Zoe Saldaña reveals unexpected truth about her children's movie preferences

Zoe Saldaa revealed that her children are selective about the films they watch. Speaking to E! News at the Avatar: The Way of Fire and Ash premiere in Los Angeles, she shared that even though she stars in her third Avatar film, her three children11-year-old twins Cy and Bowie, and eight-year-old Zenwith her husband Marco Perego-Saldaa, have not yet seen any of the movies in the franchise.

I want them to experience Avatar when they feel completely ready, Saldaa said. My boys are gentle, like delicate flowers. Theyre incredibly resilient, but they take things at their own pace, and I admire that.

Although they havent visited Pandora yet, the children do have a preferred type of movie. They enjoy Adam Sandler films, even though some arent exactly suitable for 11-year-olds, she explained.

Despite skipping the Avatar films, Saldaas sons have watched some of her other projects, including a Guardians of the Galaxy movie, and they recently started watching Transformers. The kids have even promised to let her know when theyre ready to fully dive into the Avatar universe. My older ones said, In a year, Mom, well be ready for Avatar, we promise. And I said, okay, she recalled.

The new Avatar chapter follows in the footsteps of the original 2009 film, which remains the highest-grossing movie of all time with $2.9 billion worldwide. Its 2022 sequel, The Way of Water, earned $2.3 billion. With stars like Saldaa, Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, and Kate Winslet returning, early reviews of Fire and Ash indicate it will likely be another box office triumph.

Saldaa has previously shared how motherhood has influenced her life. In 2022, she mentioned that her children keep her grounded and contribute to her youthful energy. I go to bed earlier, eat better, and sleep more, she said. She also reflected on how having children in her mid-to-late thirties brought positive changes, helping her transition from a high-paced lifestyle to a more balanced one.

Author's Commentary: Zoe Saldaña Balances Fame and Family

Zoe Saldaña’s remarks highlight a deliberate approach to parenting in the age of blockbuster cinema. Despite starring in her third Avatar film, her children—11-year-old twins Cy and Bowie, and eight-year-old Zen—have not yet watched any of the franchise, showing the family's focus on timing and readiness rather than mere exposure to fame.

The actress emphasizes the individuality of her children, describing them as gentle yet resilient. This insight sheds light on how children navigate media at their own pace, even when their parent is part of one of the most recognizable film series in history. Saldaña’s choice to let her children decide when to experience Pandora underscores a mindful approach to content consumption.

While avoiding the Avatar films, the children do watch other mainstream movies, including selections from Adam Sandler and Guardians of the Galaxy, reflecting a balanced exposure to entertainment. Saldaña’s perspective also connects to her broader reflections on motherhood, showing how her children influence her daily habits, from sleep to diet, reinforcing a shift from a high-paced career lifestyle to a more grounded family life.

Sources:

• Zoe Saldaña makes surprising confession about her kids’ moviegoing habits

Author: Logan Reeves
Logan Reeves is a sports analyst and journalist. He writes match reviews, conducts athlete interviews, and produces data-driven predictions.