Zoe Saldana plays Gamora in the Guardians of the Galaxy. She is first perceived to be an enemy but we quickly find out that she is one of the good guys.
Zoe was quite clear with us – when she first read the script: “I spoke to James and I read the script and liked the idea of doing a Marvel movie and working with him. But I was not that excited about the script from Gamora’s standpoint.” She told Director James Gunn that she was not interested in being a pretty character in the background. She had done that in the early part of her career, she needed more of a challenge now, and she wanted to represent women better.
She shared her conversation with James: “this woman, you want her in every scene. Well, if she knows what this orb is and she’s the one that knows who the collector is and she’s the one that ties all these people together then you need to give her a couple of lines every now and then.”
Zoe spoke about having gone through this before, she talks to the director, he says he will change things, and then you fly half way around the world to find out that nothing has changed. “And now you’re stuck, you signed the contract and you have to work and I promised myself I was never gonna do that again. But there were some– James is different. He kept his word, he was very outspoken and Marvel really had such a respect for him.” And clearly the script was changed as we saw, Zoe/Gamora was a strong female character in the movie!
Zoe Saldana has played aliens and futuristic heroines before. She wanted to bring something different to this role. The challenge was to make it different from the action roles she had done before. She happened to be watching a bull fight and was studying how in fact the bull is running to his death. “And the way this man (the bullfighter) is dancing and it’s this seduction for the Bull in order to make the Bull just basically run to his death.” Gamora is the Bullfighter, not a martial artist, not a conventional super hero, but rather “She’s going to be a very graceful sword fighter.” Zoe worked hard to make this character different than the other strong female characters she has portrayed in the past. It was inspiring to hear her process!
Of course we tackled her skin color and how long she was in the make up chair. She said she tried to never sweat because that would cause the make up to run and then that meant more time getting it reapplied. She was already spending 4 1/2 – 5 hours a day in makeup! She said they tried contact lenses as well but it just made her look like a lizard! She preferred to have the audience connect with her eyes. She did say it was tough to complain because Karen Gillan went bald for her role, so that put things in perspective!
And the best part of the interview was Zoe talking about strong female role models. “you can be the King. You don’t have to be someone’s Princess.” She is very happy that she gets to join a group of strong female actresses who are changing how women are portrayed in a way that empowers today’s new generation of girls.
Disclosure: Disney invited me on this press trip and paid all of my expenses. No other compensation was received. All opinions are always 100% my own and honest.
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Opens 8/1/14! That’s Tomorrow!
Follow Along:
Marvel.com/Guardians
Facebook
Twitter (#GuardiansOfTheGalaxy)
Pinterest
Youtube
Jaime says
I cannot even fathom sitting in a chair having makeup applied for 4.5-5 hours at one time!
Zoe Saldana is amazing (and gorgeous!)
Cassie @ Southeast by Midwest says
She seems like such a nice person. I can’t wait to see how she does in the movie!
Kay Adeola says
That is a long time to sit in a make up chair I could never sit still for that long lol.Sounds like you have had a great trip.
Shop with Me Mama (Kim) says
Oh my how EXCITING! She is a beautiful person, isn’t she?! Glad you had fun on your press trip!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
My boys are dying to see this. Actually, I am, too. It looks like a good movie.
Rachael says
Thanks for sharing your chat with Zoe. I’m looking forward to seeing this movie with my grandkids.
Dawn says
This sounds like so much fun. She’s a great actress, and I know she’s going to be awesome in Guardians of the Galaxy.
Courtney says
Zoe Saldana is one of my favorite actresses. I’m always excited when she’s starring in a movie. Plus, Guardians of the Galaxy just looks super cool.
Pam says
I think not doing the contacts was a good idea. I really like Zoë Saldana.
Debra says
She’s a good actress. I’m looking forward to seeing this movie – it’s def a summer flick!
Krystal says
That’s a lot of makeup! She’s truly beautiful.
Carly Anderson says
Zoe Saldana is a beautiful person! I love that they didn’t do contacts.
kristin says
Oh what a fun and exciting trip. Great interview! I loved all of your photos form the trip too Mitch!
Mickey says
That looks like it was a lot of fun. It’s so neat to see the off-screen side of the movie.
Beth@KCMompreneurs says
Looks like a fun chat with Zoe. I definitely appreciate movie stars much with taking 4 hours to get in makeup. Whew!!
Debbie Denny says
She is so pretty. Even Green. Glad you got to visit with her
Bekki says
Wooohooo this opens today!! Great interview you had, thanks for sharing!
Rosey says
I love that she asked for more involvement right from the get-go. Sometimes all you have to do is ask. 🙂
Everday Living with Chrys says
I am not the biggest fan of hers, but this movie is awesome. I think she did a really good job. I am sure Stan Lee is proud.
Jenn @TheRebelChick says
Zoe sounds like such a cool chick! That must have been so exciting to meet her and get to interview her!!
Shell says
She’s so gorgeous- even green. I’ve adored her since she was in Center Stage, back in 2000.
Tracey says
Zoe sounds like a really cool person. I couldn’t imagine sitting in the makeup chair getting made up to look like that!
Lisa says
I’m really excited to see this! She is adorable and really filled the role well. Great interview too!
Christie says
Wasn’t she so inspiring! I love how she had a hand in shaping her character!
Debbie L. says
This movie looks like it is going to be the best! It had to be such fun interviewing her.
Carly from The Puzzled Palate says
I have been hearing so many good things about this movie. I can’t wait for it to be released!
Tami says
“You can be the King. You don’t have to be someone’s Princess.” I LOVE that. I love Zoe as an actress, she’s got some serious talent. Just a tad bit jealous that you got to meet her. 🙂
Chrysa duran says
I can’t wait to see this movie! I’m really excited to see Zoe after reading your interview! Thanks for this.
Laura says
I would not have been able to handle that amount of time in a make-up chair… crazy~! She always seems really smart and sweet in her interviews. I am sure this was an amazing experience. I cannot wait to see this movie.
Tonia says
Well, aren’t you a lucky duck. She’s gorgeous right. I’ll have to check this movie out with Ryan.
Ann Bacciaglia says
Looks like a great movie and there is a lot of buzz about it. I can not imagine sitting in a make up chair for hours.
Liz Mays says
I love that she plays a good strong character. I’m also glad they didn’t go with the lizard eyes!
Dawn says
I love Zoe! I think she was a great actress and she was great in Columbiana and I bet she will be great in this!
Brett says
I can’t wait to see this movie. I love Karen Gillan.
Marina @ Mommy Snippets says
I’ve been hearing great things about this movie! Looks really nice.
Jennifer says
She is so stunning. We didn’t get the chance to see the movie yet but it’s definitely on our list to go see as a family.
Dina says
I can not wait to see this movie. I know Chris is going to make me love it!
Amanda says
I love Zoe! She is so beautiful! What a awesome experience Looks like you had a blast!
Felicia says
OH my, she is a cutie! I watched her on Kelly and Michael the other morning.
April Smith Decheine says
She is so pretty and sounds like such a nice person. The movie is going to be kick butt good!
Shannon Gosney says
Looks like you had a great time! Love the pics. 🙂
Racquel says
It looks like such a great experience! How fun!
Karen Propes says
We haven’t seen the movie yet, but Wow it looks exciting. Being Blue and taking so much time to put her makeup on is a true actress. I don’t think I could do that. Thanks for the review.
Karen Propes says
I mean green, don’t know where my mind is today. lol
Donna Jacoby says
I can’t imagine putting on makeup for 4 minutes–let alone 4 hours!! Thank you for sharing!