Zendaya, renowned for her roles as virtuous characters, is ready to explore a different shade of acting. The 26-year-old actress, featured on the cover of Elle’s September issue, disclosed her yearning to take on the role of a villain in an upcoming project.
In her conversation with Elle, Zendaya expressed her eagerness to “tap into the evil, supervillain vibes,” indicating a desire to step into the realm of antagonistic characters. The actress, who has frequently portrayed heroic figures, shared her aspiration to break away from her accustomed roles. “I feel like I usually play the good guy, so I’d like to play the bad guy,” she remarked during the interview.
Nonetheless, Zendaya clarified that her villainous portrayal wouldn’t necessarily replicate the likes of Thanos from superhero narratives. Rather, she emphasized the emotional depth and complexity that embody her envisioned villain roles. “Whatever that manifests in, I don’t think necessarily in a superhero sense, I just mean in like an emotional sense,” she elaborated, illustrating her intention to delve into the multifaceted aspects of evildoers.
The Emmy-winning actress previously hinted at her interest in filmmaking and direction, echoing sentiments she shared with British Vogue. In addition to acting, she envisions herself pursuing a path in directing, an endeavor she hopes to undertake in the future. Aside from her cinematic pursuits, Zendaya also revealed an alternate career path she might have followed. “And I think outside [the industry], I feel like I would have probably followed in the footsteps of my parents and become a teacher. I love kids, I love learning and I love teaching,” she mused.
Zendaya’s commitment to advocating for change through art remains steadfast. The actress, known for her role in “Dune: Part Two,” envisions her filmmaking endeavors as a means to champion diversity within the entertainment industry. In line with this vision, she emphasized her dedication to casting Black women in leading roles if she were to venture into filmmaking.
As her upcoming film “Challengers” nears its release, Zendaya’s multifaceted career continues to evolve. The movie portrays her character, Tashi, guiding her husband Art (Mike Faist) on a journey from being an underperforming athlete to a Grand Slam champion. Tashi’s determination to propel Art to victory against his former friend and competitor, Patrick (played by Josh O’Connor), adds an intriguing layer to the narrative.
Zendaya’s desire for growth in her craft is palpable, as she seeks roles that challenge her from a character perspective. With an eye towards the future, she recognizes the need for roles that resonate with her age and experience. As her fans anticipate the release of “Challengers” on April 26, 2024, Zendaya’s commitment to embracing the spectrum of human experience through her roles remains unwavering.