The last time Gabrielle Union was looked at as an actress who could do action movies was 2003. That was when she starred in “Bad Boys II” and “Cradle 2 the Grave” — just five months apart — opposite genre heavyweights Will Smith and Jet Li, respectively.
“In your mind, and what they tell you, is ‘This is your career trajectory,'” she said, her hand gesturing toward an imaginary list of opportunities. “‘You are the “it girl.” The world is your oyster. You’ll have your choice of roles. You can come back to action any time.'”
But that’s not what happened. While roles in everything from Tyler Perry’s “Daddy’s Little Girls” and “Good Deeds” to Chris Rock’s “Top Five” and Nate Parker’s “The Birth of a Nation” showcased her dramatic and comedic chops, it still seemed Hollywood placed the actress in a more limited box.
Only now, 15 years later, is Union making a return to action as the star of “Breaking In,” in theaters Friday.
“It’s the opportunity I had been looking for and not getting,” she said.
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