Ralph Ineson Praises Female Directors for Transforming Film Sets After Marvel Debut

Fresh off his commanding debut in The Fantastic Four: First Steps as Marvel’s cosmic villain Galactus, British actor Ralph Ineson is drawing attention not just for his performance—but also for his powerful views on how women directors are reshaping the film industry. Speaking at the 2025 Edinburgh Film Festival following the premiere of his latest indie film Two Neighbors, Ineson reflected on the contrasting worlds of blockbuster cinema and intimate, female-led productions.

The 55-year-old actor, known for iconic roles in The Office (UK) and The Witch, expressed admiration for how female filmmakers create more thoughtful, grounded, and emotionally resonant film sets. His latest role—a devilish entity called “The Genie”—was developed under the direction of rising talent Ondine Viñao, a woman he credits for bringing nuance and authenticity to the project.

How Does Ralph Ineson Describe Working with Women Directors?

Ralph Ineson believes that women directors bring a different, often superior energy to film sets. In a recent interview, he shared that these environments tend to be calmer, more reflective, and free from the unchecked aggression sometimes associated with male-led productions. “I really enjoy working with women directors,” he said. “There’s less untamed aggression. The sets are nicer to be on. They feel more like a space for real creativity and emotional honesty.”

Ineson highlighted that the emotional depth and social commentary in Two Neighbors—particularly around beauty standards and gender dynamics—was a clear reflection of Viñao’s perspective as a woman. He noted that when watching the final cut, it was immediately apparent to him that the film had been written and directed by a woman.

From Galactus to Genie: A Budget Crash Landing?

After starring in Marvel’s billion-dollar franchise, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which earned an impressive $230 million at the box office, Ineson dove straight into the indie scene with Two Neighbors. He humorously described the transition as a “financial whiplash” but emphasized that, for him, the size of the paycheck doesn’t change the essence of the job.

“The work remains the same,” Ineson noted, “whether it’s in a billion-dollar Marvel film or a low-budget dark comedy. What matters is the story—and the people telling it.”

He further explained that high-paying roles in massive franchises like Marvel give him the financial freedom to choose more experimental, creatively risky projects like Two Neighbors, a film inspired by Aesop’s fable The Avaricious and the Envious.

Why Ineson Says His New Character is ‘Hellish and Bored’

In Two Neighbors, Ralph Ineson plays a character known simply as “The Genie,” a manipulative figure who thrives on exploiting the greed of partygoers. “He’s a dark entity—very good at his job but completely bored,” Ineson said. “He’s like a once-great performer now doing low-rent gigs. It’s not even fun for him anymore. But it’s what he does.”

The character was crafted in collaboration with director Viñao via Zoom, allowing both creatives to explore the deeper emotional layers of the role. The script, according to Ineson, was “fascinating, weird, and dirty”—exactly the kind of material that excites him.

Why It Matters

Ralph Ineson’s public support for women filmmakers adds to a growing movement within the entertainment industry that emphasizes inclusivity, diversity of thought, and emotional intelligence in storytelling. His comments underline a significant shift in how top actors perceive the value of different types of creative leadership.

As Hollywood grapples with balancing commercial demands and artistic integrity, voices like Ineson’s help illuminate the benefits of working under varied directorial perspectives—particularly those traditionally underrepresented in the industry.

What’s Next for Ralph Ineson?

With back-to-back roles in both a major studio franchise and a boundary-pushing indie film, Ineson is poised for one of the most dynamic phases of his career. Fans can expect to see more of his eclectic choices as he continues balancing blockbuster prestige with the creative freedom of smaller, more personal stories.

Ralph Ineson, once known primarily as a gritty character actor, is now making waves for his thoughtful insights on filmmaking—and for using his platform to spotlight the transformative power of women-led storytelling.

For your information:

Q1: What role does Ralph Ineson play in Two Neighbors?
He plays “The Genie,” a manipulative, devilish entity inspired by Aesop’s fables.

Q2: How does Ralph Ineson describe working with women directors?
He says sets led by women are calmer, more reflective, and have less untamed aggression, making them more pleasant and creatively open spaces.

Q3: What is Ralph Ineson’s latest Marvel role?
He portrayed the supervillain Galactus in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, released in 2025.

Q4: Why did Ralph Ineson choose to work on an indie project right after Marvel?
He believes in using the financial freedom from big-budget films to take creative risks with indie projects that offer deeper, more unconventional storytelling.

Q5: Who directed Two Neighbors and what is it based on?
It was directed by Ondine Viñao and is inspired by Aesop’s fable The Avaricious and the Envious.