Zoe Saldana at the Star Trek premiere AP

So you’re a big Star Trek fan?

I’d never seen the series! I knew about it, because everybody does. But it was my mum who used to watch it as a young girl. I didn’t know Uhura was one of her favourite characters...

In short, then, you’re definitely not a geek?

I am, actually. I’m very proud to say I am a geek. But I’m kind of a cool geek. I grew up in a very sci-fi home so I’ve seen a lot of sci-fi movies, from Dune to Alien, 2001, ET, Batteries Not Included... all these films I go crazy for. But never Star Trek.

Was that why you weren’t sure whether to accept the role?

Even though I’ve wanted to work with JJ Abrams, I was worried it could have backfired on my career. But when JJ told me the kind of Star Trek he wanted to make, I wanted to be a Star Trek fan! He writes amazing roles for women.

He wasn’t afraid to put you in a very short skirt either...

Oh, no, no, no... he was not afraid at all! That was a combination of JJ and the costume designer wanting to keep the trendy 60s style of the original show.

How does it feel to be a sex symbol for Trekkies?

Oh God, I don’t know! Now I’m a sex symbol for geeks? What have I done...

Have you had any freaky moments with Trek fans?

Not yet, no... I’m very happy to say not yet. But I did have a driver that I had to spend the day with. And he opened the trunk of his black sedan and it was filled with Star Trek memorabilia.

That does sound weird...

I don’t go that crazy when I think about those sort of things at the time. But I’m thinking: “OK, is this normal for a man to drive around in a sedan with Star Trek memorabilia in his trunk?” No. Freaky!

Who do you prefer, Kirk or Spock?

Oh God... it depends! I suppose it would have to be Spock.

So pointy ears are a bonus?

Hmm, I don’t know. Maybe in the sequel, I wouldn’t mind giving it a go with Kirk. He has those dreamy blue eyes. He brings a very interesting, rebellious manliness to the part.

The kind of guy you go for?

I tend to be very picky, so I look for the perfect man! So if Spock and Kirk could mix, they’d become my perfect man. That’s the kind of guy I’d go for. I don’t only go for muscles, I don’t only go for brains. You just need to have a little bit of a bad boy and a geek and then you’ve got the perfect guy.

Easily pleased, then...

Well, it’s not like you guys make it easy for us, either!

Are you dating at the moment?

No, I’ve had someone in my life for many years.

How do you chill out?

I’ve been resting a lot. And definitely catching up on my wine and my friends. That’s crucial!

And you’re playing an alien in James Cameron’s new 3D sci-fi epic Avatar...

Yes. The aliens are called Na’vi. I’m like the Princess Na’vi. My character is caught in the middle of a war between two planets.

Do you get to do stunts?

Oh my God, it was nothing but that! I fell off a horse. I had a horse step on me. I was taking archery lessons, training in martial arts, for seven months, six days a week. I was loving it.

Cameron’s keeping it very secret. What can you tell us about it?

The 3D motion capture looks totally real. It’s crazy as hell and it’s going to f***ing make your palms sweat.