In Guardians of the Galaxy Gamora is more than a pretty face. She is a fierce, butt-kicking heroine. And back on earth Zoe Saldana, the actress who plays Gamora, is just as fierce. When we sat down with her on the set of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 she spoke passionately about creating more female role models, taking care of yourself and the importance communication.
What made our interview with Zoe Saldana even more interesting is that she arrived in full costume — yes, even makeup. It was surreal to talk to Zoe, while staring at Gamora. And it was also, really cool (obviously).
And in case you are wondering, yes, you would totally like to hangout with Zoe Saldana in real life. She is cool, funny, direct and down to earth.
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2: Zoe Saldana Interview
Here are my favorite moments from interviewing Zoe Saldana on the set of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2.
On her favorite movie genre and being a female role model:
I like sci-fi, and I like spaces that are under-served. And I think that for females, we need more examples, much more diverse examples, of professions and callings. I think that as women, we need to be a little more physical. It’s better for our health. It helps our sanity, too.
I was a little girl starving to have more female heroes, you know? And I held on to the very few that were out there, and then I decided to become one. Because that’s what we do for our little girls, you know?
On what’s it like to be back on set for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2:
It feels good. It feels really, really good. It’s like coming back to a family of people that you already broke the ice, you feel super safe in being yourself and trying new things. You’re working with a director that is super supportive. It’s still like a dude’s movie where he’s inviting women to come and kick dudes’ asses. So I signed up. And it’s great. I’m doing a lot more stunts, too, which I’m loving.
On maintaining a solid relationship with her husband:
Talk. Talk about everything, no assumptions, no reserved feelings. Just last night Marco [Perego, her husband] goes “Okay, I understand we’re super busy, let’s practice still connecting, conversations. I don’t care what we’re talking about. If you’re in the bathroom while I’m in the shower, let’s freaking just share five things. It could be five anything.” And I love that. You just have to constantly keep it open.
You can’t get lazy with the most important work in your life, which is your home, your life, you know? So, that’s one tip that I would love to share.
On getting in shape after having twins:
It requires determination and a lot of discipline. I did not want to hate myself, and I did not want to start fantasizing of what I used to be. I wanted to work with what I have. I gained 65 pounds. I’m not comparing myself to everybody, but if my experience can be inspirational for you guys…
I’m a killer. I don’t just approach like “Oh, I’m going to start Monday because Sunday, you know, we’re having the barbeque.” I’m like no way. No way, cause to me it’s scarier to look at myself while I’m brushing my teeth and have 10 things to say about myself that I hate. I don’t want to live like that. We’re gifts. We’re unique. We’re special. We’ve got to work. We work for everybody else every single day. You work for yourself. Be self-focused.
On the importance of a support system:
Marco was super helpful. It helps a lot when you have a partner who is super supportive and understanding of like the ups and downs and compassionate, empathetic about the fact that you just went through a life changing transformation.
It’s like you’re in the future and you’re going back to the past and you can’t get back to the future. Do you know what I’m saying? And to have somebody that’s kind of going “Yeah, but what do you want to do now that we’re here?” It helps. So, find fountains of support. It’s very important.
On Set With Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 blasts into theaters May 5, 2017, and it’s going to be awesome – mark my words! Don’t miss any of my posts from the set of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2:
- 7 Behind-The-Scenes Facts From Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2
- Chris Pratt – Peter Quill / Star-Lord
- Dave Bautista – Drax
- Michael Rooker – Yondu
- Karen Gillan – Nebula
- Director James Gunn
