The ‘Being Mary Jane’ star opens up about marriage, her new film adaptation, and the power of choosing your own happily ever after.

Let’s be real, Gabrielle Union doesn’t age. She thrives. The woman is a walking testament that time is just a concept, and her marriage to Dwyane Wade proves that love doesn’t need to follow a cookie-cutter timeline. Their relationship sparked those “older woman, younger man” conversations, but they’ve turned that energy into fuel for a beautiful, blended family and some serious power couple moves.

Now, Union’s taking inspiration from their unconventional love story and bringing it to the big screen with a new film project. She’s adapting the best-selling novel “The Idea of You” by Robinne Lee, a story about a woman in her 40s who falls for a young pop star. It’s a plot that hits close to home!

“I’ve got a younger man with a big life, and that kind of made me go ‘Oooh hey, this is interesting,” Union recently told Entertainment Tonight.

Playing with Perceptions

Forget the outdated, “cougar” stereotypes. The success of Union and Wade’s marriage shows how relationships – like beauty – have no age limit. This film project is a reminder that women can redefine their “prime,” explore their desires, and own their power at any stage of life.

“There are so many tropes and stereotypes assigned to women when they hit a certain age bracket. That you’re not desirable, not sexy, not vibrant,” she shared in the same interview. “And this movie, this book, is just very empowering.”

Love, Reinvented

Gabrielle Union’s life story is about more than just a gorgeous glow-up and a loving marriage. She’s open about the challenges of step-parenting, her fertility struggles, and the complexities of creating a thriving family after previous relationships.

Her willingness to be vulnerable gives other women – regardless of age – permission to embrace their whole story, messiness and all. Love, whether it comes at 22 or 42, can be transformative.

Fierce Women Leading the Way

This isn’t just about Gabrielle, either. The adaptation of “The Idea of You” comes amidst a surge of stories focusing on women over 40. We’re seeing complex female protagonists who are flawed, fearless, and figuring it all out as they go – just like the rest of us. Think Jennifer Lopez rom-coms or the absolute gem that is “Somebody I Used To Know.”

Hollywood is (finally!) realizing that women’s stories don’t end with marriage and babies. Our careers, friendships, and personal passions can take center stage in our 30s, 40s, and beyond.

Get Ready to Get Inspired

As with everything Gabrielle Union touches, expect this film to be full of style, humor, and some thought-provoking conversations about what it means to create your own happy ending. Get ready to swoon a little, laugh a lot, and come away feeling empowered to write your own damn love story – no matter what your age.