Zoe Kravitz, director of the upcoming thriller _Blink Twice_, has revealed that the film's original title, _Pussy Island_, faced significant roadblocks from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).
The MPAA, responsible for the US film rating system and representing major studios, made it clear that they wouldn't advertise the film with the original title due to its controversial language. Kravitz, determined to reclaim the word "pussy" and challenge societal discomfort with its use, faced further resistance from movie theaters and billboards who also refused to display the title.
"It was made very clear to me that 'pussy' is a word that we, our society, are not ready to embrace yet," Kravitz explained to _Entertainment Weekly_. "There were a lot of roadblocks along the way."
Ironically, Kravitz later discovered that some women felt offended by the title, hindering her goal of reclaiming the word. "Women seeing the title were saying, 'I don't want to see that movie,'" she said.
Despite these obstacles, Kravitz ultimately decided to change the title to _Blink Twice_ to ensure wider audience reach. "I care about people seeing the film, and I care about how it makes people feel," she said, acknowledging the responsibility she felt as a filmmaker.
Kravitz's film explores themes of power dynamics and reclaiming language in a post-MeToo world. The script, a project five years in the making, underwent significant revisions after the Harvey Weinstein scandal came to light.
"It became more about a power struggle and what that power struggle means," Kravitz shared, highlighting the film's evolution to address contemporary social issues.
_Blink Twice_, a testament to Kravitz's artistic vision and commitment to challenging societal norms, is set to premiere in theaters on August 23.
