Table of Contents
The multi-talented actor, singer, and entrepreneur Selena Gomez embarked on a new, transformative role in the Spanish-language film entitled Emilia Perez. Alongside powerhouse actors Zoe Saldana, Karla Sofia Gascón, and Adriana Paz, Gomez enters fresh creative terrain in this singular drama directed by the acclaimed French filmmaker Jacques Audiard. Emilia Perez tells the story of a Mexican drug lord who wants to transition to a woman to live authentically. For Gomez, the film represents a career milestone and an intensely personal foray into Spanish-language cinema.
Gomez Embraces a New Challenge for Emilia Perez
Speaking with Sky News, Gomez expressed excitement about acting in Spanish and described feeling proud throughout. “It was very exciting,” she admitted. “I’m not completely fluent, so it was incredible to be around people speaking Spanish and to take on a role like this. It was a very proud moment for me.“
Gomez plays Jessi, a character who supports the protagonist’s journey through themes of identity, transformation, and self-discovery. Working in a language she doesn’t use every day presented challenges, yet she found the experience energizing and transformative, describing the role as a “pat on the back” for her development.
From Disney Star to Multifaceted Artist
Gomez’s journey to Emilia Perez has been filled with highlights and change. From her start on Barney & Friends in 2002 to rising as Alex Russo in Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place, it wasn’t until her post-Disney role in Spring Breakers that she truly broke out of the child-star mold. That edgy film allowed her to delve into darker, more complex material, which Gomez recalls as a turning point. “It was a very odd choice for me then, because I had just wrapped my show and wanted to do something different,” she said, adding that the movie sparked her “hunger for art” and commitment to roles that challenge her creatively.
Since then, Gomez has continued to push boundaries in film and music, earning four Emmy nominations including for her role as an executive producer on Only Murders in the Building, and two Grammy nominations for her music. Additionally, she launched a billion-dollar makeup brand, Rare Beauty, which emphasizes self-acceptance and mental health a cause she advocates for passionately.
Zoe Saldana on the Emilia Perez Experience
Gomez isn’t the only A-lister finding artistic fulfillment in Emilia Perez. Co-star Zoe Saldana, known for franchises like Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy, also felt strongly about the project. “Jacques Audiard’s vision is just so aligned with the art that I love,” Saldana said. She described the film as a “full-circle moment” for herself and Gomez, who grew up in Hollywood and are now able to bring something fresh to the screen.
Saldana, who speaks fluent Spanish, said filming Emilia Perez allowed her to reconnect with her roots. “In my everyday life, I speak Spanish at home, but I rarely get to work in Spanish on screen,” she explained. “This project is truly unique and intimate, and I hope audiences are curious enough to watch.“
Also Read: Selena Gomez Shines in Oscar-Tipped Musical “Emilia Pérez”
New Ground for Spanish-Language Film
The involvement of both Gomez and Saldana in Emilia Perez highlights a growing trend in Hollywood: stars exploring roles outside typical mainstream English-language productions. For Gomez who has the second-highest Instagram following worldwide the chance to showcase her Latin heritage is especially significant, as she says the experience has emboldened her to pursue even more challenging roles that stretch her acting range.
“I feel eager and excited about going for material that people might not typically expect of me,”
Selena Gomez
Emilia Perez: A Bold Film with an Intimate Story
Emilia Perez combines drama, musical, and crime genres, set against Mexico’s vibrant backdrop. Though niche, the story taps into universal themes of transformation and identity. Saldana acknowledged the film might not have broad commercial appeal but considers it special within the genre of indie foreign films. “People are responding to the film,” she observed, adding the importance of “betting on yourself” and making choices aligned with one’s true passions.
With Emilia Perez now on Netflix, Gomez and Saldana reflect on how far they’ve come. For Gomez, her entry into Spanish-language cinema demonstrates her growth and resilience in an industry often quick to typecast young stars. Her career arc from Disney Channel to international stardom, Grammy and Emmy nominations, and a billion-dollar brand speaks to her versatility and ambition. “I don’t have any regrets,” Gomez said, grateful for each career phase. “Doing this movie has given me a little bit of a pat on the back, and I feel encouraged.“
In Emilia Perez, Gomez and her co-stars bring fresh perspectives to complex roles, reminding audiences of storytelling’s power. As more Hollywood stars pursue diverse projects that challenge conventions, Gomez’s journey exemplifies how to stay true to one’s roots while daring to evolve. Emilia Perez is now streaming on Netflix, offering viewers a unique addition to Spanish-language cinema.
[…] […]