Salma Hayek has opened up on the struggles she faced in Hollywood after claiming she was cast aside at times because she was Mexican.
The actress, who has gone on to have a hugely successful career, claims she has faced discrimination because of her nationality when previously going for roles in Hollywood.
The 54-year-old Oscar nominee has revealed that she auditioned for the lead role in "two big comedies" but was turned down because of her background.
Speaking to Variety, the star of upcoming movie Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard said she was told after auditions: "Afterwards the directors told me that I was the best audition and that I was better than who they cast and that they regretted it.
"But at the time, they knew the studios wouldn't have gone for a Mexican as the lead."
She revealed that when she tried to make it in Hollywood she was already famous in her home country but knew the step was a big one.
She continued: "If you are a woman and you are in a movie that is very successful and they say you are their favourite character, they will still give all credits of the box office to the guy. They don't count who you're bringing into the theatres."
"In my case, I was already a very big star in my country. I was bringing the Latino market into the theatres. I know some of the studios knew that. But they didn't want to accept the value of the Latino market at the time."
But thankfully the setbacks were just that and the star has gone on to land some huge roles.
She is to feature in the latest Marvel movie called Eternals.
Speaking about her new role, Salma admitted: ""It never crossed my mind to be in a Marvel movie.
"I guess that I thought that boat had sailed, and it was an absolute shock."
She will star alongside big names in the industry, including Angelina Jolie, Gemma Chan and Richard Madden. The movie is to be directed by Oscar winner Chloe Zhao.
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