Emily Blunt is candid about her dislikes: she despises the term “likable” (calling it her “most detested word in the business”) and is fed up with the double standards affecting Hollywood’s characters.

Blunt and Paula Hawkins, the writer of Girl on the Train, the film in which Blunt stars as the lead, reveal their thoughts to The Hollywood Reporter in their latest cover story.

Blunt loathes the idea of a character needing to be likable because she believes it puts women in a difficult position.

She tells The Hollywood Reporter, “In numerous films, women must conform to a man’s idea of femininity. You’re expected to be attractive. You need to be ‘likable.'”

Blunt wonders why appearances and looks are necessary to adhere to this “feminine ideal.”

She cites Rachel, the character she portrays in Girl on the Train, as a perfect example: “Rachel isn’t ‘likable.’ What does that entail? Being charming and attractive while keeping it together and supporting the guy? Even if he’s a complete dud?”

Paula Hawkins stands by her choice to cast Blunt as Rachel, a character grappling with alcoholism who may have witnessed or committed a crime.

Hawkins stated, “People argue, ‘She’s far too attractive to play that role.’ However, that’s irrelevant.”

The Hollywood Reporter highlights that in both the book and film, the three female characters are “strong (each with their own flaws)” while the men in their lives “range from weak to detestable.”

Despite the women in Girl on the Train appearing stronger than the men, the issue of likability lingers.

Blunt tackles the double standards in the film industry, asserting, “Women face so much judgment.”

This is particularly evident in the character of Rachel, who struggles with alcoholism and self-destruction.

Blunt elaborates, “A woman is labeled a drunk, a harlot, while the man is seen as a party-goer, a player.”

“I’ve encountered both women and men who drink excessively, and it’s equally repulsive in men.”

“It drives me mad. I don’t believe women should be considered any less sensual than a man.”