Zoe Saldaña first stepped into the role of Avatar’s Neytiri when she was 24 years-old. Now, the 47 year-old is back for the third film of the James Cameron franchise Avatar: Fire and Ash.

"This installment of Avatar [is about] how a family can be resilient and learn to smile and love again after experiencing great loss," Saldaña told Vogue’s Deputy Editor Taylor Antrim and Global Director of Social Sam Sussman ahead of the film's release in US theatres on December 19.

"I get really lost into the world of Pandora," says Saldaña about reprising her role. “I really care for the characters that I play. I create a solid backstory for them, so I live more in that reality.”

It’s been a big year for Saldaña. On top of Avatar, she is currently Vogue Mexico’s December cover star, she won an Oscar for her role in Emilia Pérez, is currently in production for season 3 of Lioness and also met Pope Leo while in Italy with her three sons. "They were so hyper," reflects Saldaña. "They're like typical 10 and eight year olds and can't focus... And the moment comes and we're right in front of him – you can see that picture, they're gleaming."

Zoe Saldaña has the distinction for being the first actor to star in four films that grossed over $2 billion at the box office. She’s taken part in some of the largest franchises such as the Avengers, Avatar, Star Trek and the Pirates of the Caribbean. But now more than ever, Saldaña told Vogue that immersing herself in her personal life is the biggest priority.

"For a long time, I was afraid to stop," she confessed to Ramón Barreto in her cover story . "I feared that if I did, something wouldn't be right. But now, I understand that pausing is also part of the movement."

The Run-Through with Vogue is your go-to podcast where fashion meets culture. Hosted by Chloe Malle, Head of Editorial Content, Vogue U.S.; Chioma Nnadi, Head of British Vogue; and Nicole Phelps, Director of Vogue Runway, each episode features the latest fashion news and exclusive designer and celebrity interviews.

Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Zoe Saldaña on Avatar, Her Sons Meeting the Pope, and Filming Lioness

The Run-Through with Vogue