Taraji P. Henson Says Tyrese Landed Major Franchises While She Was Overlooked _ “I’ve Never Had That Opportunity”

Taraji P. Henson Says Tyrese Landed Major Franchises While She Was Overlooked _ “I’ve Never Had That Opportunity”

Taraji P. Henson is opening up about a major gap in her career, revealing that despite nearly 30 years in Hollywood, she’s never landed a role in a major film franchise.

In a recent interview with Variety, the award-winning actress got candid about the missed opportunities, saying plainly, “I’ve never had that opportunity.” While many of her peers have gone on to secure blockbuster franchises, Henson made it clear she’s simply acknowledging the reality — not complaining about it.

She pointed to former co-star Tyrese Gibson as an example of how quickly things can shift in Hollywood after the right role. Reflecting on his trajectory following Baby Boy, Henson said, “He went on to do Transformers and Fast & Furious,” highlighting how those types of opportunities can change the course of an actor’s career.

Despite the comparison, Henson isn’t bitter about it. “I’m not gonna cry about it,” she added, making it clear she’s focused on longevity rather than chasing a specific type of role.

Her comments tap into a broader conversation about opportunity gaps in Hollywood, particularly for women — and especially Black actresses — when it comes to landing leading roles in high-grossing franchise films.

Still, Henson’s résumé speaks for itself, with standout performances in projects like Hidden Figures and Empire. And even without a franchise under her belt, she’s built a career that continues to resonate — on her own terms.