Zendaya’s Career: From ‘Euphoria’ to ‘Challengers’

Zendaya has completed a remarkable journey from a Disney Channel favorite to an Emmy-winning Hollywood A-lister. She began her career as a child model and dancer before gaining fame on the sitcom ‘Shake It Up’. Her transition from teen star to serious dramatic actress has been seamless, proving her talent and versatility with each new role. She is now one of the most respected and sought-after actors of her generation.

Beyond acting, Zendaya has become a global fashion icon and a powerful force in the entertainment industry. She has taken on the role of producer for several of her projects, giving her more creative input and control over her career. Her careful selection of complex roles in both independent films and major blockbusters highlights her dedication to her craft and her ambition to push creative boundaries.

‘Shake It Up’ (2010–2013)

This Disney Channel sitcom was Zendaya’s breakout project. She co-starred as Raquel “Rocky” Blue, an intelligent and ambitious teenager who, along with her best friend CeCe Jones, lands a job as a background dancer on a local TV show. The series followed their adventures as they balanced school, family, and their newfound fame.

The show was incredibly popular with young audiences and established Zendaya as a rising star. It showcased her talents as a dancer and a comedic actress, building a strong fan base that would follow her throughout her career. Her performance as the loyal and studious Rocky made her a role model for many viewers.

‘Frenemies’ (2012)

Zendaya starred in this Disney Channel Original Movie alongside her ‘Shake It Up’ co-star Bella Thorne. The television film is an anthology of three short stories about friends whose relationships turn sour. Zendaya played Halley Brandon in the first story, which focuses on the challenges of running a web magazine with a best friend.

The movie was a popular feature on the network and gave Zendaya another opportunity to connect with her young audience. It allowed her to play a different character outside of the sitcom format, further developing her acting skills within the Disney ecosystem.

‘Zapped’ (2014)

In another leading role for a Disney Channel Original Movie, Zendaya played Zoey Stevens. Her character is a skilled dancer and straight-A student whose life is turned upside down when she moves to a new school. Things change when she discovers a magical app on her phone that can control boys.

‘Zapped’ was a ratings success for Disney Channel and cemented Zendaya’s status as one of the network’s biggest stars. The lighthearted, fantasy-comedy plot was a perfect fit for its target audience and showcased her charm and charisma as a lead actress.

‘K.C. Undercover’ (2015–2018)

Zendaya took the lead role in another Disney Channel series, ‘K.C. Undercover’. She played K.C. Cooper, a high school math whiz and black belt in karate who discovers that her parents are secret government spies. She is recruited to join them, leading a double life as a student and an undercover agent.

This series was a significant step for Zendaya, as she also served as a producer. This role gave her a voice in the show’s creative direction, ensuring her character was portrayed as smart, capable, and multi-dimensional. The show was a success and demonstrated her growing influence and business sense within the industry.

‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ (2017)

Zendaya made her debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’. She played Michelle, a clever and observant classmate of Peter Parker. Her character, who goes by MJ, is a modern re-imagining of the iconic figure from the Spider-Man comics.

Her version of MJ was praised for being a fresh and unique take, providing witty commentary from the sidelines. Though her screen time was limited, she made a memorable impression with her deadpan humor and mysterious personality, ending the film with the reveal of her famous nickname.

‘The Greatest Showman’ (2017)

Zendaya made a major impact on the big screen in the musical blockbuster ‘The Greatest Showman’. She played Anne Wheeler, a skilled trapeze artist who faces prejudice for being a woman of color. Her character performs a breathtaking aerial duet with Phillip Carlyle, played by Zac Efron, which becomes a central part of the film’s love story.

Her performance was widely praised, highlighting her singing, dancing, and acting abilities. The song ‘Rewrite the Stars’, a duet with Efron, became a global hit and is one of the most memorable moments in the film. This role proved she could hold her own in a large-scale Hollywood production alongside veteran actors.

‘Duck Duck Goose’ (2018)

Zendaya lent her voice to the animated film ‘Duck Duck Goose’. She voiced Chi, a sweet and adorable duckling who gets separated from her flock along with her brother. The two ducklings are then looked after by a freewheeling gander named Peng, voiced by Jim Gaffigan.

This role was one of her first forays into major animated voice work. It allowed her to showcase a different aspect of her performance skills, bringing warmth and innocence to her character in a film aimed at a very young audience.

‘Smallfoot’ (2018)

Continuing her work in animation, Zendaya voiced the character of Meechee in the musical comedy ‘Smallfoot’. The film tells the story of a community of Yetis who believe that humans, or “smallfeet,” are just a myth. Meechee is the kind and curious daughter of the village chief who believes that smallfeet are real.

