Summary
Star Trek2009 was J.J. Abrams' foray into theStar Trekfranchise that introduced younger faces as familiar characters, and Zoe Saldana reclaimed the role ofLieutenant Nyota Uhurafor all three reboot films. BeforeStar Trek2009, Lieutenant Uhura had been played by Nichelle Nichols inStar Trek: The Original Seriesand the subsequentStar Trekfilms. Celia Rose Gooding portrays the young Ensign Uhura of the Prime Universe inStar Trek: Strange New Worlds,but Lieutenant Uhura owes much of her progress in the last two decades to Zoe Saldana,who gave Uhura a backstory—and even a first name - in the Kelvin Timeline.
Though her portrayal of Lieutenant Uhura is highly credited for newer theStar Trekfilms' success at the box office, Zoe Saldana has her hand in many mega-popular, high-grossing movie franchises. Zoe has made a name for herself through her roles as strong female characters, and her success is unmatched by any other female Hollywood star. With new films on the horizon, including a possibleStar Trek 4,Saldana’s career shows no signs of stopping.Much of her success is thanks to her part inStar Trek2009 and the popularity of her version of a belovedStar Trekcharacter.
What Zoe Saldaña Has Done Since Star Trek Beyond
In addition to playing Star Trek’s Lt. Nyota Uhura, Zoe Saldaña stars in two of the biggest film franchises of all time.
Zoe Saldana Played Lt. Nyota Uhura in J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek Movies
Saldana reimagined a young Uhura.
InStar Trek2009, Uhura got a first name, Nyota, and became a full Starfleet officer, complete with fleshed-out characterization and narratives. InStar Trek: The Original Series,Lieutenant Uhura (Nichelle Nichols) was the show’s main female representation, but she rarely had solo narrativesand was often used as a device to further the development of male characters. However, Zoe Saldana’s strong-willed portrayal of Uhura was more rounded. She quickly became a fan-favorite for her no-nonsense attitude, confidence, and empathy, and Saldana claims thatUhura’s “androgynous essence” inStar Trek2009contributed to the character’s popularity.
AlongsideStar Trek, Saldana also appeared in James Cameron’s 2009 filmAvatar, the highest-grossing film of all time. Her character inAvatar, a native Na’vi named Neytiri, was another tough but lovable female character. A few years later, Saldana appeared asGamora in Marvel’sGuardians of the Galaxy, earning her a spot in theAvengerscanon and major roles in subsequent Marvel films. Overall, the films Saldana has appeared in have grossed more than $15 billion worldwide. As of 2024,Saldana is the second-highest-grossing film actressbehind Scarlett Johansson and the fourth-highest-paid actor of all time.
Zoe Saldana’s Uhura & Zachary Quinto’s Spock’s Star Trek Romance Was Controversial
Spock and Uhura was not a popular pairing.
While Zoe Saldana’s Lieutenant Nyota Uhura revitalized love for the iconicStar Trekcharacter,the rebootedStar Trekseries' romance subplot between Uhura and Commander Spock (Zachary Quinto) was controversial.Star Trek2009 implies that Uhura and Spock had been romantically involved before the film’s events. When the Romulan adversary Nero (Eric Bana) destroys Vulcan, Uhura comforts Spock, and the pair kiss several times throughout the film. Despite J.J. Abrams' reboot films taking place in the Kelvin alternate universe that breaks off from theStar Trektimeline, many fans argue that this romance defiedThe Original Series' canon.
Spock and Uhura took on the role of adding romance to theStar Trekreboot franchise, but some fans argue they lacked chemistry.
Lieutenant Uhura and Commander Spock’s romance continues flourishingStar Trek: Into Darknessbut it was over inStar Trek: Beyond. Though it remained controversial, Uhura and Spock’s relationship provided all threeStar Trekfilms with romance that didn’t involve Captain James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), which was a different take from the womanizer version of Kirk inStar Trek:The Original Series. Kirk was free to explore his place in Starfleet instead of having a love interest whileSpock and Uhura took on the role of adding romance to the reboot franchise,but some fans argue they lacked chemistry.
Zoe Saldana Would Return As Uhura For Star Trek 4
Saldana wants to return to the Starship Enterprise
Star Trek 4, the long-delayed next installment of J.J. Abrams' reboot franchise, was meant to be released in theaters in 2023. However, differences among the film’s many creative teams and scheduling issues with some of the cast prevented the film from even being filmed. In the last few years,Star Trek 4has seen a handful of big-name directors sign on but ultimately exit the project, and it remains unclear if the movie will ever happen.
Star Trek 2009 Cast & Character Guide
J.J. Abrams' Star Trek relaunched the movie franchise and reintroduced audiences to Captain Kirk and the crew of the USS Enterprise.
Despite the delays,Zoe Saldana would love to returnStar Trekand reprise her role as Lieutenant Uhura for a fourth time. Meanwhile,Celia RoseGooding’s portrayal of Nyota inStar Trek: Strange New Worldswouldn’t be possible without Saldana’s role as Uhura,so Saldana deserves a chance to bid farewell to the character that changed her career. While some sayStar Trek 4has to happen in 2026to celebrateStar Trek’s 60th anniversary, as of 2024, the film has not been given a release date or filming schedule.
Star Trek
Cast
J.J. Abrams' 2009 movie Star Trek rebooted the iconic sci-fi franchise in a totally new timeline. When a Romulan ship travels back in time and alters the past, the lives of James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), Spock (Zachary Quinto), and the future crew of the USS Enterprise are drastically changed. In this new timeline, the Romulan Nero (Eric Bana) sets out for revenge on Spock, setting off a chain of events that reshape the entire universe.
Star Trek Into Darkness
Star Trek Into Darkness follows Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise as they return home to find their organization under threat from a force within. Kirk leads a mission to apprehend a formidable adversary, navigating personal and professional challenges during this pivotal confrontation.
Star Trek Beyond
In the Kelvin timeline of Star Trek Films, Captain James Tiberius Kirk, Spock, and the rest of the U.S.S. Enterprise crew return to fight a new enemy who puts everything they and the Federation stand for to the ultimate test. This third installment of the rebooted Star Trek films marked the 50th anniversary of the classic sci-fi franchise.
