Salma Hayek’s Emotional Journey During the Filming of ‘Desperado’

Salma Hayek rose to fame in Mexico through her role in the telenovela “Teresa,” but when she ventured into Hollywood, she had to start from scratch.

Even though it has been over twenty years since the release of the movie “Desperado,” Salma Hayek still feels uneasy about the intimate scene in the 1995 film.

In this action-packed film, Hayek portrays Carolina, a young woman managing a bookstore cafe in a town where literacy is scarce.

Her co-star, Antonio Banderas, takes on the role of El Mariachi, a vengeful musician who conceals guns in his guitar case.

During a conversation on the “Armchair Expert” podcast with Dax Shepard and Monica Padman, Hayek revealed that the s=x scene in the movie, which marked her breakthrough in English-speaking cinema, was not initially part of the script.

It was added by the studio due to the chemistry they observed between the actors, leading to a challenging experience for Hayek.

Transitioning to Hollywood from her established stardom in Mexico brought about mixed reactions.

Despite being a renowned figure for her role in the Mexican soap opera “Teresa,” Hayek faced skepticism when pursuing roles in the U.S.

When director Robert Rodriguez offered her a part in “Desperado,” Hayek was thrilled at the opportunity.

She reminisced, “I was so thrilled to land a job during a time when it was uncommon to cast a Mexican in a prominent role.”

Although excited about the project, Hayek felt anxious about the intimate scene.

To ease her discomfort, Rodriguez and his then-wife, Elizabeth Avellán, ensured a closed set for filming.

With only the essential crew present, including Banderas, Hayek struggled emotionally during the shoot, often shedding tears.

While Banderas displayed kindness and professionalism, Avellán offered support, and Rodriguez guided her through the challenging scene.

Despite these efforts, Hayek couldn't shake off concerns about her family's reaction, especially her father and brother.

During the screening of the film, Hayek made sure her family members left the theater during the intimate scene.

She expressed, “I wanted my father to be proud of me, and I was apprehensive about their perception.”

Reflecting on her career journey, Hayek shared her experience of overcoming challenges, including Harvey Weinstein's controversial demands during the production of “Frida,” a film she both starred in and produced.

Hayek's resilience and dedication led her to an Academy Award nomination for her role in “Frida” (2002).

Despite initial struggles with societal expectations regarding her s=x appeal, she now embraces her authenticity in her acting endeavors.

In her latest project, the sci-fi drama “Bliss,” Hayek showcases her talent alongside Owen Wilson, continuing to captivate audiences with her versatile performances.