Top 10 Coolest Things About Zendaya

Zendaya has quickly become one of the most talented and adaptable actors of her generation. She started on Disney Channel and has successfully transitioned to critically acclaimed television, major movie franchises, the world of high fashion, and even producing. She consistently chooses challenging roles, dedicates herself to physical training for demanding scenes, and actively participates in the creative process behind her projects. Here are ten examples that showcase her impressive range and deliberate career choices.

‘Euphoria’ (2019–) – historic Lead Actress Emmy wins

Zendaya plays Rue Bennett in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’, a teenager dealing with addiction and getting better. She’s won two Primetime Emmy Awards for her performance as the lead actress in a drama – making her the youngest person to ever win that award twice. Her work on the show has brought important conversations about addiction and representation to a wider audience. She’s also created and performed original music for the series.

‘Spider-Man’ (2017–2021) – redefining MJ in the MCU trilogy

Zendaya stars as Michelle “MJ” Jones-Watson alongside Tom Holland’s Peter Parker in the Marvel Studios ‘Spider-Man’ films. Her portrayal of MJ is a modern take on the character, starting as a classmate and becoming a key partner throughout the three movies. The trilogy was a major box-office success and has cemented MJ as an important figure in the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe.

‘Dune’ (2021–2024) – leading a sci-fi epic as Chani

In Denis Villeneuve’s film adaptation of ‘Dune,’ Zendaya plays Chani, a skilled warrior from the Fremen people who becomes an important part of Paul Atreides’ story. While she initially appeared briefly, Chani’s role grew significantly in later parts of the film. The movies are visually stunning, using expansive desert sets, real-world effects, and IMAX cameras. Zendaya’s character is central to understanding the culture and politics of the planet Arrakis, and her performance beautifully links the personal story to the larger themes of power and what it takes to survive.

‘Challengers’ (2024) – star and producer with elite tennis prep

Zendaya stars in ‘Challengers’ as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis star who now coaches. The movie centers around a competitive love triangle in the world of professional tennis. Zendaya was also a producer on the film, meaning she helped with creative choices behind the scenes. To make her performance realistic, she trained hard with famous tennis coach Brad Gilbert, learning the specific movements and techniques of the sport. The film combines compelling characters with impressive and accurate tennis action.

‘The Greatest Showman’ (2017) – doing her own aerial work

I was completely blown away by Zendaya in ‘The Greatest Showman’! She truly embodied Anne Wheeler, the trapeze artist. It’s incredible how much she trained – she didn’t just act like she was flying, she actually performed amazing aerial work and those wire sequences looked so challenging! And her voice! That duet, “Rewrite the Stars,” with Zac Efron was a highlight for me. She seamlessly combined acting, singing, and doing her own stunts – it was a really captivating performance.

‘K.C. Undercover’ (2015–2018) – shaping a Disney lead on and off screen

Zendaya played K.C. Cooper, a smart teenage spy, in the Disney Channel show ‘K.C. Undercover’. She actively worked to make the show better, pushing for her character to be intelligent, her family to be realistically portrayed, and for a diverse cast. She even became a producer, giving her valuable experience working behind the scenes. The series helped Zendaya transition from a child actor into a well-rounded young adult star.

‘Shake It Up’ (2010–2013) – breakout that built performance chops

Zendaya first became well-known for her role as Rocky Blue on the Disney Channel’s show ‘Shake It Up,’ a comedy featuring lots of dancing. The show helped her develop her performance skills, including timing and how to command attention on stage. It also brought her to the attention of audiences worldwide and led to opportunities to work with musicians. This early experience proved valuable as she later took on more serious and action-packed roles.

‘Malcolm & Marie’ (2021) – a contained, black-and-white two-hander

Zendaya stars in ‘Malcolm & Marie,’ a black-and-white drama that focuses intensely on its characters. Filmed with a small team and strict safety measures, the movie highlights the actors’ performances and skillful filmmaking. Zendaya also served as a producer, helping to shape the film’s close-up and personal feel. The project really showcased her talent for leading a movie driven by the relationships between its characters.

‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’ (2021) – voicing an iconic character

As a critic, I have to say Zendaya really shines voicing Lola Bunny in ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’. It’s a fun, hybrid film blending live-action and classic Looney Tunes characters. What impressed me was how she approached the voice work – it demanded a different skillset, relying entirely on her voice to convey Lola’s energy and humor. It felt like a smart move to bring her on board, giving a fresh take on a familiar character and introducing her to a whole new audience through family-friendly animation and big franchise storytelling.

‘Smallfoot’ (2018) – animated musical chops as Meechee

Zendaya lent her voice and musical talent to the character of Meechee in the animated film ‘Smallfoot’. This role highlights her ability to seamlessly move between acting in live-action films and voice acting, and demonstrated her skill at performing songs and creating relatable characters for younger viewers. The film’s positive reception further proved her adaptability and range as an entertainer.

Share your favorite Zendaya moment—or a role you think deserves more love—in the comments!

2025-10-23 01:47