: Women over 40 are twice as likely as men to have storylines focused entirely on physical aging (15% vs 7%).
: Starring in the stage production The Audience and the Paramount+ series 1923 , proving "badassery" has no age limit.
: Common portrayals still lean toward the "narrative of decline," often casting mature women as passive figures with health struggles or "Golden Agers" with limited depth. Upcoming Notable Projects for 2026 Major 2026 Release/Project Role/Description Anne Hathaway The Devil Wears Prada 2 (May 1) Reprising her role in one of her busiest years. Laura Linney American Classic (March 1) Comedy series lead on MGM+. Gillian Anderson The Abandons Leading a Netflix Western drama set in 1854. Meryl Streep Only Murders in the Building S4 Returning as Loretta Durkin.
: Leading The Morning Show as fierce, flawed anchors navigating a cutthroat media landscape. Persistent Industry Gaps
: Spearheading Scarpetta , a crime-thriller series where she stars as forensic pathologist Dr. Kay Scarpetta.