The MCU's Secrecy Takes Its Toll On Actors According To Zoe Saldaña

Being one of the actors in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has got to be a pretty sweet deal. One is almost guaranteed a lucrative job with multiple movies and franchise opportunities, and to be part of a multi-billionaire dollar collection of movies certainly looks fantastic on future job applications. Besides starring in MCU movies, one can also make appearances in any of the Disney+ shows, while the potential of popping up on merchandise or as action figures is also a distinct possibility. However, there are some conditions that come with this kind of fame, and it involves the overarching plan of Marvel.

Zoe Saldaña, who plays Gamora in the MCU, is no stranger to popularity. This is on account of her not only showing off her acting chops in Marvel movies but also because she is one of the main characters in "Avatar" and the rebooted "Star Trek" movies. Needless to say, Saldaña knows a thing or two about appearing in vaunted media properties. During a recent interview, Saldana explained how Marvel is a notoriously tight-lipped ship and how actors are often kept in the dark. But why, and how does she really feel about this level of confidentiality?

Appearing on the popular YouTube series "Hot Ones," Zoe Saldaña was asked if she has ever experienced situations where actors are kept in the dark, mentioning security guards while reading scripts and blocked off views, and Saldaña jokingly replied and asked if the interviewer has ever been to a Marvel movie set because it certainly sounds like he has. Saldaña then elaborated and said that when one works for Marvel, it almost feels like a cult on account of the secrecy. She added that this can be a double-edged sword, and on the positive side of things, the secrecy keeps the experience fresh and exciting during production, and the ending is never ruined.

On the flip side, Saldaña said, "The disadvantage is mainly for the actor because you don't know what you are doing, you don't know where you are going, you don't know what you are saying, and you don't know what's going to happen and that can be a little nerve-wracking." This makes perfect sense because where some movie studios have no problem letting the actors know their ultimate endgame, the MCU usually has plans that are cast far into the future. On the bright side of things, Marvel does loop in actors when something major is on the way. Speaking with The LA Times, Saldaña said of that Gamora "Infinity War" moment, "I learned very early on. The producers called me and they told me. And of course there's a shock to your system. I'm so grateful, this run has been amazing, but you're so not even ready for that." This means that if you ever want to become an MCU actor, be prepared to just go with the flow.