Zoë Saldana Regrets Playing Nina Simone in 2016 Biopic – Here's Why

Zoë Saldana regretted taking on the role of Nina Simone, an activist for racism, in her biopic as she had to darken her skin and wear a prosthetic nose.

Nina Simone is a legendary American-African singer and civil rights activist, who propagated anti-racism in America.

In 2016, a biopic about the famous jazz entertainer was produced, with Zoë Saldana taking the lead role -- a casting that turned controversial. Here’s the actress’ take on it several years later.

SALDANA VOICES OUT HER REGRET

During her interview with Pose creator Steven Canals, Saldana spoke about mixed heritage and regretted taking on the part of Simone in the 2016 biopic. She said:

“I should have done everything in my power with the leverage that I had ten years ago. I should have done everything in my power to cast a black woman to play an exceptionally perfect black woman.”

Back when the controversy was at its peak, the “Avatar” star shunned critics because she was a black woman, who is of African-Latinx descent.

CASTING CONTROVERSY

At the time she was cast, the topic about colored women struggling to have roles on-screen surfaced, yet the actress did not pay much attention to it, thinking she “had permission” to take the part because she was a black woman.

Despite the uncertainty brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, the actress remains positive with what tomorrow may bring.

Simone’s daughter previously opposed Saldana to play her mother’s role as the actress needed to darken her skin and wear a prosthetic nose.

FACING BACKLASH

Saldana defended herself before by citing Elizabeth Taylor’s portrayal of Cleopatra and said she did not mind the backlash.

After the documentary, “What Happened Miss Simone?” was released on Netflix, it earned a nomination for a Best Documentary Oscar at the 88th Academy Awards.

SALDANA IN RECENT MONTHS

Saldana has been bonding with her kids in recent months, amid quarantine. As a mother, she fears for the safety of her children.

Despite the uncertainty brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, the actress remains positive with what tomorrow may bring.

The worried mom has been sharing the activities she has with her children on Instagram as the whole world tries to survive the crisis.