Zoe Saldaña Discusses “Special Ops: Lioness” – Grounded Action at its Finest

Zoe Saldaña is a versatile actress who has captivated audiences with her portrayal of characters from other worlds in sci-fi blockbusters like “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Star Trek,” “Avatar,” and “Avengers.” She has earned a unique distinction as the only actor to star in the top three highest-grossing movies of all time: “Avatar,” “Avengers: Endgame,” and the upcoming “Avatar: The Way of Water.”

Playing characters with green or blue skin has provided Saldaña with a level of recognition and anonymity. She can take her kids to a coffee shop and sometimes be recognized while other times blend in with the crowd.

When asked if these roles have given her anonymity, Saldaña enthusiastically replied, “Yes!”


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Zoe Saldaña as Gamora, Neytiri, and Uhura
Marvel/Disney; 20th Century Fox/Disney; Paramount Pictures

As a New Yorker of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent, Saldaña was initially concerned that taking on sci-fi roles would limit her opportunities for other types of roles. She feared being typecast as a woman of color. However, the success of these “superhero movies” has opened doors for her and allowed her to explore more diverse roles.

Her latest project, “Special Ops: Lioness,” takes her to Morocco as she portrays a CIA station chief in a spy thriller. This role represents a deliberate effort to challenge herself and break away from the superhero genre.

Special Ops: Lioness | Official Trailer | Paramount+ by Paramount Plus on YouTube

During an interview, Saldaña reflected on her career choices and the controversy surrounding her portrayal of Nina Simone in the biopic “Nina.” She acknowledged the complexities of accurately representing women of color and expressed regret over accepting the part. The experience led her to further understand the need for diverse and authentic portrayals.

Having faced casting rejections due to her appearance, Saldaña is determined to create opportunities for underrepresented storylines. She runs a production company, Cinestar Pictures, with her sisters. Her goal is to challenge traditional casting norms and ensure equal opportunities for all actors.


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Zoe Saldaña
CBS News

Saldaña’s personal experiences have shaped her commitment to inclusivity and representation in the entertainment industry. She hopes to continue challenging herself and breaking barriers as an actress.

For now, she is focused on terrestrial roles both on-camera and through her production company.

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Story produced by Mikaela Bufano. Editor: Brian Robbins.

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