The Marvel Cinematic Universe has cultivated a plethora of memorable characters, and among them stands Gamora, portrayed by actor Zoe Saldaña, whose sentiments on the possibility of her character’s return post-Guardians of the Galaxy has recently sparked interest amongst fans and critics alike. While promoting her current projects, Saldaña spoke with The Playlist’s “Discourse” podcast, sharing some reflective thoughts on the franchise that has been instrumental in defining the recent era of superhero cinema.
Specifically addressing the issue of whether she would don the emerald guise of the fierce warrior Gamora again, Saldaña revealed, “I mean, so far, I think that she is [gone for good] for me, but I don’t think Gamora has gone for good.” This intriguing comment implies that while Saldaña herself may have hung up her weapons, the Universe seems to leave room for Gamora’s future stories. It’s clear that Saldaña still holds a profound affection for the character and the series, as evident in her praise for the Guardians and their unique place within the Marvel universe.
“I would think it would be a huge loss for Marvel if they didn’t find a way to bring back the Guardians of the Galaxy. It’s just such a fan-favourite group of misfits, you know?” Saldaña posited, emphasizing the distinctive appeal of the ragtag team and the creative force behind them—James Gunn’s writing.
The statement comes as speculative discussions about the future of Guardians loom. Despite James Gunn’s shift to the DC universe and Guardians mainstay Dave Bautista (Drax the Destroyer) hinting that his journey ended with 2023’s Vol. 3, the appetite for more cosmic adventures persists. The franchise, which also includes Chris Pratt, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Karen Gillan, Michael Rooker, and Pom Klementieff, has been embraced for its humor, heart, and Gunn’s singular creative vision.
While Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 concluded with a changed lineup, it saw the introduction of new members into the beloved team, leaving the question of how these characters will continue to evolve in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It closed a narrative door while leaving others ajar, symbolizing perhaps not an end but a transformation.
Away from her exploits in the vast realms of space, Saldaña shared her enthusiasm for her ongoing role in another celebrated sci-fi ensemble: Star Trek. She reminisced positively about her time portraying Uhura in the most recent film iterations and expressed hope about participating in a fourth movie, which is said to be under development. She lauded the franchise’s potential for longevity and its ability to reinvent itself for new generations.
In the meantime, fans of Saldaña will be pleased to know that her foray into science fiction is far from over. She will reprise her role as Neytiri in the eagerly anticipated sequels to James Cameron’s Avatar. Additionally, audiences can look forward to her performance in a new drama, The Absence of Eden, wherein she stars alongside Garrett Hedlund and Adria Arjona.
Zoe Saldaña remains a vibrant presence in cinematic storytelling, effortlessly traversing the realms of high-stakes space epics and intimate dramas. Her Gamora may be at a narrative crossroads, yet the actor’s reflections serve as a testament to her character’s impact and Marvel’s broader cultural resonance. The future of the Guardians, and Saldaña’s involvement in it, may yet hold many surprises, but one constant remains: the enduring mark these stories have left on the panorama of world cinema.
