Zoe Saldaña’s Spanish-speaking role in ‘Emilia Pérez’ was a long time coming, says the star
Zoe Saldaña has already captivated audiences with emotionally charged performances in three blockbuster film franchises and an impressive array of TV and movie credits. Now, she’s adding another layer to her illustrious career with her role in Netflix’s groundbreaking thriller-musical hybrid Emilia Pérez. For Saldaña, this project feels like the icing on an already decadent cake.
In Emilia Pérez, Saldaña not only acts but also sings and raps, showcasing her talents in Spanish—her first major role in the language. Born to a Dominican father and Puerto Rican mother, Saldaña has long been fluent in Spanish but had not previously had the opportunity to use it in a significant project. Either the project just wasn’t the right fit for me or an Afro-Caribbean Latina wasn’t the right fit for the project, Saldaña told Elle Magazine in an interview published this week.
The actress spoke candidly about the challenges she has faced as an Afro-Caribbean Latina in the industry. “It’s a combination of a director’s vision, which you want to be respectful of, and the other side, colonialism, and colorism, which is rampant in Latin America, she said. Despite these obstacles, Saldaña embraced diverse roles in Hollywood, becoming known for her groundbreaking performances as Neytiri in Avatar and Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy. I was very much like, ‘Well, that’s okay, I’ll go to space and I’ll be green and I’ll be blue and I’ll do all those things,’ she explained. “Then 15 years go by, and I’m yearning for that reconnection.”
Directed by Jacques Audiard and inspired by Boris Razon’s 2018 novel Écoute, Emilia Pérez tells the story of Rita, played by Saldaña, an overworked lawyer in Mexico who wins a high-profile case only to find herself drawn into the dangerous world of a cartel boss. The film blends thrilling narrative elements with elaborate musical sequences that push the boundaries of the genre.
The film’s opening number alone signals that Emilia Pérez is unlike any musical before it, featuring intricate choreography, surreal visuals, and Saldaña leading the charge with a dynamic performance. With this role, she reaffirms her versatility while reconnecting with her cultural roots in a meaningful way.
Saldaña’s performance in Emilia Pérez is poised to break new ground, bringing her talent and heritage to the forefront in a genre-defying cinematic experience.
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