Lego Movie sequel to include more female characters, say creators

The Lego Movie 2 will feature more female role models to inspire young women and target a broader audience, says its creators.

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Phil Lord and Christopher Miller wrote and directed the first Lego Movie, which grossed more than $468 million worldwide. They have reunited for the sequel, set to release in 2018.

"I don't want to give spoilers but there will be more female characters and more female stuff," Miller told the BBC.

There was no comment on whether the lead character would be female.

This is the latest effort in Hollywood to narrow the gender gap by bringing strong female characters to the fore, as shown by The Hunger Games series, Maleficent, and Disney's animated blockbuster, Frozen.

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As for the future of women in movies, Miller said, "There's been a real shortage of [female protagonists] in recent years and I think that the near future will be very different."

The Lego toy company had come under fire in 2012 for its pink-themed Lego Friends products, aimed at young girls. In August, it unveiled a set of three female scientist figuresa paleontologist, chemist, and astronomerwhich sold out the same day it was released.