Bryce Dallas Howard Reveals Studio Pressured Her to Lose Weight for⁣ ‘Jurassic World’ Role

Bryce Dallas Howard has opened up about a series of challenges she faced while filming the Jurassic World trilogy,from scrutiny over her character’s footwear to pressure to conform to unrealistic body standards and a significant pay disparity with co-star Chris Pratt. In recent interviews, ⁤Howard detailed how ​she was repeatedly asked to lose weight by the studio, a demand that didn’t cease until Colin Trevorrow⁤ returned to direct 2022’s Jurassic World: Dominion. She also highlighted Pratt’s advocacy for equal pay and his efforts to rectify the ‍salary imbalance.

The High Heel Controversy and On-Set Pressures

The Jurassic World franchise hasn’t been without its ⁤share of public discussion.‍ Early criticism focused on the practicality ‌of Claire ‍Dearing’s (Howard) wardrobe, specifically her choice of high heels while fleeing dinosaurs. This sparked a debate about the character’s perceived lack ⁢of ⁤common sense and ‍the film’s portrayal⁢ of ⁣women. However, Howard has since revealed that the wardrobe choices were less about character and more​ about external pressures.

But the heels weren’t the ⁣only issue. Howard revealed a more troubling pattern of body image expectations from​ the studio. She explained that throughout ⁢much of the filming process,she was consistently asked to lose weight.

“On the third movie, it was actually⁢ because there were so‌ many women cast, ⁢it was something‌ that Colin [Trevorrow, director] felt very strongly​ about in terms of protecting me because the conversation came up again, ‘We need to ask Bryce to lose weight,'” ⁣Howard shared. Trevorrow, who directed Jurassic World and Jurassic World: Dominion and penned Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, actively shielded Howard from these demands during Dominion.

This revelation underscores the pervasive⁢ pressures faced by actresses in Hollywood to meet often unattainable beauty⁣ standards. It highlights a systemic issue where a performer’s worth is often tied‌ to their physical appearance, even within the context of a physically demanding action role.

Chris Pratt’s Support in Salary Negotiations

Beyond the body⁣ image pressures, Howard also addressed the widely reported ⁣salary gap between herself and ‍Chris Pratt. Initial reports ⁢in 2018 suggested Howard earned $8 million for Fallen Kingdom ‍compared to Pratt’s $10 million. However, Howard clarified that the actual disparity⁣ was even greater.

“The reports were so captivating⁢ because I was paid so much less than the reports even said,so much less,” she told Insider. “When‌ I started negotiating ‍for ‘Jurassic,’ it ‌was 2014, and⁣ it was a different world, and I was‌ at a great disadvantage. And, ‌unluckily,‌ you have⁢ to sign up for three movies, ⁤and so your deals are set.”

Fortunately, Howard had a powerful ally in Chris Pratt.She credited him with actively working to close the pay gap, not just for the films themselves, but also for ancillary revenue streams like video games and theme park attractions.

“What‌ I will say is that Chris ⁤and ‌I have discussed it,​ and whenever there was​ an prospect to move the needle on stuff that hadn’t been⁢ already negotiated,⁤ like a⁢ game or a ride, he literally told me, ‘You guys don’t even have to‍ do anything. I’m going to do all the negotiating. We’re going to be paid the same and you don’t ​have⁣ to think about this, Bryce,'” Howard recounted. “I‍ love⁢ him so much for doing that. I really do, because I’ve been ⁣paid more for those kinds of things than I ever was for ‍the movie.”

Pratt’s actions demonstrate a commitment to gender equality and a willingness to use his‌ position to advocate for his female co-star. His proactive approach ultimately ensured Howard received⁣ fair compensation for ​her contributions to the Jurassic⁢ World franchise beyond the core film roles.⁤ This story serves as a ​positive example of male allyship within the entertainment industry and highlights⁢ the importance of advocating for equal pay.