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The Cast of Emilia Perez (and What’s Stirring Up Debate)
The film Emilia Pérez has sparked plenty of conversations, from its success at the Golden Globes to the criticism it has faced, particularly in Mexico. Directed by French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, this musical blends comedy, crime, and music to tell an unconventional story: a drug lord who decides to change gender and seek redemption, with the help of their lawyer. But not all reactions have been positive, and much of the debate revolves around the cast, made up mostly of Latino actors born outside of Latin America.
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Who’s in the Cast of Emilia Pérez?
Selena Gomez as Jessica
Selena Gomez, a Texas native with a Mexican father and an American mother, takes on the role of Jessica, the ex-wife of Emilia (formerly known as Manitas). Famous worldwide as a singer, actress, and entrepreneur, Gomez is also a mental health awareness advocate. While her Spanish skills have faced criticism, Gomez has been open about the difficulties and proudly stands by her work on the film. Her previous acting credits include Only Murders in the Building, The Wizards of Waverly Place, and A Rainy Day in New York. In this role, she portrays a character tied to Mexico, yet continues to embrace her American identity.
Zoe Saldaña as Rita
Saldaña, a U.S.-born actress with Dominican heritage, portrays Rita, the lawyer who helps Emilia in her journey to vanish and transform. Known for her roles in some of the highest-grossing films of all time, like Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy, Saldaña infuses this complex character with her experience and charisma. As Rita, she wrestles with the ethical challenges of aiding a criminal while striving to do what she feels is right.
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Karla Sofía Gascón as Emilia Pérez
Spanish actress Karla Sofía Gascón stars as the titular character Emilia Pérez. Gascón is well-known for her activism within the LGBTQ+ community, especially advocating for trans rights. Her performance as Emilia—a commanding drug lord who chooses to live authentically as a woman—has been lauded around the globe. Gascón has also been featured in ‘Nosotros los Nobles’ and ‘El Señor de los Cielos.’ She recently made history as the first openly trans actress to receive an award at the Cannes Film Festival.
Adriana Paz as Epifanía
Mexican actress Adriana Paz takes on the role of Epifanía, a crucial character in Emilia’s story. She’s the only Mexican actor among the main cast, and her participation has been lauded as a significant representation of Mexico on the international stage. Paz is known for her roles in Las horas muertas, La tirisia, and Coyote, and she’s also a skilled dancer and theater artist.
Édgar Ramírez as Gustavo
Venezuelan actor Édgar Ramírez joins the cast as Gustavo, Jessica’s love interest. With a rich filmography featuring roles in Carlos, Gold, and Point Break, Ramírez adds a romantic touch to the story. His skill and versatility make him a standout in this diverse international cast.
What’s Sparking the Debate?
While Emilia Pérez has earned praise for its daring storytelling, it’s also faced considerable backlash, especially in Mexico. Many criticisms focus on the casting and its portrayal of Mexican culture.
One of the most talked-about parts of the film is Selena Gomez’s Spanish. Mexican actor Eugenio Derbez publicly criticized Gomez’s accent, describing it as “indefensible” and suggesting it took away from the film. In a viral TikTok clip, Derbez commented: “I was watching with friends, and every time she appeared on screen, we’d look at each other like, ‘Wow, what is this?’”
He mentioned that international audiences might not catch these issues because they don’t speak Spanish, but for Mexicans, her dialogue feels off.
Gomez responded to the criticism with grace, stating: “I understand where you’re coming from. I did the best I could with the time I was given. That doesn’t take away from how much work and heart I put into this film.”
@jessi.del.monte She did so amazing in this role!! #emiliaperez #selenagomez #selenanetflix #newmovie #netflix #spanish #movie #fyp ♬ cardigan – Taylor Swift
Another layer of the criticism involves the film’s director, Jacques Audiard, who admitted to doing limited research on Mexico’s realities. This has sparked discomfort in a country where issues like narcotrafficking and disappearances are deeply sensitive topics. While some argue that the movie takes creative liberties as a musical, others feel it trivializes serious issues.
Writer Jorge Volpi criticized the portrayal of a violent drug lord becoming an empathetic activist after transitioning: “The redemption of Emilia Pérez feels as fake—and as disrespectful to viewers—as Selena Gomez’s Spanish or Audiard’s superficial grasp of Mexico’s issues.”
The casting process has also faced criticism. The casting director mentioned that auditions were held in Mexico and other countries, but the final selections were made to align with the director’s vision for the best fit. However, many in Mexico were upset about the lack of more local talent in leading roles.
While the film is set in Mexico, most of the lead actors aren’t Mexican, causing some to question if the film accurately represents the culture it’s portraying. This has sparked debates about what it means to be ‘Latino enough.’
Karla Sofía Gascón defended the film and its cast, pointing out that Gomez’s character isn’t supposed to be Mexican and highlighting the importance of evaluating performances over nationalities. However, her comment dismissing critics as ‘four cats’ on social media triggered more backlash, with many viewing the remark as condescending.
In Mexico, Emilia Pérez has encountered significant pushback, with many feeling it doesn’t authentically capture the essence of the country. Others believe the film offers a fresh, imaginative take on challenging topics. For some, it’s a groundbreaking exploration of identity and redemption; for others, it’s an outsider’s superficial depiction of profoundly The film Emilia Pérez has sparked plenty of conversations, from its success at the Golden Globes to the criticism it has faced, particularly in Mexico.
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