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In the magazine biz, we have a shorthand for stars of a certain caliber: cover-only.
As in, dont even have a go at request an interview unless shes going on the cover.
As in, you wont get the time you need even if youdopromise a cover.
Now, you need her you lowly, pathetic worms.
While she admires Zendayas poise on the red carpet, onscreen, The charisma and intensity just arent there.
When did you first become aware of Zendaya?
When I became older, do you think I would follow Zendaya?
The first time I really saw her act was inEuphorias first season, and I was like, Okay.
That was my response.
Shes better at portraying anger than other emotions.
I dont think shes great at it, but I do think thats her thing.
Matt Zoller Seitz:I saw her in some Disney Channel shows, secondhand through my kids.
She didnt make any particular impression on me.
When I saw her inEuphoria, I was kind of bowled over.
I dont understand how any human could give it any semblance of coherence, even with narration.
But I think she does it.
I agree with Angelica that shes more authoritative in that role because she seems very contemporary.
Zendaya has a face that knows what a cell phone is.
How did you start thinking about her that way?
:Im kind of in the tank for her, Ive got to say.
ForChallengers, Im just going to call it right now: Shes going to get an Oscar nomination.
:If she does, I want yall to know that I will be on a tear.
I dont even give a fuck about the Oscars.
But I will have a lot to say.
I have a lot of thoughts on why shes the only major Black actress from the younger set.
Lets jump into that.
So youre saying from the younger set, shes the only major Black actress who
A.J.B.
Who has power, who is getting those producing credits.
It was implied in herVogueprofile that it was Zendayas choice to cast Mike Faist and Josh OConnor.
This is not on her, but Hollywoods return to whiteness is actually astounding.
They said, DEI, get out of here.
Im surprised more people arent talking about how thats reflected onscreen.
Its interesting to see how Zendaya navigates that.
Shes not only the acceptable version of a Black girl in Hollywood because shes thin and light-skinned and biracial.
MLC: What does that mean to you?
Do you think white people are comfortable with Black womens actual, fully embodied anger?
It would turn to them.
Look atthe men inMoonlight,Trevante Rhodes and Ashton Sanders.
Look at Anna Diop fromNikyatu Jusus filmNanny that woman is amazing.
It always feels like Im watching someone play-act in their older sisters clothes.
I dont think shes a strong gravitational force.
She doesnt bring sexual heat.
Sensuality is really hard to play, and we are living in a very un-sensual era in general.
I think people are feral, horny, and sad, and theyre not getting fucked.
And I can tell by their movie taste.
This is making me think about child stars in general.
I can almost imagine her studying them.
That functions on an almost subterranean level.
That, to me, is a producers mentality.
We have to discuss her stylist,Law Roach.
:Her best collaborator.
Its honestly very cunning how Roach has styled her.
ThatThierry Mugler robot suitis stunning.
Shes great on the red carpet.
She has a little fun, charm, and energy.
She can be a little saucy, she can be more seductive.
And I dont see that onscreen!
:Its always been true to some extent, but it seems to be getting worse.
:I think it is.
One of my favorite stars, Elizabeth Taylor, was a child actress.
I dont want to say that no stars are good at portraying emotions I mean, I love stars.
The ones whom I love are just old as hell or theyre dead.
:Thats why Tom Cruise wasnt believable as an adult until he was well into his 40s.
:Even then hes a strange, strange man.
A little freak in my opinion.
How does this translate into Zendaya playing a mother inChallengers?
:I found it believable.
And if she doesnt come on like some kind of a bulldozer, then the movie doesnt work.
For me, she worked.
I believe her as that bulldozer.
:If there was no actual kid onscreen, I would be like, She aint no mom.
But when it comes to actual hunger for artistic experience, I dont see it.
What would be satisfying for you to see her do next?
:I am curious about Zendaya in her 30s.
Does she loosen up?
Yeah, why the fuck wouldnt you want to work with Black people?
Were the fucking coolest.
:She should just go ahead and direct.
What is her version ofQuiz ShoworA River Runs Through It?
I think shed be good.
Shes not going to go out there and wing it.
You know that when she gets on to set, that shits going to betight.
