Amanda Seyfried Explains Why She Turned Down ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Role – And How She Feels About It Now

Amanda Seyfried Explains Why She Turned Down ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Role – And How She Feels About It Now

In an exclusive interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Amanda Seyfried revealed why she passed up the iconic role of Gamora in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. The decision, which took place during a pivotal moment in her career, was one that Seyfried doesn’t regret but still reflects on with honesty.

Seyfried, who is best known for her roles in Les Misérables and Mamma Mia!, admitted that she initially feared the film would flop. “Being a part of the first Marvel movie that bombs ain’t good for your career,” she told host Josh Horowitz. At the time, she worried that Guardians of the Galaxy would be Marvel’s first major failure, as the film featured a talking raccoon and tree—something she thought the audience might not take seriously.

However, with the film’s monumental success, earning over $772 million worldwide, Seyfried’s worries proved to be unfounded. Still, she holds no ill will toward the film or its director, James Gunn, whom she describes as a “genius” and “wonderful filmmaker.” Seyfried shared that the role of Gamora, portrayed by Zoe Saldaña, ultimately worked out for the best and congratulated the film’s cast and crew for their success.

Why Amanda Said No to Gamora

For Seyfried, the makeup process for Gamora’s green alien look was one of the key factors in her decision. She expressed concern about being covered in paint for long hours, a task she found daunting after hearing about the intense makeup experience of X-Men actors. “I was really scared of the idea of being stuck and painted a different color,” she explained.

Moreover, the prospect of living in London for six months while working on the film didn’t appeal to Seyfried, especially as she had another project lined up—Seth MacFarlane’s A Million Ways to Die in the West. At the time, she felt that opportunity was a better fit for her.

A Look Back at the Role of Gamora

While Seyfried’s choice to step away from the Guardians of the Galaxy role was a career-defining moment, it ultimately led to Zoe Saldaña portraying Gamora, a role that propelled her to greater stardom. Saldaña has since confirmed that she will not return to the role in any future Marvel projects, though she hopes the character will appear in new forms through the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s expanding multiverse.

For Seyfried, this is a story of trusting her instincts and recognizing the value of her decisions. “I made it for myself in the moment that I made it,” she says. “It was good for me then, and it’s good for me now.”

The Marvel Multiverse and Gamora’s Future

Saldaña’s vision for Gamora’s future is one of hope and change. “I hope a woman of color or a woman with special needs can take on the role next,” she shared with Variety. This forward-thinking approach reflects the evolving nature of superhero films and the increasing diversity in casting.

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