Anya Taylor-Joy Says Women Often Avoid Method Acting Due to Responsibilities Outside Work

Anya Taylor-Joy says she believes women are less likely to use Method acting because they often have responsibilities outside of work that make it difficult to fully immerse themselves in a role.

Speaking to Complex News, the Dune actress described acting as a form of "controlled psychosis," explaining that performers spend long hours thinking, moving, and living like their characters. She said she relies on friends and family to help her recognize when she is becoming too absorbed in a role.

Taylor-Joy added that she has no interest in taking Method acting further, saying actors have a responsibility to treat their colleagues well on set. She suggested that becoming too committed to staying in character can make working with others more difficult.

Her comments echo remarks from Natalie Portman, who previously called Method acting "a luxury that women can't afford," and Kristen Stewart, who argued that some male actors use the technique to distance themselves from vulnerable performances.

Method acting remains a divisive topic in Hollywood. While actors such as Daniel Day-Lewis and Andrew Garfield have defended the approach, others, including Mads Mikkelsen and Brian Cox, have criticized it as unnecessary or disruptive.