Joining her "Guess Who" co-stars for the movie's Hollywood Premiere, Saldana confessed starring opposite the two very funny actors was quite a challenge. Playing Bernie Mac's daughter and Ashton Kutcher's girlfriend required a lot of self-control to keep it together during takes.
INTERVIEW WITH ZOE SALDANA (‘Theresa’):
How would you describe your character?
I play Theresa who is Bernie’s daughter. I was raised by an amazing father who taught me to just love the world for what it is. I come home and I bring him the fruits of his labor - and he falls off his chair.
How was life on the set with Bernie Mac and Ashton Kutcher?
It was amazing. I’ve admired them and respected them for a very long time for who they are and where they’ve come from, and where they are right now. It was great to meet them and to know that I was right there with them. They’re so talented and they’re so nice. They have the ability, the God-given gift, to be great comedians. I learned a lot. I have two new friends that I’m crazy about and I have a new film I’m eager to promote.
Who was it tougher to work with as far as not being able to stop laughing during takes?
Who was the hardest to work with? I can’t say. They were both the same – they were both horrible to work with! Sometimes just looking at their faces, I couldn’t keep my own [straight]. I’d have to walk away and sort of breathe a little. [Director Kevin Rodney Sullivan] would tell me to take my time, but I was hysterical. I would just get the giggles because they would just look at me all [serious] like this, “What? I’m not doing anything.” And that was hysterical to me. It was just so much fun. They’re so talented and so amazing at what they do, and very professional at the same time, so it was a great experience. I learned a lot and I have two great friends.
Did they ever stick to the script?
Of course they did. We all did, but we brought in our essence, you know? Because it is a topic that is so real that everyone needs to personalize it in some way or another, in order for you to bring the characters to life. And Kevin gave us that freedom, which was so amazing.
What’s the message of “Guess Who?”
It’s a great message. It asks the children to love unconditionally and be passionate about everything they do. To parents that have children to question themselves about how open they are and how much unconditional love they do give their kids. It’s a lesson about life. If we can get those topics to be brought into family conversations, then we can use that.
You’ve been really busy working this past year, haven’t you?
Yes, I have a couple of films like “Haven,” which was directed by Frank E. Flowers, with Orlando Bloom that’s coming out. I play Andrea and it’s sort of like a very ensemble film. It’s very beautiful. We’re waiting on distribution for that. It premiered at the Toronto Film Festival last year. I have “Constellation” that was directed by Jordan Walker-Pearlman that premiered a month ago at the Pan African Film Festival. And this summer I’m producing my very first film. A foreign film - the Dominican Republic – directed by Felix German. It’s a very amazing film. I’m very excited about it.
Will you be in “Pirates of the Caribbean 2?”
I don’t know. If they call, that will be fantastic. If they don’t, I was in the first one and I got to slap Johnny Depp. I can take that to my grave (laughing).
