Zendaya is covering the January issue of InStyle, where she’s promoting The Greatest Showman, out December 20th. You can see the trailer here, I will watch it! I love seeing movies over the holidays. It also stars Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams and Zac Efron. It looks like the perfect family-friendly holiday movie and I bet it will make bank. I’ve never read a bad interview with Zendaya and this is no exception. In Style reveals that she did her own trapeze stunts for the film, which is impressive, but she’s not gloating or trying to use it as a talking point. Zendaya is just matter-of-fact about things. She also discusses her clothing line, being a role model and how she takes that seriously and sexual harassment.
On her rise to the top
“It’s weird to be like, ‘Hmm, how successful am I?’ I just try to live, and, you know, shit happens. I’ve said it a million times, but I’d rather be known for the active change I’ve made than for what my name stands for.”On her clothing line being gender neutral
“I just felt that if I’m going to do a clothing line, that’s the only way I see it being done. That’s the future of fashion.”On navigating fame
“I’ve had the luxury of watching people do this before me, and I realize that [being a role model] is actually a huge part of the job. You sign up for that. You’re being watched. You can choose to accept that and appreciate it, or you can choose not to. That’s 100 percent your choice. I choose to acknowledge it.”On sexual harassment in Hollywood
“The bravery of the women who came forward is a huge step toward making sure it’s safer for me and other young women who are just coming up. I’m at that prime age right now. Twenty-one. Starting off. That’s when people take advantage and abuse their power and do terrible shit. I think it’s definitely a sisterhood.”On her role in The Greatest Showman
“A big part of my character’s storyline, the reason that she is an oddity, is that she and her brother are black…I’m biracial, so there are many [shared] experiences there.”
Zendaya also talked about training to do her own stunts, and how she enjoyed doing that with Zac Efron particularly. She said they would text each other about how sore they were the next day and that “It was good to have a partner who was just as excited as I was.” For his part Zac calls working with Zendaya “awesome” and gushes about her moves. You can see a brief interview with the two of them including clips from the film below.
I’m struck by what a work ethic Zendaya has, and how thoughtful she is about just about every aspect of fame. She’s not a navel-gazer, she doesn’t sound full of herself, and she strives to be informed and articulate about issues. She’s dedicated to her work and yet she somehow seems laid back. Also, I love her fashion particularly. She’s one who takes risks and can pull off just about any look.
We’ve heard for some time that Zendaya’s parents are protective of her. Her dad famously chaperoned her on a date when she was 19. That may sound excessive, but given everything we’ve learned about her industry in the past few weeks it was probably smart of them. Not that it’s ever enough.
Look at her puppy!
Zendaya is shown at the airport on 11-22 and at an event on 11-14. Photos Credit: InStyle by Anthony Maule, Backgrid and WENN
She’s always well-spoken and clearly articulates her thoughts.
Yes! She’s so articulate and thoughtful in her interviews. And young and fresh and beautiful, but doesn’t seem all caught up in that. She’s one of these rising stars that give me hope for the future.
And she had great style
Between her and Amandla and Yara I have high hopes for the next gen of black Girl Magic. She’s such a hard working and thoughtful young adult.
There was a time not so long ago (I think it was during the last award season) in which she became quite close to Weinstein and his wife. I don’t even want to think about what could have happened to her. I’m so glad that guy is over.
…zac is also hard at it…tentpole after tentpole…Im having trouble avoiding them all…Neighbours was more than enough…
She’s not entirely wrong but a woman doesn’t have to be young and beautiful to get harassed or abused. It’s not just young women starting their careers.
It’s true, but I was harassed wayyyyy more in my early 20’s. Guys think it’s easier to take advantage. That’s why girls in their twenties dating guys 10+ years older is such a red flag. Usually older women spot and call out the bullshit. It takes a while to get to that place in a culture that socializes you to be sweet and docile and not make waves and believe the best in everyone.
Yeah, you can get abused at any age. What she doesn’t mention is that she is at an age that is very advantageous for her career. People tend to be charmed and helpful when you are in your early twenties. It’s like they are thinking “I remember being young and just starting out.”
THIS
She’s pretty impressive – not just for her age, but in general. She seems incredibly thoughtful, confident but not arrogant, and hardworking. She doesn’t come off as entitled, or ‘over it’ – she seems happy with the work she’s put in and how her career has been panning out. She just seems like an incredibly nice, well rounded person.
And bonus doggy photos are always nice.
She seems well spoken and smart. I hope she has along career.
I’m not excited about this movie. Its just bad timing, the reimagined story of a white savior protecting “freaks” and profiting greatly off of showcasing them only because he’s a good family man.
I love Zac Efron, I think he’s so handsome. Is he dating anyone? I’m adding them to my fantasy couple league, they look so good together! Dancing and jumping around. Ugh graceful.
Yes ! literally just squealed at the thought of them getting together ! but shes too cool for him … le sigh
She is so awesome! I am so glad she can be a role model for my daughter! We talk about her a lot, especially because my daughter likes to wear boys’ clothes sometimes and every time we’re in the dept store we talk about how the clothes should all just be gender neutral. So when Zendaya came out and said the same thing that made my daughter feel really good.
I hear someone whose parents have explained everything that a young girl needs to know to her very patiently and thoroughly.
It is amazing how well mom and dad have done, considering she became famous when she was a child. Very good job.
I love her & I really can’t wait to see this movie!! I hope she continues to be as great as she is now & as successful as she is 🙂