Young Men’s Call for Depth in Male Characters

Perhaps many in Hollywood will misinterpret this study, but it is a loud call for Hollywood to include positive male role models—men not questioning what their pronouns are, but rather who use their strength and compassion to help everyone around them, just as any living hero should.

The survey was done by the Center for Scholars and Storytellers at UCLA. It’s annual report, “Gen Alpha and Gen Z: Evolving Masculinity,” offers a revealing glimpse into what young audiences truly desire from Hollywood.

Far from the assumption that young men crave only stoic action heroes or emotionally distant protagonists, the study demonstrates a clear hunger for male characters of greater depth and character in film and television plots.

Surveying 1,500 U.S. adolescents aged 10-24 in 2025, the research challenges idiotic industry notions that boys want heroes who are superficial or even misogynistic.

This study actually highlights a demand for more nuanced representations of manhood. At the heart of the findings is a powerful statistic: nearly 60% of young people want to see more fathers who openly show love and enjoy parenting. Dubbed “joyful fatherhood,” this portrayal ranked as the single most requested depiction of masculinity, with respondents favoring it by nearly a 5-to-1 margin over those who did not.

For the youngest cohort (ages 10-14), the ratio soared to 11-to-1. This isn’t merely a preference for family friendly content; it signals a demand for male characters who possess emotional range, responsibility, and relational investment—hallmarks of true character depth.

Traditional Hollywood often relies on the cartoonish “lone wolf” archetype. The study indicates that young men are asking for deeper stuff. Instead, they seek portrayals of men who demonstrate vulnerability, empathy, and the courage to seek help.

Forty-six percent of respondents expressed an interest in seeing men ask for assistance. This aligns with broader sentiments, where related research indicates 64% of young men feel “no one cares whether men are ok these days.”

By featuring characters who navigate toward achievement with male connection—you know, as warriors, adventurers, and more have always done—these young men are clearly asking for more nuanced role models.

Plots that go deeper into fatherhood, mentorship, or shared experiences with pals requires more sophisticated story telling—you know, like so many classic films once did. These elements allow for compelling storytelling that resonates with young male viewers who see themselves in multifaceted heroes rather than flat stereotypes.

For Hollywood executives and writers, the implications are profound. Continuing to churn out one-note masculine tropes means continuing to alienate young men. By contrast, investing in stories with men of character—those who show up for others, are honest about trade-offs, and grow through shared challenges—can foster deeper audience engagement and cultural relevance.

In essence, the Evolving Masculinity study is a clarion call. Young men aren’t asking for less masculinity and they know they are not toxic; they’re advocating for a richer, more human version on screen. The future of compelling male leads lies in complexity, not caricature.