Hollywood Powerhouse Producers Fight Back as DEI Faces Backlash

As calls for diversity, equity and inclusion face mounting political and corporate resistance, some of Hollywood’s most influential female producers say they are refusing to back down. Speaking at TheWrap’s Power Women Summit 2025, presented by STARZ #TakeTheLead, a panel of leading producers emphasized their commitment to authentic representation and equitable hiring, even as the industry’s DEI momentum shows signs of slowing.

The discussion, moderated by Producers Guild of America CEO Susan Sprung, featured Molly Smith (La La Land, Die My Love), Simran Baidwan (The Pitt), Ellen Goldsmith-Vein (Percy Jackson), and Mimi Leder (The Morning Show). Together, they addressed the shifting landscape of Hollywood inclusion, the backlash against representation, and the creative responsibility to protect progress already made.

Producers Refuse to ‘Go Backward’

Molly Smith noted that progress remains visible behind the camera despite corporate pullback. She continues to hire young women and people of color beginning their careers.

“It starts with the youth… You didn’t always see a lot of female crew members in the camera department. Now you do constantly,” Smith said.

Simran Baidwan highlighted how leadership on The Pitt ensures diversity is embedded across departments, not just onscreen.

“Over 40% of our department heads are women. Fifty percent of our writers’ room are women,” Baidwan said. “It’s more than checking a box—it ripples through everything.”

Addressing Casting Backlash Head-On

Ellen Goldsmith-Vein discussed the controversy surrounding casting Leah Jeffries, a Black actress, as Annabeth Chase in Disney+’s Percy Jackson. She praised author Rick Riordan for publicly defending the decision when online criticism erupted.

“We have to, as women, continue to support each other… There’s strength in numbers,” she said.

Independent Filmmaking Challenges Persist

Lynette Howell Taylor, producer of Roofman, revealed that even studio-backed films struggle to secure financing.

“‘Roofman’ was like making an independent movie masquerading as a studio movie,” she said, noting reliance on tax credits, equity and foreign sales.

Advice to the Next Generation

Mimi Leder urged aspiring producers to embrace bold risk-taking.

“You have to be fearless. You have to love what you’re doing… And you have to jump off the f–king cliff.”

The summit, hosted annually by TheWrap, gathered top creators, executives, and industry change-makers for panels, workshops and networking aimed at empowering women across entertainment and media.