Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. star Natalia Cordova-Buckley has nabbed a role in Disney/Pixar's latest animated film, Coco. Going from Yo-Yo to Coco, Cordova-Buckley will portray the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo in the English language version of the movie. Kahlo's life was previously explored in detail in 2003’s live-action Frida film, in which Salma Hayek took the title role.
There’s no reason for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. fans to fear, though. Cordova-Buckley is still slated to appear in season 5 of Marvel’s flagship television project, which was pushed back in the schedules to make way for the Inhumans event series. In fact, Cordova-Buckley was upped to series regular status following season 4, meaning that fans will see a lot more of Eleanor ‘Yo-Yo’ Rodriguez in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 5.
Related: How Consultants Helped Develop Pixar's Coco
All the same, it’s good to know that Cordova-Buckley has found some extra work in the elongated gap between S.H.I.E.L.D. seasons. Deadline broke the news of her casting in Coco, and Cordova-Buckley quickly confirmed it through her Instagram account. Alongside a screen-grab of an article, Cordova-Buckley shared this statement:
“I’ve been chasing the spirit of Frida Kahlo my entire life, so to be able to give voice to the woman that taught me the freedom and strength of my own, is not just an honor but profoundly magical!”
Indeed, it’s clear that Frida Kahlo is a hugely important figure for Cordova-Buckley. Elsewhere in her Instagram caption, Cordova-Buckley describes this opportunity as “a dream come true” and Frida Kahlo as “an iconic idol”. This is a lovely and wholesome piece of news, then: a likable star from a superhero show has gotten a job that she really wanted, playing someone that she truly admires. Cordova-Buckley’s fans are surely looking forward to seeing Coco, now.
However, Cordova-Buckley’s turn as Frida Kahlo has been described as a cameo role. The main narrative thrust of Coco involves a young aspiring Mexican musician named Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) venturing into the Land of the Dead and attempting to unravel a strange chain of events. This isn’t a film about Frida Kahlo’s life, but rather one where she could feasibly make a post-death appearance in the afterlife.
In her Instagram post, Cordova-Buckley quotes director Lee Unkrich as saying this: “Frida Kahlo is a captivating icon in Mexico’s history. Her art, strength and resilience inspired us in so many ways. Natalia’s role in Coco pays homage to Ms. Kahlo, her work and the people of Mexico who love her.”
NEXT: Coco Early Reviews Tease One of Pixar's Best Films
Source: Deadline, Natalia Cordova-Buckley
