Avatar’s Zoe Saldaña emotionally reflects on playing Neytiri across five movies and for over two decades, calling it “a gift.” The actress debuted in 2009’sAvataras Neytiri, a Na’vi who acts as Jake Sully’s love interest, and reprised the role 13 years later in 2022’sThe Way of Water, which finds them as a family of five. Saldaña is set to reprise her role as Neytiri in theupcomingAvatar: Fire and Ash, in addition toAvatar 4and5, with the fifth and final film expected to be released in 2031.
During a recent appearance onDeadline’s video seriesThe Actor’s Side,Saldaña reflected on playing Neytiri across fiveAvatarfilms for over two decades. She remembers being 28 years old when she signed on to theAvatarfranchise and said she will be 54 when she finishes filming the fifth and final film. Read her full comments below:
I was 28 when I did the first movie and I think if all goes to plan, I’m gonna be 53, 54 for the very fifth one and last one. That’s a gift. It’s a gift to be able to revisit a character that has given me so much. To revisit a place that has been so magical. Not just for me, but for so many people in the world. We’re talking about communities in the Amazon were able to see Avatar 1, and they were moved by the stories that Jim [Cameron] was saying and how they felt represented in the story that Jim was conveying. That’s beautiful to be a part of something so impactful.
What Zoe Saldaña’s Comments Mean For Her Career
What The Avatar Star Has Done Since Joining The Franchise
Since starring inAvatarin 2009, Zoe Saldaña’s career has progressed in ways that were previously unimaginable. After starring inAvatar, she joined theMarvel Cinematic Universeas Gamora in 2014’sGuardians of the Galaxyand reprised the role inGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,Avengers: Infinity War,Avengers: Endgame, andGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. With her roles in theAvatarfranchise and the MCU,Saldaña has starred in two of the top three highest-grossing movies of all time(Avatar,Endgame, andThe Way of Water).
Zoe Saldaña’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked
Whether starring in major franchises like Avatar or Avengers or in smaller indie roles, Zoe Saldaña’s performances are flawlessly executed.
In 2024, Saldaña starred inNetflix’s controversial crime musicalEmilia Pérez,and is currently considered thefrontrunner to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. In addition to starring in some of the biggest movies of all time and likely winning an Oscar next month, Saldaña has also starred in theStar Trekreboot movies as Nytoa Uhura. In total, movies that Saldaña have appeared in have earned over $15 billion globally, the second-highest for an actress all-time.
Our Take On Zoe Saldaña’s Career
More Milestones Are On The Horizon
Since starring in 2009’sAvatar, Zoe Saldaña has grown up before audiences' eyes and achieved milestones that were previously thought to be improbable. When she likely wins an Oscar next month, she will become the highest-grossing winner of all time, actor or actress. With three moreAvatarmovies on the horizon, she is poised to become the highest-grossing actor of all time, solidifying her status as one of cinema’s most prominent stars.
Avatar: Fire and Ashreleases on December 19.
