Rebel Wilson is drawing ire after saying on ‘Ellen’ that she’s the first plus-sized woman to star in a romantic comedy.
While it’s true that plus-size women aren’t well-represented in leading roles of major Hollywood films — especially romcoms — the well-liked Rebel Wilson declaring herself “the first-ever plus-sized girl to be the star of a romantic comedy” isn’t sitting well with the internet.
The Bridesmaids and Pitch Perfect actress is starring in and producing the film Isn’t It Romantic, which is about a woman disenchanted with love who mysteriously finds herself trapped inside a romcom where she’s caught between two love interests ( Liam Hemsworth and Adam DeVine). She was on The Ellen DeGeneres Show Wednesday to debut the trailer for the film and said she had “such a ball filming” the flick that breaks away from Hollywood stereotypes for plus-size characters. She also made the “first-ever plus-sized girl” proclamation.
Here’s Rebel on Ellen:
And here’s the trailer for Isn’t It Romantic:
Here’s a TREAT for you this HALLOWEEN! On Valentine’s Day 2019 ISN’T IT ROMANTIC is coming out and here is the first ever trailer especially for you! @ADAMDEVINE @LiamHemsworth @priyankachopra @bettygilpin @brandonSJ pic.twitter.com/3Thxz8Zm5S — Rebel Wilson (@RebelWilson) October 31,2018
While people are applauding the idea of the film ( well, mostly), many are taking issue with her statement because, well, Queen Latifah and Mo’Nique and Ricki Lake did it first. (But especially the Queen.) That led to an online debate between fans and the Australian comedic actress — and several suggesting it’s another case of black people being erased from history.
The posts actually got Wilson’s attention and she posted a reply.
Which really only led to more debate.
Even Amy Schumer was dragged into the debate. While Schumer is not plus-size, it seemed that this debate is another reason to bash her movie, I Feel Pretty — or compare the two.
Wilson later posted another reply, noting that the comments — and criticisms — had been seen.
But will people go see the movie? And will Wilson change the way she describes her role? We’ll know closer to Valentine’s Day, which is when the film hits theaters.
