Zendaya, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in both television and film, is receiving substantial recognition this year for her performance as Tashi Duncan in the new film "Challengers." During The Hollywood Reporter's annual actress roundtable, Zendaya reflected on her complex evolution as an artist and the challenges she faced stepping away from childhood roles.
Having started her career as a teenager on Disney Channel shows like "Shake It Up" and "Frenemies," Zendaya has long been entrenched in the public eye. Now, at 28, she finds herself grappling with the transition from portraying youthful characters to more mature roles. "For so long I was playing a teenager, way past when I was one," she remarked during the discussion with fellow award frontrunners which included veterans like Tilda Swinton and Demi Moore.
Zendaya's character Tashi Duncan embodies adult themes of loss and identity, reflecting her personal fears. "What if it was all taken away?" Zendaya mused, intently connecting her character’s passion for tennis to her own deep love for acting. Losing something central to one's identity can create existential questions, and for Zendaya, it resonates with her life as she navigates the pressures of fame and performance.
"I have a complicated relationship with the idea of child acting because I've seen it be detrimental to people," she admitted candidly. "I'm so grateful this is how it turned out. I wouldn't change it, but there are things I wish I lived out privately..." The pressures of growing up under the spotlight have shaped her outlook on her career. She acknowledges the unique position she's been placed in, stating, "You're figuring out who you are in front of the world.
Previously, Zendaya spoke on these topics to Vogue Australia back in 2020, where she emphasized maintaining her clarity of vision and sense of self through her transition from adolescence to adulthood. "Navigated my transition by having clarity of vision" lays groundwork for both her acting choices and personal development.
The roundtable discussion also highlighted the camaraderie and shared struggles among actresses facing the pressures of the industry. "A lot of women in the past didn’t have this table. They didn’t have community in this way," noted Angelina Jolie, stressing the importance of solidarity among women creatives.
Zendaya’s forthcoming roles seem to capture this essence of growth and maturity. Joining Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist, the film 'Challengers' showcases her as Tashi Duncan, offering her the chance to step not just physically, but emotionally, away from her teen roles. "This was my first time being part of the producing aspect," Zendaya excitedly shared. The character's nuanced emotional struggles resonate with Zendaya's earlier fears about losing her identity when stepping away from acting.
Despite her earlier fears, the actress has also taken steps outside her acting career to cultivate her personal interests. "I've been exploring hobbies.. pottery and baking scones as some things I can embrace outside of the entertainment industry," she said. This exploration signals her desire to connect with her own identity and interests beyond her acting career, helping her establish who she is when not performing.
Though she recognizes the difficulties of shifting her on-screen presence and persona, she finds space where she can express herself freely. "Being on set is one of the few places where I don't judge myself... it’s not me," she reflected, indicating how performance can often act as both shield and discovery.
Growth, for Zendaya, is not simply about roles. It’s also about reckoning with the past, the sacrifices made, and the freedom to explore new passions. "It's still something I'm figuring out," she states, hinting at the challenges and requirements of realizing her full self outside her artistic identity.
Returning to her industry roots, Zendaya cherishes the lessons learned from both past roles and new experiences. "I’m grateful.. I love my job so much," she concluded, hinting at her continued drive to grow both on and off screen. The conversations at the roundtable are more than just reflection; they are about support and willingness to share burdens of success.
Zendaya's experience beautifully embodies the transition many young actors face as they grow beyond their initial roles. The dialogue at the roundtable displayed the importance of nurturing oneself amid the pressures of celebrity and performance. She understands her career path, the challenges entwined with child stardom, and embraces the opportunity to explore her identity—both as Zendaya and as the characters she portrays.