Zoe Saldaña’s Long-Awaited Spanish-Speaking Role in Emilia Pérez

Zoe Saldaña, known for her deeply emotional portrayals in some of the most successful franchises in cinematic history, is now stepping into an exciting new chapter with Netflix’s genre-bending thriller-musical, Emilia Pérez. This project is not only a testament to her versatility but also marks her first leading role in Spanish, a significant milestone for the actress of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent.

In Emilia Pérez, Saldaña showcases her acting, singing, and even rapping talents entirely in Spanish. Speaking to Elle Magazine in a recent interview, she expressed how the opportunity to use her bilingual abilities “never really came along” until now.

“It was either that the project wasn’t the right fit for me, or that an Afro-Latina wasn’t the right fit for the project,” Saldaña explained.

Breaking Barriers in Latin American Cinema

Saldaña went on to discuss the systemic challenges that often prevent Afro-Latin actors from being cast in Latin American roles. “It’s a combination of respecting the director’s vision and, on the other hand, combating colonialism and colorism, which are rampant in Latin America,” she said.

Reflecting on her journey, Saldaña shared: “I’ve been out there, beating my own drum—going to space, being green, being blue (referring to her roles in Guardians of the Galaxy and Avatar). But after 15 years, I longed to reconnect with my roots.”

A Bold Storyline with Heart

Directed by Jacques Audiard and based on Boris Razon’s 2018 novel Écoute, Emilia Pérez begins with Saldaña’s character, Rita, an overworked and undervalued lawyer in Mexico. When Rita wins a high-stakes case, she finds herself entangled in the dealings of a notorious gang leader.

The opening sequence sets the tone for a film that’s unlike any other musical. Intricately choreographed scenes blur the line between reality and fantasy, with Saldaña commanding the screen alongside an ensemble of dancers and supporting cast.

At the center of the story is Manitas, a feared gang leader with a deeply held secret—his desire to transition into a woman. Played by Karla Sofía Gascón, Manitas seeks Rita’s legal assistance as he begins his transformation into Emilia Pérez.

This journey of self-discovery is complicated by the reactions of Manitas’ wife, Jessi (played by Selena Gomez), who struggles to reconcile her feelings. Saldaña’s Rita becomes both a guide and a foil to Emilia’s story, navigating the complexities of love, identity, and societal expectations.

The trio of female leads—Saldaña, Gascón, and Gomez—along with Adriana Paz, who plays Emilia’s lover in the latter half of the film, earned the Best Actress Ensemble Award at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year.

Acknowledging the Women Who Paved the Way

Saldaña credited Hollywood’s casting directors for supporting her career and championing diverse talent. Speaking to Elle, she described them as “incredible women who always find diamonds in the rough.”

“Where would I be without these women?” she asked, emphasizing their crucial role in advocating for her during auditions.

“They’ve been so meticulous and thoughtful, often saying, ‘No, you need to see her,’ even when directors or producers insisted on taking the ‘traditional’ route and doubted I was the right fit for a role.”

A Career-Defining Performance

For Saldaña, Emilia Pérez is more than just a role—it’s a reconnection with her heritage and a step forward for representation in Latin American cinema. Her performance, along with the groundbreaking storyline, signals a new era in her already illustrious career.

With this project, Zoe Saldaña not only embraces her roots but also challenges the industry to reimagine what’s possible for Afro-Latina actors in leading roles. As the world anticipates the release of Emilia Pérez, Saldaña’s star power continues to shine, brighter than ever.