This has been a hot topic the last few years. The idea of a female action star keeps getting trotted out as some brand new concept, like it's some long-overdue solution to Arnold and Stallone and Norris. "Finally, a girl on screen kicking butt." And then J-Lo J-Law, bless, believes she was the first because Hunger Games, and people point out Ellen Ripley, Sarah Conner, etc, as examples of (better) ones that came long before. And, in fact, there has never been a dearth of them. Female action stars have always been there, and it isn't "about time" unless you're either ignorant, or just willing to say anything to sell that used car.
But here's a thought I had.... female action stars go back to the beginning.
I submit Dorothy Gale, from the Wizard of Oz, was the first mega action star. She travelled universes, killed a bitch first thing, looted the corpse, drafted local mercenaries, took on the quest, and killed the antagonist so hard there was nothing left to bury.
1939. First mega action star was a chick.
Female action stars
Female action stars
"Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid."