Zoe Saldaña continues to solidify her status as one of Hollywood's leading actresses, known for her compelling performances and significant contributions to some of the biggest film franchises of all time. With notable appearances as Neytiri in the Avatar series and Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy, Saldaña has starred in the three highest-grossing films ever—2009's Avatar, 2019's Avengers: Endgame, and 2022's Avatar: The Way of Water. Yet, her recent reflections reveal a deep desire for more diverse and challenging roles beyond blockbuster chains.
During the Los Angeles Times' Actress Roundtable, where she shared the stage with talents like Cynthia Erivo and Kate Winslet, Saldaña candidly discussed her experiences with blockbuster films. While expressing gratitude toward the opportunities provided by renowned directors such as James Cameron and J.J. Abrams, she noted the challenges of maintaining her creative expression within these large-scale productions. "I've always been grateful to say I am an apt pupil of James Cameron, Steven Spielberg, James Gunn, and J.J. Abrams...but these successful stories became franchises, so all of a sudden they're part of this machine," Saldaña explained, highlighting the constraints posed by lengthy filming schedules and commitments.
Her heartfelt statements did not shy away from her personal life, as she reflected on her time spent away from family during the peak of her career. Saldaña recounted moments of self-discovery leading her to question, "What do I want?" only to realize she had lost touch with her personal aspirations. This self-reflection birthed not only the desire for growth but also the acknowledgment of her current achievements. "On paper, I have everything...but I wanted to grow," she said, affirming her dedication to seeking out new opportunities where she can challenge herself artistically.
Looking to the future, Saldaña isn't abandoning blockbusters yet. She will reprise her role as Neytiri for the upcoming sequels of Avatar, with the next installment, Avatar: Fire and Ash, scheduled to hit theaters on December 19, 2025. Along with continuing her work in Avatar, she is also set to return for the long-awaited Star Trek 4, which she expressed hope for, joking about the time-sensitive nature of the project due to the cast's aging.
Addressing her character's arc, Saldaña revealed the emotionally charged nature of Neytiri and Jake Sully’s story. "The way we left the Sully family, they’re mourning heavily the loss of their child. So I do believe this will carry out... They’re on this path of acceptance of who they are and what they must be for each other," she remarked, heightening audience anticipation for the narrative depth to come.
Beyond her larger projects, Saldaña's film Emilia Perez has propelled her career forward with immense industry recognition. Recently announced to receive the Derek Malcolm Award for Innovation at the London Critics' Circle Film Awards, Saldaña expressed her gratitude, acknowledging both the honor and the overwhelming influx of strong female roles she's encountered lately. "I'm honoured and thrilled to receive the Derek Malcolm Award for Innovation... It has been wonderful working for 25 years, and to perform the role of Rita has been the opportunity of a lifetime," she said.
The upcoming awards ceremony on February 2, 2025, is significant, representing the evolution of her career and the recognition she has earned for her contributions to film and advocacy for diversity on-screen. This year has been nothing short of spectacular as she also claimed the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress for her performance in Emilia Perez, alongside her nomination for Supporting Actress of the Year.
Saldaña’s achievements encapsulate more than her on-screen work. She remains dedicated to bringing compelling and diverse stories to audiences, focusing on strong female narratives. Projects like the TV series Special Ops: Lioness and the film The Absence of Eden symbolize her resolve to induce meaningful dialogue. The Absence of Eden particularly addresses significant social issues such as trafficking across the US-Mexico border, aligning her career goals with contemporary social themes.
With her ambitions stretching beyond individual projects, Zoe Saldaña is set to dominate the cinematic forefront as she merges blockbuster success with her search for artistic depth. Balancing her roles as both actress and producer, she will continue to inspire through relatable storytelling and significant character portrayals, pushing against the boundaries of traditional Hollywood narratives.
