Zoe Saldana Apologizes For Playing Nina Simone in 2016 Biopic: 'She Deserved Better'

Zoe Saldana is regretting her role playing Nina Simone in the 2016 biopic, Nina.

During an Instagram Live with hosted by B-ESE, the 42-year-old actress opened up about what went into her playing the role and why she regrets it now..

“I should have never played Nina,” Zoe shared, while revealing that she wore a prosthetic nose, fake teeth, and makeup to darken her skin. “I should have done everything in my power, with the leverage that I had 10 years ago — which was a different [amount of] leverage, but it was leverage nonetheless. I should’ve tried everything in my power to cast a Black woman to play an exceptionally perfect Black woman.”

She continued that when she took over the role, she “thought back then that I had the permission because I was a Black woman, and I am. But it was Nina Simone, and Nina had a life and she had a journey that should’ve been and should be honored to the most specific detail because she was a specifically detailed individual about her voice, her opinions, her views, her music, and her art. And she was so honest. She deserved better.”

At the time, there was controversy over Zoe playing the role.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry because I love her music,” Zoe shared in an apology to Nina’s family and fans. “It wasn’t enough. With that said, she’s one of our giants and someone else should step-up. Somebody else should tell her story.”

If you missed it, these two stars of The Help also admitted they wouldn’t star in the film if it were made today.