Kristen Stewart is making waves with her decision to step back from acting, and it's not just about a career change. The real reason? It's all about the treatment of women in Hollywood. As she gears up for her directorial debut with "The Chronology of Water," Kristen is speaking out about the respect she feels as a director compared to her experiences as an actress.
In an eye-opening interview with The Sunday Times published on January 24, 2026, Kristen didn't hold back. "Actresses get treated like sh*t, I’ve got to tell you," she candidly shared. "People think anyone could be an actress, but the first time I sat down to talk about my movie as a director, I thought, 'Wow, this is a different experience – they are talking to me like I'm somebody with a brain.'"
"There's this idea that directors have otherworldly abilities, which is not true. It's an idea perpetuated by men," Kristen said.
The "Twilight" star pointed out the disparity between the treatment of male and female actors, emphasizing how female actors are often seen as mere puppets.
Kristen also took a stand against the glorification of "Method acting," a style she believes unfairly elevates male actors while downplaying the contributions of women. "There are no female Method actors because Method acting is an acrobatic performance to make acting seem like a feat that it is not," she remarked.
During a recent conversation with a male industry figure, Kristen was confronted with a dismissive comment about actresses being "crazy." Yet, in a testament to her growth, she calmly continued the discussion, reflecting on how age brings a sense of composure.
Kristen's venture into directing isn't just a career pivot – it's a declaration of independence and a fight for female expression. Her upcoming film, "The Chronology of Water," based on Lidia Yuknavitch's 2011 memoir, features an all-star cast including Imogen Poots, Michael Epp, Thora Birch, and Earl Cave.
"If I was a man, I wouldn't have made this movie," Kristen boldly stated, highlighting the unique perspective she brings as a female director. She aims to challenge the industry's silence on women's experiences, pushing boundaries to ensure female voices are heard.
For Kristen, moving away from acting is not about fading into the background; it's about stepping into a role where she can reclaim power and voice in an industry that hasn't always been kind to her.