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Recently, a controversial article from Kotaku suggests that Samus Aran “needs to smile more,” mirroring comments previously directed at actresses like Brie Larson. The piece describes her as a “powerful, fearless, resolute” hero, yet laments her emotional absence, implying that a little more warmth or expressiveness would enhance her character.
This sentiment echoes a broader pattern in media where female characters—whether in games or movies—are encouraged or even expected to exhibit more outward emotion, often linked to perceptions of femininity. The Kotaku article notes that Samus’s emotions are conveyed subtly through body language, yet criticizes her as being "emotionless," arguing that more facial expressiveness would make her more relatable or "human."