Zoë Saldaña, known for her iconic roles in Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Star Trek, continues to challenge herself with Netflix’s bold Spanish-language musical-thriller, Emilia Pérez.
Co-starring Selena Gomez and Karla Sofía Gascón, the film tells the story of a Mexican lawyer, played by Saldaña, who helps a drug cartel leader transition and begin a new life.
For Saldaña, the role of Rita Mora Castro stands as one of her most demanding yet.
Drawing on her Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage, as well as her personal experiences with classism and racism, she embraced the complexities of portraying a character navigating a multicultural and socio-political landscape.
Landing the Role of Rita
Saldaña described her excitement at working with acclaimed director Jacques Audiard, saying, “He’s one of the directors I absolutely adore.”
Her audition turned into an in-depth conversation and impromptu singing session, culminating in an offer to play Rita.
“This role required me to revisit moments where I felt overlooked and misunderstood,” Saldaña shared, highlighting the emotional depth she brought to the character.
Transformative On-Set Experiences
From the first scene, where Rita presents a compelling closing argument in court, to crafting her character’s physical and emotional transformation, Saldaña said the experience was unforgettable.
“Every day on set felt like a dream come true,” she said, describing how each detail, from worn gold shoes to bushy eyebrows, contributed to building Rita’s persona.
Lifting Women Through Storytelling
A champion for female-driven narratives, Saldaña emphasized the importance of Emilia Pérez in creating space for stories about women of color, immigrant women, and trans women seeking freedom and authenticity.
“What makes me feel empowered is empowering other women,” she stated. “It’s about stepping outside of my comfort zone, being generous with compliments, and advocating for others.”
Navigating Fame and Authenticity
Despite her global recognition, Saldaña admitted she’s never normalized fame.
“It always catches me by surprise,” she said, recalling her first fan encounter after Center Stage.
Through her illustrious career, she’s remained committed to advocating for authenticity and representation.
Watch Emilia Pérez
Now streaming on Netflix, Emilia Pérez is a testament to Saldaña’s versatility and passion for telling impactful stories.
“I want to thank everyone who has embraced Emilia Pérez,” Saldaña said. “This film is for all women — trans women, women of color, immigrant women. Thank you for making space for these stories.”
