Zoe Saldaña, known for her iconic roles in three major film franchises, has now stepped into a new and exciting challenge: a lead role in "Emilia Pérez", a unique thriller-musical hybrid on Netflix. The "Avatar" star not only acts but also sings and raps in Spanish, marking her first major role in the language.
In an interview with "Elle Magazine", Saldaña shared how this opportunity had long been out of reach, despite her bilingual upbringing. Her father was from the Dominican Republic, and her mother is Puerto Rican, yet she hadn’t had the chance to showcase her Spanish fluency in a significant role until now.
She explained that earlier in her career, either the projects weren’t the right fit, or her Afro-Caribbean Latina identity didn’t align with the roles on offer. Saldaña explained, “It’s a mix of the director’s vision and the issues of colonialism and colorism, which are widespread in Latin America.” Despite these obstacles, she carved her own path, taking on roles that took her to space (as Gamora in "Guardians of the Galaxy") and otherworldly landscapes (as Neytiri in "Avatar"). But as time passed, she began to yearn for a return to her cultural roots.
In "Emilia Pérez", directed by Jacques Audiard and based on the 2018 novel "Écoute" by Boris Razon, Saldaña plays Rita, a hardworking lawyer in Mexico who gets caught up in a dangerous cartel boss’s life. The film opens with an unforgettable musical number, setting the tone for a film that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. Saldaña’s performance leads intricate dance sequences, full of energy and vibrant visuals, making this a one-of-a-kind movie musical experience.
In the story, Rita is pulled into the secret world of a cartel boss named Manitas (played by Karla Sofía Gascón), who dreams of transitioning into a woman. This emotional journey to becoming Emilia Pérez forms the heart of the movie, with Saldaña’s Rita acting as a key ally. The film also explores the struggles of Manitas’ wife, Jessi (Selena Gomez), who is unaware of her husband's secret.
The film's strong female performances earned it the Best Actress prize at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, with Saldaña, Gascón, and Gomez sharing the honor, alongside Adriana Paz, who plays Emilia’s love interest in the second part of the film.
Saldaña also praised the women in Hollywood, particularly casting directors, who have supported her career and helped her secure challenging roles. “Where would I have been if it weren’t for these amazing women?” she reflected, acknowledging how they fought to showcase her talent even when others doubted her.
"Emilia Pérez" is now available to stream on Netflix.