There's always a certain amount of physical preparation involved for a major role in a Marvel film, but to reprise her role as Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Zoe Saldana had to go a little above and beyond. In November 2014, the actress gave birth to twins—and subsequently embarked on an exercise regimen that would make Drax cry, shedding 70 pounds before suiting up for the second Guardians installment.
She had difficulty bouncing back at first, starting off with simply taking walks, and eventually working up to a brutal routine of squats, planks, lunges and Pilates combined with regular cardio. Although she's 80% gluten-free and leans heavily on eggs, vegetables and greens, she insists that she doesn't follow a strict diet; as she put it, "I am going to remove the word 'diet' from my life. I am going to remind myself that it is not about losing weight, it is about being healthy, feeling healthy, for the rest of my life."
The philosophy certainly seems to have paid off—but to actually get into character, mental rather than physical preparation is key, because the process is way more laborious than you might think.
