Zoë Kravitz Discusses Original Title ‘Pussy Island’

Zoë Kravitz is set to make a splash with her directorial debut, although it might catch some audiences off guard.

In discussing her upcoming thriller “Blink Twice,” premiering on August 23, Kravitz reflected on the movie’s initial title, “Pussy Island,” and the reasons behind the change. According to her, society isn’t ready to embrace the original title.

“It was made very clear to me that ‘p—y’ is a word that we, our society, are not ready to embrace yet,” she shared with Entertainment Weekly. “There were numerous roadblocks, ranging from the MPAA’s reluctance to feature it on a poster, billboard, or kiosk, to movie theaters not wanting it on tickets.”

Kravitz intended to reclaim the word, aiming to remove the discomfort surrounding it. Yet she realized from feedback that many women were offended by the word and expressed reluctance to see a film with that title.

“We’re not there yet,” Kravitz continued, underscoring her responsibility as a filmmaker to heed such concerns. She emphasized her commitment to ensuring people watch the film and feel comfortable with it.

When Kravitz announced her directorial debut back in 2021, the title carried multiple connotations. She shared that the story, originally conceived in 2017, began from observing wild behaviors from the opposite sex. What started as a joke about a place for partying evolved significantly, acquiring deeper meanings related to sexual politics.

“The title was sort of a joke initially, referring to a place where people would take women to party and hang out. The story evolved, but the title came to symbolize much more. It alludes to a time and place often considered obsolete in terms of sexual politics, but the bad taste of past behaviors still lingers,” Kravitz explained. “The title hints at that while also being playful. The movie maintains this playful nature but with substantive undertones.”

Although the title has changed, the essence remains. Kravitz told EW that the original title’s spirit is still very much alive in the film. “I love the new title. I’m happy with it. I believe everything happens for a reason, and this new title focuses the movie beautifully, as it was always meant to.”

“Blink Twice” stars Naomie Ackie as Frida, a cunning Los Angeles cocktail waitress with her eyes set on philanthropist and tech mogul Slater King, played by Channing Tatum. As Frida worms her way into King’s elite circle and eventually to an exclusive island gathering, she prepares herself for an extraordinary journey. Though the island is picturesque with beautiful people, nonstop champagne, and dancing, Frida soon senses something sinister and indescribable lurking beneath the surface.

Co-written by Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum, the thriller features a star-studded cast including Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Kyle MacLachlan, Haley Joel Osment, Geena Davis, Alia Shawkat, and Levon Hawke.

“Blink Twice” promises to blend captivating storytelling with profound themes, making it a must-watch for thriller enthusiasts when it finally hits theaters.

Source: Entertainment Weekly, Deadline