Kate Beckinsale dislikes portraying weak women

London: Actress Kate Beckinsale prefers strong roles and that is why she loves being part of action films.

The 39-year-old, who was previously seen in action films including "Van Helsing" and "Underworld: Evolution", will next be seen in director-husband Len Wiseman`s "Total Recall". Releasing Aug 3, the film, which also stars Colin Farrell and Jessica Biel, marks her first negative role. "I have played the character of Quaid`s wife Lori. At one point of time she is a loving wife and in the next minute she is a ruthless murderer. I have never played a dark character like this one which is a major reason why I have worked in this film," said Beckinsale in a statement. "I was 17 when I started acting. I have always been an independent woman and I do not like to portray the character of a weak, meek woman. I love doing action films for that reason and I love to be called an action star," she added. In the original "Total Recall", released in 1990, the character of Lori was played by actress Sharon Stone. However, Beckinsale says she is not competing with Stone and added: "I have seen the original `Total Recall`, I like it very much and Sharon Stone`s performance is indeed commendable. But I did not feel any sort of pressure as such." IANS