Zendaya’s recent interview with Vogue offers a candid glimpse into her thoughts on her career, her relationship with Tom Holland, and navigating the complexities of fame in Hollywood. The 27-year-old star of “Challengers” opened up about her aspirations for the future, the dynamics of her romance with Holland, and her reflections on fame and friendship.
Discussing the possibility of starting a family and her enduring fame, Zendaya shared her desire for a balance between her public persona and her private life. “Because I don’t necessarily want my kids to have to deal with this,” she mused. “And what does my future look like? Am I going to be a public-facing person forever?” Zendaya expressed a longing for a sense of normalcy and privacy, emphasizing her desire to create and maintain a safe, protected life for herself and her loved ones. She said that her ideal is to “make things and pop out when I need to pop out, and then have a safe and protected life with my family, and not be worried that if I’m not delivering something all the time, or not giving all the time, that everything’s going to go away. I think that’s always been a massive anxiety of mine: this idea that people will just be like, Actually, I know I’ve been with you since you were 14, but I’m over you now because you’re boring.”
Reflecting on Holland’s meteoric rise to fame, particularly in his role as Spider-Man, Zendaya recounted their early days together. “We were both very, very young, but my career was already kind of going, and his changed overnight,” she recalled. Witnessing Holland’s transformation from an ordinary teenager to a global superstar was a surreal experience for Zendaya, yet she commended his grace and resilience in navigating fame’s challenges. “I definitely watched his life kind of change in front of him. But he handled it really beautifully.”
As Holland prepares to take on the iconic role of Romeo in a West End production of “Romeo & Juliet,” Zendaya expressed her pride and admiration for her partner. “I could not be more proud,” she declared, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to support him by attending as many shows as possible. “I’m going to try to see as many shows as I possibly can.”
One of the most poignant moments of Zendaya’s interview was when she shared a realization she had about her relationship with Tom during a trip to the Louvre with Holland in 2022. Despite initial reservations about attracting attention in public, Zendaya had an epiphany about their relationship. “It was actually fine,” she recounted. “You just kind of get used to the fact that, Oh, I’m also one of these art pieces you’re going to take a picture of. I just gotta be totally cool with it and just live my life.” Their late-night adventure in the museum, reminiscent of “Night at the Museum,” served as a testament to their shared experiences and the bond they’ve forged amidst the glare of the spotlight.
In response to questions about her Hollywood friend group, Zendaya admitted to keeping to herself but expressed a desire for greater diversity and representation. While acknowledging her appreciation for her peers, she emphasized the importance of surrounding herself with individuals who reflect her own experiences and identity. “I love and I’m grateful for my peers, but I would love to see more who look a little bit more like me around me. I think that that is something that is crucial and necessary,” she remarked, highlighting the need for inclusivity and solidarity within the industry.
Zendaya’s interview offers a poignant reflection on fame, love, and identity, reminding us of the complexities and challenges faced by those in the spotlight. With grace and authenticity, she navigates the intricacies of her public persona while staying true to herself and her values.
