Zoe Saldana recently made headlines during her appearance at the BFI London Film Festival, where she opened up about pivotal moments in her career, typecasting struggles, and personal experiences on various film sets. Known for her roles in blockbuster sci-fi franchises such as Avatar, Star Trek, and Guardians of the Galaxy, Saldana discussed the unique challenges and triumphs she has faced in the industry.

Saldana’s Concerns About Typecasting in Sci-Fi Films

At the festival, Saldana candidly reflected on being frequently cast in science fiction roles. She admitted that despite her passion for these projects, there was an underlying fear of being boxed into the genre. Initially reluctant to take on the role of Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy, Saldana was drawn in by the anti-hero nature of the script. “There was something about the reluctant hero and anti-hero narrative that I had never encountered before,” she remarked, explaining why she ultimately accepted the role.

Her collaboration with iconic directors has also been instrumental in her career growth. She highlighted a critical moment when James Cameron, director of Avatar, introduced her to J.J. Abrams on the film set. That interaction eventually led to her being cast in the Star Trek franchise—a role that cemented her status in sci-fi cinema.

A Difficult Experience on the Set of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’

While many of her film sets were positive experiences, Saldana spoke about the challenges she faced while working on Pirates of the Caribbean. Without delving into specifics, she described how poor leadership from the studio and producers created an unpleasant work environment, leading to a sense of disillusionment. However, it was her subsequent collaboration with Steven Spielberg on The Terminal that renewed her passion for filmmaking. “Spielberg restored my faith in the industry after a tough experience,” she shared, crediting the project for reigniting her creative spirit.

Recent Success with ‘Emilia Perez’ and Recognition at Cannes

Saldana also discussed her emotional journey during the Cannes Film Festival, where her performance in Emilia Perez earned her a shared Best Actress award alongside Selena Gomez and Karla Sofia Gascón. The win was a powerful moment of validation for the actress, who confessed that she had struggled with feeling “invisible” within the industry. “That recognition made me realize how much I needed it,” Saldana said, emphasizing how visibility can impact an artist’s sense of purpose.

The BFI London Film Festival, running from October 9-20, continues to be a platform for such candid reflections and showcases innovative films like Emilia Perez.