Zoe Saldana opens up about “autopilot” life in Hollywood.
The 46-year-old actress has starred in some of the biggest film franchises in history, including the Avatar and Avengers movies — but Zoe believes Emilia Perez represented a turning point in her career. Her roles in these franchises have collectively grossed over $12 billion worldwide, making her one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.
“I fell into this pattern of being on autopilot constantly,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “I was a part of really successful films that became franchises, and I have no regrets. They gave me so much. But they’re very time-consuming. And this is all happening while I’m starting a family.” Saldana’s journey in franchise films spans over a decade, including her role as Gamora in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
“So that desire to grow, to shatter whatever glass ceiling I felt like I was falling under, was growing more and more as the years went by,” she said. Her statement reflects a growing trend among Hollywood actors seeking more diverse and challenging roles beyond blockbuster franchises.
Saldana stars in Emilia Perez alongside Selena Gomez and Karla Sofia Gascon, and the actress has revealed that she relished the experience of working with director Jacques Audiard, too. Audiard is known for his critically acclaimed films that have garnered numerous international awards.
“I wrote a list with my team a couple of years before booking Emilia Pérez. I said, ‘These are the top five directors that I would love to work with.’ Jacques was in the top three. Dancing and singing, that was the icing on the cake.” The film represents Saldana’s first major musical role, showcasing her versatility as an performer.
Meanwhile, Saldana recently revealed that she’d love to perform with Gomez at the Oscars. The Academy Awards have a long history of featuring memorable musical performances, with many becoming iconic moments in entertainment history.
The acclaimed actress would relish the chance to perform songs from Emilia Perez alongside her co-star. The film’s musical numbers blend traditional Mexican elements with contemporary styles, creating a unique cultural fusion.
Saldana told Variety that she envisions a potential performance that would pay tribute to Mexican culture through an elaborate musical showcase. Her enthusiasm for the project demonstrates her commitment to celebrating cultural diversity in Hollywood.
The transition from franchise star to taking on more diverse roles reflects a broader movement in Hollywood, where established actors are increasingly seeking projects that challenge their artistic boundaries. Industry experts note that this shift often leads to career longevity and critical acclaim.
Emilia Perez marks a significant departure from Saldana’s previous work, combining elements of drama, music, and cultural storytelling. The film has already generated buzz on the festival circuit, with critics praising its innovative approach to storytelling.
Working with Audiard has opened new doors for Saldana in the international film community. His previous films have won numerous awards at prestigious festivals including Cannes and Venice.
The collaboration between Saldana and Gomez represents a powerful pairing of two influential Latina actresses in Hollywood. Their participation in the project highlights the increasing importance of authentic representation in international cinema.
As Saldana steps into this new phase of her career, industry observers note that her journey from franchise star to taking on more diverse, challenging roles could inspire other actors to make similar transitions. The success of Emilia Perez could potentially influence how major stars approach their career choices in the future.
This career pivot comes at a time when Hollywood is experiencing significant changes in how films are made and distributed. The rise of streaming platforms and international co-productions has created more opportunities for actors to explore diverse roles while maintaining their commercial appeal.