Her character is central to the film’s theme of curiosity and acceptance. The role also gave Zendaya a chance to showcase her singing talent once again, as she performed the song ‘Wonderful Life’ for the movie’s soundtrack.

‘The OA’ (2019)

Zendaya took on a guest role in the second season of the mysterious and philosophical Netflix series ‘The OA’. She appeared in three episodes as Fola, a brilliant puzzle-solver who helps one of the main characters navigate a complex, multi-dimensional mystery inside a tech company.

Though a small role, her appearance was significant as it showed her interest in working on unconventional and artistically ambitious projects. It was a departure from her more mainstream work and demonstrated her desire to collaborate with unique storytellers in television.

‘Spider-Man: Far from Home’ (2019)

Zendaya reprised her role as MJ in the sequel, where her character became the primary love interest for Peter Parker. The film follows Peter and his classmates on a school trip to Europe, where MJ’s sharp observational skills lead her to figure out that Peter is Spider-Man.

Her role was significantly expanded in this installment, allowing her to develop the character’s personality and build her romantic chemistry with Tom Holland. She brought a mix of humor, vulnerability, and strength to MJ, making their relationship a central and beloved part of the film.

‘Euphoria’ (2019–present)

In a dramatic shift from her earlier work, Zendaya took on the lead role of Rue Bennett in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’. Rue is a 17-year-old recovering drug addict who struggles with anxiety, depression, and finding her place in the world. The series is a raw and unflinching look at modern teenage life.

Her portrayal of Rue has received universal critical acclaim and is considered a career-defining performance. For this role, she won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. The wins made her the youngest two-time winner in that category and solidified her status as a premier dramatic actress.

‘Malcolm & Marie’ (2021)

During the pandemic, Zendaya starred in and produced the black-and-white drama ‘Malcolm & Marie’. The film follows a filmmaker and his girlfriend over the course of one night as their relationship is tested after returning home from his movie premiere. The story unfolds in a single location, focusing entirely on the two characters’ intense, emotional conversation.

The role of Marie allowed Zendaya to deliver a powerful and complex performance, exploring themes of love, resentment, and creative ownership. The film was a significant artistic challenge and earned her a nomination for the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Actress, further proving her range and depth as a performer.

‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’ (2021)

Zendaya provided the voice for the iconic character Lola Bunny in ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’. The film is a sequel to the 1996 classic and stars LeBron James alongside the beloved Looney Tunes characters. Zendaya’s version of Lola Bunny was reimagined as a strong and skilled leader.

Taking over such a well-known role, she brought her own confident and capable spin to the character. Her voice work was a key part of modernizing Lola Bunny for a new generation, contributing to one of the most talked-about animated performances of the year.

‘Dune’ (2021)

Zendaya entered the world of epic science fiction as Chani in Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of ‘Dune’. Chani is a skilled Fremen warrior from the desert planet of Arrakis who appears in the visions of the protagonist, Paul Atreides. Her presence is a mysterious and guiding force for Paul throughout the film.

Although her screen time in the first part was brief, her character was essential for setting up the future of the saga. Her portrayal of Chani was praised for its intensity and screen presence, leaving audiences eager to see her role expand in the next chapter.

‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ (2021)

In the third film of the trilogy, Zendaya’s MJ plays a crucial role as Peter Parker’s partner and closest confidante. After Peter’s identity as Spider-Man is revealed to the world, MJ and their friend Ned are caught in the chaos, facing dangerous consequences that test their relationships and their futures.

Her performance grounded the film’s high-stakes, multiversal plot with real human emotion. The powerful and heartbreaking chemistry between her and Tom Holland was at the core of the film’s story, which went on to become one of the highest-grossing movies of all time.

‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)

Zendaya returned as Chani in ‘Dune: Part Two’, with her role expanded to that of the co-lead alongside Timothée Chalamet. The film delves deep into Fremen culture and follows Chani as she teaches Paul the ways of the desert while grappling with her feelings for him and the prophecies that surround him.

Her performance was central to the sequel’s emotional weight and narrative drive. She powerfully portrayed Chani’s strength, skepticism, and love, earning widespread praise from critics and audiences for bringing depth and a grounded perspective to the epic sci-fi story.

‘Challengers’ (2024)

Zendaya starred as Tashi Duncan in the romantic sports drama ‘Challengers’. Her character is a former tennis prodigy who becomes a coach after a career-ending injury. The film centers on a complex love triangle between Tashi, her husband, and his former best friend, who are all competing in a high-stakes tennis tournament.

Her performance as the confident and manipulative Tashi was praised by critics as one of her best. The role was a bold choice, showcasing a more mature and commanding side of her acting abilities. The film was a critical and commercial success, reinforcing her status as a compelling leading lady who can draw audiences to original films.

Let us know which Zendaya role you think is the most iconic in the comments below.