Salma Hayek: “I Saw My Brown Face in a Superhero Suit”

In a now-viral interview, Salma Hayek, described why she was so overwhelmed when she first saw herself dressed as a superhero. The new Eternals film, like anything Marvel-related, has gotten a lot of buzz. It premiered in Los Angeles on October 18 and went on to a worldwide cinema release on November 5th, making it one of the most talked-about films in Hollywood right now. Movie icon and Eternals actor Salma Hayek revealed that she became highly emotional when she first saw herself in the superhero suit.

“I burst into tears as I put it on. ‘What happened here?’ I asked, tears streaming down my face, not like in telenovelas. ‘Why?’ I wondered as I was struck by the sight. When I looked in the mirror, I noticed my dark skin… Hayek stated through tears to Despierta América, “I saw my brown face in a superhero suit.”

Hayek went on to say that seeing herself in the mirror reminded her of her childhood fantasies of making it famous, and that this possibility now has the potential to influence other Latinos’ choices and careers. “I saw your face as I saw mine.” I saw my face as that of a young girl with a lot of guts who dared to dream great. “I burst into tears when I put it on.”

Not like in telenovelas, but tears welled up in my eyes, and I wondered aloud, ‘What happened here?’ “The image of that had an effect on me.” The Frida actress became tearful again when she realized why the moment meant so much to her. She explained that it all came down to the significance of representation. “When I looked in the mirror, I saw my brown face… My dark face appeared in a superhero costume. And when I saw my face, I saw yours. I imagined myself as a small kid with a lot of confidence who dared to dream big. I noticed the expressions on the faces of all the small girls… “And then I realized that a door had opened” she said.

All the small girls’ faces were visible… “And then I knew that a door had opened,” the actor continued. Salma was joined by Victoria Alonso of Marvel Studios, who explained why this particular period in the MCU’s history is so important. “This moment is extremely crucial because don’t forget, I’ve been at Marvel for 16 years trying and I told her that the first time we met…she had no idea how long I’ve been waiting for this moment.”

Victoria, Marvel Studios’ VP of physical, post-production VFX, and animation, explained, “Seeing her in that outfit changed everything in my mind.”

The film has received tepid reviews so far (it has a 47 percent Rotten Tomatoes rating), but what it lacks in positive reviews it more than makes up for with its cast, and many have applauded the production for its commitment to diversity. When addressing how much the film meant to her emotionally, Salma Hayek recently admitted to having a significant reaction to donning her outfit for the very first moment.

“And it wasn’t simply because it was Salma at the time — there was no one else for me who could play this role.” But for feeling what she felt, for feeling what you’re experiencing right now, and for feeling what all the girls and some guys feel when they feel represented – when they look in the mirror and see themselves as superheroes. Salma also represents a segment of the worldwide population that is rarely represented in such films, as a 50-year-old lady. She isn’t portrayed as a helpless old lady. No, she’s just as badass as the rest of them, and she’s tough and courageous.