlotte 'Charlie' Blackwood. Kelly said at the time it was likely due to the fact she looked 'age appropriate'.

Central casting seems to be distancing itself from this tired attitude towards older women. Last year, Jamie Lee Curtis reunited with Lindsay Lohan in Freakier Friday, a followup to the 2003 version of Freaky Friday, when they first played mother and daughter. And according to the rumour mill, we might soon see Viola Davis in a Suicide Squad spin-off series and Parminder Nagra joining Keira Knightley in a Bend it Like Beckham followup.

But whispers aside, let's get excited for those leading ladies about to retake their rightful spot at the top of the bill.

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