Zoe Saldaña's Reflections on Gamora's Arc in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Zoe Saldaña, the acclaimed actress known for her portrayal of Gamora in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, recently sat down with Variety's Tiana DeNicola for a candid discussion about her experience with the character. In a game of "Know Their Lines," Saldaña expressed a bit of regret over not fully understanding Gamora's arc during the filming of "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Avengers: Endgame" with the Russo Brothers.

Unlocking the Depth of Gamora's Journey

Reflecting on Missed Opportunities

Saldaña acknowledged that she wished she could go back and reshoot certain scenes to better capture Gamora's emotional journey. "I wish I could go back and reshoot what Gamora was going through in the 'Avengers' movies," she said. "I was not quite understanding what the Russo Brothers [were doing]." Despite her initial uncertainty, Saldaña expressed gratitude for the opportunity to bring Gamora to life, stating, "To highlight Gamora in such a way in their films is something I'll always be grateful."

Exploring the Complexities of Gamora's Relationship with Her Father

Saldaña recognized the depth of Gamora's character arc, particularly the exploration of her relationship with her father, Thanos. "It was such a great opportunity to play a daughter having issues with a dad and whether or not she's having this opportunity to reconciliate or to simply just walk away," she reflected. Saldaña wished she could have "pushed a little harder" to fully capture the nuances of this complex dynamic.

Gamora's Significance in the Marvel Universe

Saldaña's portrayal of Gamora has left an indelible mark on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She joined the MCU in James Gunn's 2014 hit "Guardians of the Galaxy" and went on to reprise the character in two "Guardians of the Galaxy" sequels and the "Avengers" films. Saldaña expressed her pride in being part of films that cater to a younger audience and inspire them, stating, "I like to, and I take great pride in knowing that I was a part of great films that cater to a younger audience and that inspires a younger audience."

The Importance of Representation

Looking ahead, Saldaña envisions a future where a new iteration of Gamora is portrayed by a woman of color. "Let it be a brown girl to play Gamora," she said. "Give that opportunity to a woman of color and see what the new Gamora is going to bring to the table." Saldaña's own experience as Nyota Uhura in the "Star Trek" franchise, with the blessing of Nichelle Nichols, has inspired her to advocate for diverse representation in iconic roles.

Saldaña's Farewell to the Marvel Universe

While Saldaña does not see herself returning to the Marvel Universe after the upcoming "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3," she remains hopeful that Gamora's story will continue to captivate audiences in new and exciting ways. Her portrayal of the character has left an indelible mark on the MCU, and her reflections on the experience offer a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of bringing a complex and beloved character to life.