LOS ANGELES-Jessica Chastain doesn’t go for ‘’traditional female roles’’. The ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ star prefers to opt for different roles in Hollywood movies as she wants to help ‘’break free of stereotypes’’. She said: ‘’I am not one to go for traditional female roles, because I don’t think traditionally female characters are very interesting, and I don’t think they represent real life. I’m working hard to break free of stereotypes that the film industry has created and nurtured around women.

‘’It’s about whether the character is flesh and blood, a real human being with her own desires separate from a husband or boy or love interest. I think the industry is beginning to examine itself and how it has perceived female roles. I’m seeing a lot of really interesting discussions, and I do think it’s changing.’’ And the 40-year-old actress - who is married to Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo - thinks there is a ‘’long way to go’’ before we reach a place of complete equality between men and women and between races. She told Town and Country magazine: ‘’We have a long way to go in the world in all industries. If I’m in the situation where I have equal experience to the other actor and my role is just as significant, there is no reason why I should be paid less. It’s not really part of my world anymore, because I just won’t accept it.’’ Meanwhile, Jessica previously urged Hollywood to be more ‘’inclusive’’.

She shared: ‘’When you think about the industry, you know, encouraging people to stay closeted ... not showing stories of women with their own agency and leading their own stories, and also, actually, ignoring many groups, many demographics in our country ... for me, that’s not an industry that I actually want to be a part of. I think it’s more than just about gender.

It’s about everything in this industry ... I want to be a part of an industry that is very inclusive. One that teaches empathy, and the only way you do that is, you learn about someone who doesn’t look like you.’’