Julianne Moore criticised for rejecting roles in action films

Julianne Moore caused a bit of a stir online by mentioning her dislike for films featuring “explosions and firearms.”

In a recent conversation with Variety during the Kering Women in Motion Talk at the Cannes Film Festival, the 65-year-old actress raised eyebrows when she discussed the types of projects she now prefers to act in, expressing “less and less interest in tragedy.”

“With the current global challenges, I find it hard to engage with stories that feel fictitious, where the intensity and emotion don't quite match today’s reality. I just don’t feel inclined to be part of that,” she explained.

She spoke about reviewing scripts or watching films and recognising “when something is present just for drama,” adding, “I dislike superficial drama.”

Julianne Moore attends the Women In Motion talk at Carlton Hotel on May 16, 2026 in Cannes, France. Getty Images for Kering

“I’m not a fan of murder scenes. I detest explosions and guns. I dislike theatrics. I prefer stories that don't amplify drama without genuine feeling beneath,” she noted.

“In fact, that kind of drama irritates me because it seems like mere noise. I can't relate to it and have no desire to view it.”

After a video clip of the interview was shared on X, several fans criticised Moore’s views in the comments, with many highlighting her roles in films featuring guns and violence.

Moore starring as FBI agent Clarice Starling in “Hannibal” (2001). Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc

“I’ve lost track of the number of films she’s appeared in with gun scenes,” one fan remarked. Another commented, “Interesting how artists overlook their own work when making statements like this.”

A supporter noted, “That’s amazing! Now go revisit all the intense, violent films Julianne has eagerly acted in throughout her career.”

One more fan recalled, “In ‘Hannibal,’ a man’s skull was removed and his brain consumed.”

While she faced criticism, others defended her, one saying, “Julianne Moore’s choice of emotion over chaos is why she’s admired globally.”

Moore as President Alma Coin in “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1” (2014). Murray Close

“I honestly agree with her! We’re already confronted with enough violence globally! We need films with strong family values back!! Great family entertainment!! That way, cinemas will thrive again! We want to visit theatres but lack quality films! That’s why The Devil Wears Prada was outstanding,” another expressed.

This isn’t the first time Moore has encountered criticism. Vili Fualaau, who rose to fame due to his controversial relationship and marriage with his sixth-grade teacher in the late 1990s, argued that her film “May December,” which covered a similar storyline, was an imitation of his life.

Despite the criticism, Moore asserted during a January 2024 discussion with Entertainment Tonight that throughout the making of the film, director Todd Haynes emphasised, “We were deeply focused on crafting a fresh narrative... a tale about these characters.”

“So that was our mindset,” Moore conveyed. “This was our work. We crafted these characters together from the script.”

Moore received an Academy Award in 2015 for her lead performance in “Still Alice,” where she portrayed a woman grappling with early onset Alzheimer’s. Previously, she was nominated for roles in “Boogie Nights,” “The End of the Affair,” “The Hours,” and “Far From Heaven.”

The actress attended the Cannes Film Festival to receive Kering’s Women in Motion Award, an honour given to an actress who has significantly contributed to advancing women's roles in society and film.