Zoe Saldaña ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ Interview: “I was raised to be the president if I wanted to”

We had the chance to talk to one of the most successful Latinas today. Zoe Saldaña has been part of some of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters, including Avatar and Pirates of the Caribbean. In an intimate exchange with Desde Hollywood and only three other Hispanic outlets, the actress shared her experience in the anticipated sequel Star Trek: Into Darkness (in theaters May 16).

DH: The term “Franchise” is sometimes used as a bad word but it feels that this sequel comes from passion and love.

Saldaña: It completely does. J.J. didn’t grow up as a fan of Star Trek and maybe because he was an outsider and wasn’t personally invested he was able to see and keep alive the most important. He took the technology that we have today to revamp a 50 year-old show and make it aesthetically mind blowing. He also gave more relevance to the female roles, that was very important. J.J. has been known for writing amazing roles for women, giving them a great and very accurate presence. In every spectrum, bringing this franchise to live and getting J.J. to do so was one of the wisest decision that Paramount has ever made.

She also remembered how much the cast laughed at seeing J.J. Abrams shaking the camera to create the illusion of turbulence: “No matter how much technology has evolved, some old tricks will always be done the same way. They keep you grounded and bring levity to the set”.

The actress commented on the evolution of ‘Uhura’: “[In the show] she was basically the operator. Still, she was such a revolutionary character at that time. We have giving her more importance. […] I appreciate that the character has evolved and I am not running around the Enterprise in a beautiful, tight red dress”.

“I wasn’t raised to be the president’s wife, I was raised to be the president if I wanted to” Saldaña said referring to the kind of strong roles she likes to portray. She continued: “I walk next to somebody, never in front nor behind. I cannot give an inaccurate representation of myself through my art. If I have daughters they won’t be servicing others, they are going to please themselves first, possibly only”.

Star Trek lands in 2D, 3D and IMAX 3D May 16.