We’ve all heard stories of how actors immerse themselves into the source material and dive headfirst into the character’s history after being cast in an iconic role. But Zoe Saldaña, known for playing Gamora in MCU’s Guardians of the Galaxy, deliberately avoided this approach in an attempt to create something of her own.
Before becoming a Marvel star, she essayed Lt. Nyota Uhura in Star Trek (2009), and the way she prepared to play this character was a bit unconventional. So, let’s look at how Saldaña struck a balance by forging a new path and honoring the franchise’s legacy.
Why Zoe Saldaña avoided the original Star Trek
In a candid interview, Zoe Saldaña revealed how she felt some pressure when she landed the role of Uhura in the beloved franchise (via AALBC). She feared that watching the original would lead to imitation, so instead of doing that, the actress took the opposite route for her career-defining moment.
I never really watched the TV series. And after J.J. offered me the part, I wanted to see it even less because I was so afraid of falling victim to what we sometimes do as actors, which is to imitate.
I felt that Nichelle Nichols did not deserve that, and neither did my character. Plus, because I would be playing a much younger Uhura who’s not quite on the [Spaceship] Enterprise yet, it gave me an opportunity to innovate.
Her decision to avoid the original was a bold move, as it could have gone south because the fanbase of Star Trek is extremely passionate. Instead, she focused on crafting a younger and more vulnerable version of Uhura. This fresh take allowed her to pay homage to the character and preserve her essence.
Nichelle Nichols’ advice for Zoe Saldaña
Zoe Saldaña met the original Uhura on set, i.e., Nichelle Nichols, and her approval wasn’t just a professional milestone for the former but a deeply personal achievement. Saldaña spoke about how Nichols was happy to see her and was pleased to know that she was playing Uhura.
Nichols not only expressed her support by showing up but also gave some invaluable advice to Saldaña: “her advice was just to run with it, to follow my gut, and that whatever I was going to do for Uhura, to do it well.” This whole meet-up was a humbling experience for the actress who was about to start her journey in Star Trek.
The encounter validated Saldaña’s approach, and it must have given her a sense of respect for the franchise’s legacy and the ones who paved the way. In the end, her approach worked and became a shining example of how artists can breathe new life into beloved characters without falling into the trap of imitation.
You can watch Star Trek on Paramount+.
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