Geena Davis Returns to Action Genre with Arnold Schwarzenegger in “The Kellys”

Geena Davis is set to make a significant return to cinema with her role in the upcoming action film, *The Kellys*. The film, produced by Amazon MGM, marks the actress’s re-entry into the action genre after an absence of over 30 years, her last foray being in 1996’s *The Long Kiss Goodnight*. At the age of 70, Davis joins a talented ensemble cast that includes Liam Hemsworth, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kelsey Asbille, and Abby Elliott.

Although the specifics of Davis’s role in *The Kellys* have not yet been disclosed, the film’s plot revolves around a disgraced New York City cop named Jack Kelly, portrayed by Hemsworth. The storyline picks up when Jack’s wife, Molly, becomes hostage to a terrorist group. To rescue her, he is compelled to collaborate with those he distrusts most—his own family—underscoring themes of redemption and reconciliation.

Davis first captured the public’s attention during the 1980s and 1990s with memorable performances in films such as *The Fly* (1986) and *Beetlejuice* (1988). However, it was her role in *The Accidental Tourist* (1988) that garnered her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. This victory was followed by a nomination for her iconic part in *Thelma & Louise* (1991), which not only solidified her status in cinematic history but also reinforced her commitment to portraying strong female characters.

In the years that followed, Davis took on fewer film roles, opting instead for appearances in television series like *Grey’s Anatomy*. More recently, she starred in the upcoming project *Blink Twice*, alongside other contributors to the future of film, including Alfred Molina in the series *The Boroughs* set for release in 2026.

Reflecting on her career trajectory, Davis has spoken candidly about her experiences with ageism in the film industry. In a 2020 interview with *The Guardian*, she discussed the stark change she perceived once she entered her forties. Davis remarked that she believed an upward trajectory for women’s roles in Hollywood was ongoing but suddenly felt that opportunities had dwindled significantly. “I really did,” she shared, expressing her dismay at the stark shift in the availability of substantial roles for women after experiencing success in her earlier years.

Amidst these challenges, Davis has actively championed gender parity within the entertainment industry. In 2019, she received an honorary Oscar recognising her tireless advocacy through the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, an organisation she established in 2004. The institute focuses on promoting gender equality in film and television, striving to change how women are portrayed in these media.

Davis has echoed a sense of cautious optimism regarding the improvements she has witnessed over the years. In a comment to *PEOPLE* in 2020, she highlighted a notable trend towards better representation for women in both lead and supporting roles. “It finally has happened,” she remarked, applauding the significant strides made in children’s programming towards achieving gender parity—a historic change after decades of disparity, where male characters heavily outnumbered female ones.

Despite these advancements, Davis recognises that there remains substantial work to be done in ensuring equal representation, particularly among supporting characters and in group scenes. She encourages creators to consider gender-swapping characters to enhance female visibility, playfully hoping that such changes might directly benefit her career. “I made a point of saying change the characters to female, and then cast me,” she joked, advocating for a more inclusive approach to character development.

As Geena Davis prepares for her exciting re-entry into action films with *The Kellys*, her legacy as a talented actress and staunch advocate for women in media continues to inspire change in an industry that is progressively recognising the importance of diverse representation. She stands as a testament to both the artistry of acting and the urgent need for gender equity in film.