“I think I’ve earned the right” - Salma Hayek opens up about writing first feature after over 25 years of acting

Salma Hayek has accomplished a lot in the world of acting and production and seems ready to establish herself as a writer too.

Throughout her career spanning nearly four decades, Hayek has never shied away from trying new ventures.

While speaking with Marie Claire, the actress recently discussed adding another feather to her cap as she has completed writing her first feature. Hayek plans to direct it and produce it through Ventanarosa, her own company. She said:

“It’s meaningful. It has a great rhythm. It’s full of surprises to the very end. I think I’ve earned the right after 25 years of doing it for others.”

Being a veteran actress, Hayek has witnessed a lot of changes in the industry over the years. She expressed that she was happy that there is a change in perspective in Hollywood when it comes to aging women in the industry. Further, she said that women should show everyone that they aren't disposable after a certain age.

“There was a time when I was the sexy girl, but thank God age came and gave me the ability to expand to other territories. Although I’m still sexy and I embrace it. Another calling that I have is to remind everyone that women are not disposable after a certain age in any department. We should battle that with all we’ve got.”

The actress also elaborated on the fact that some other changes need to be incorporated within the industry. Giving an example, Hayek said that actresses rarely get credit for a movie's success while the actors receive recognition and praise.

She also spoke about the usage of artificial intelligence in films, stating,

“It takes away your intelligence because the brain grows lazy, I write everything by hand. I have papers everywhere. I barely touch the phone. They cannot profile me. I don’t buy online. I don’t order food online. The artificial intelligence doesn’t know me.”

Hayek also revealed that her upcoming self-written feature will be full of surprises leaving her fans excited for her latest project.

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Salma Hayek's career

Born on September 2, 1966, Salma Hayek is one of the first Latina actresses to establish a successful film career in Hollywood.

The 1995 film Desperado, directed by Robert Rodriguez changed Hayek's life. It launched her as an actress in Hollywood. She worked in Dusk Till Dawn in the year 1996 which was another successful hit by Rodriguez. After that, she was seen in projects like Dogma and Fools Rush In.

Hayek played the role of painter Frida Kahlo in the movie Frida in the year 2002. The film was also produced by her and earned her six Oscar nominations. The Maldonado Miracle, released in 2003, was Hayek's directorial debut which not only earned her praises but also an Emmy.

While she continued acting in films from 2003 to 2009 like Once Upon a Time in Mexico, Ask the Dust, Vicky Christina Barcelona, and more, she also directed Ugly Betty, a television show which ran from 2006-2010.

Her notable projects include movies like Grown Ups (2010), The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017), The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard (2021), Like a Boss (2020), Roads Not Taken (2020), and Eternals (2021).

The actress had also launched a beauty brand called Nuance. Hayek has also done voice dubbing for films like Puss in Boots and The Pirates! Band of Misfits.

Her upcoming movies include the film Without Blood with Angelina Jolie and the HBO series Like Chocolate for Water.