Zoe Saldaña’s Spanish-speaking role in ‘Emilia Pérez’ was a long time coming, says the star

Zoe Saldaña, renowned for her roles in iconic franchises like Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy, has added another impressive achievement to her career: starring in Netflix’s genre-bending thriller-musical Emilia Pérez. In the film, Saldaña takes on the character of Rita, a lawyer in Mexico who becomes entangled in the dangerous world of a cartel boss. What makes this role especially significant for Saldaña is that it marks her first major performance in Spanish, a language she is fluent in but had not previously used in a lead role.

In an interview with Elle Magazine, Saldaña discussed how the opportunity to portray an Afro-Caribbean Latina in a film primarily in Spanish was a long time coming. Raised in a bilingual household with a Dominican father and Puerto Rican mother, Saldaña explained that until now, her bilingual fluency hadn’t aligned with the right projects. “Either the project just wasn’t the right fit for me or an Afro-Caribbean Latina wasn’t the right fit for the project,” she shared. She acknowledged the broader issues of colonialism and colorism in Latin American media, which she believes have hindered the opportunity for actresses like her to take on such roles.

Saldaña reflected on her career journey, admitting that while she had been cast in groundbreaking roles in Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy (where she portrayed characters in alien worlds), she had always longed for the chance to connect with her Latinx roots on-screen. “I was very much like, ‘Well, that’s okay, I’m going to dance to the beat of my own drum, and I’ll go to space and I’ll be green and I’ll be blue,’” she said, referencing her roles as Neytiri in Avatar and Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy. “Then 15 years go by, and I’m yearning for that reconnection.”

In Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard, Saldaña plays Rita, a dedicated but overlooked lawyer in Mexico City who wins a pivotal case, only to be pulled into a perilous cartel operation. The film takes a bold and unconventional approach, blending thriller and musical genres. Saldaña’s performance is at the heart of it, with elaborate musical sequences that blur the lines between reality and fantasy, showcasing her versatility not only as an actress but also as a singer and rapper.

The plot centers on Manitas, a cartel boss played by Karla Sofía Gascón, who secretly wishes to transition into becoming a woman. Rita becomes instrumental in helping Manitas on this journey, a narrative that unfolds against the backdrop of Manitas’ troubled marriage to Jessi, portrayed by Selena Gomez. The film explores themes of identity, power, and self-discovery, and has been widely praised for its dynamic performances. The three lead actresses, including Adriana Paz, who plays Emilia’s love interest, won the Best Actress award at this year’s Cannes Film Festival for their powerful performances.

In her Elle interview, Saldaña also took a moment to recognize the women in Hollywood who have supported her throughout her career, particularly the casting directors who have helped her land key roles. “Where would I have been if it weren’t for these women?” Saldaña remarked, crediting them for their belief in her talent and for pushing her to pursue roles even when others doubted her suitability. She shared that, in the early stages of her career, some directors and producers weren’t convinced she was right for certain parts. However, it was the determination of these casting professionals who insisted she be given a chance that helped shape her trajectory in Hollywood.

Saldaña’s role in Emilia Pérez is not just a career milestone but a powerful statement about representation and the complexities of identity. The film is now streaming on Netflix, offering viewers a fresh and thought-provoking cinematic experience that showcases Saldaña’s full range of talent.

As she continues to break boundaries and embrace diverse roles, Emilia Pérez marks a significant moment in Saldaña’s career—a celebration of her Latinx heritage and a testament to the power of persistence in the face of industry challenges.