Gamora the better: Zoe Saldana talks 'Guardians' girl power

LOS ANGELES - Since Guardians of the Galaxy hit it big and its characters became part of American culture three years ago, an increasing number of people can be seen portraying the characters for Halloween or cosplaying their favorite space heroes at conventions.

Zoe Saldana says it is still something that seems unreal to her when she sees someone dressed and made up to look like Gamora.

"You have an out-of-body experience each and every time," Saldana said at the recent Hollywood press event for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. "You always think through different stages in your mind, thinking like it's Wayne's World, like, 'we're not worthy,'" she laughed. "Seriously though, you feel grateful. You feel so lucky that you got to play a character that impacted people or that you're part of something so special that it continuously impacts people so much, so that their devotion drives them to go to these places where they congregate and celebrate!"

"Then you're there - and you're like their best guest..and you feel very humbled," Saldana continued. "You know, I'm a geek from Queens! I grew up in a three-bedroom apartment and I've done three science-fiction movies (Saldana has starred in Avatar and the rebooted Star Trek) and I guess I found a good place in space, for me to feel happy and free."

As far as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Saldana said she loves how the film further explores Gamora's relationship with her sister Nebula (Karen Gillan) and, to a lesser extent, another female heroine, Mantis (Pom Klementieff).

"I think that what I loved the most - and it may sound selfish - but, definitely, the relationship between Gamora and Nebula," she said. "I'm one of three sisters (and) I have been itching and yearning to see more of a female presence in action films. I'm not that deep...I love watching The Equalizer and I'll watch that 50 times over any kind of dramatic piece."

"So to have a film with three female characters that are adding such unique qualities to the film and they are very relevant and their relationships are explored deeply," she added. "I was very appreciative and super excited."