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‘The Odyssey’ Star Zendaya Becomes a Martial Arts Action Hero in On’s Thrilling New Campaign Film

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Zendaya already has blockbuster credentials thanks to ‘Spider-Man’ and ‘Dune’, but her latest project gives her an action showcase entirely on her own terms. The actress joined Swiss sportswear brand On as an ambassador in 2024, following her performance in the tennis-themed film ‘Challengers’. Now, Zendaya’s On campaign has evolved into a genuine mini action movie.

Her partnership with the brand has always leaned cinematic. For the Spring/Summer 2025 line, she starred in ‘Zone Dreamers’, a retro-futuristic sci-fi campaign directed by visual artist Nadia Lee Cohen. Her first co-created apparel collection followed in April, accompanied by a short film from Academy Award winner Spike Jonze.

On October 1, On unveiled Zendaya’s second co-created collection with a 2-minute action film, and Pop Crave’s post of the ad quickly spread online. The campaign was directed by Argentinian trio Pantera through production company SMUGGLER, who blended fashion sensibilities with the physicality of action blockbusters and fan-favorite kung fu films.

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The story plays out as an urban chase. Zendaya fights off a large group of female adversaries using choreographed martial arts moves, all while dressed head to toe in pieces from the new line. Eventually, she escapes with a leap of faith from the top of a building, helped by a well-timed distraction from her longtime stylist, Law Roach.

The ad opens in a striking setting, with Zendaya framed between towering concrete pillars as the action builds. Marie Claire has reported that she performs her own stunts throughout the film, adding another layer of authenticity to her action-hero turn.

The line was developed alongside Roach and focuses on movement, style, and everyday wear. Key pieces include a python-print bodysuit and jacket, plus oversize crewnecks and sweatpants with ruching and bungee cord details.

Zendaya explained that the duo had fun with a python print designed to work like a modern take on camouflage. Roach added that their goal was to bring personality and a love of print to technical fabrics, creating pieces that feel good in motion.

Footwear is a big part of the drop, too. The collection introduces a new take on the Cloudnova Moon sneaker in a Mary Jane-inspired silhouette, featuring an engineered knit upper and speed laces, available in 3 colorways.

Alongside the film, On released campaign stills shot by photographer Cass Bird. The images capture Zendaya moving with purpose and attitude in clothes from the new collection, extending the energy of the film into a classic fashion shoot.

The brand is also bringing the collection to life offline, with immersive retail pop-ups planned in major cities. The pieces are now available on On’s website and in its stores worldwide.

The campaign arrives at an important moment for On. According to Adweek, the brand is using the partnership to continue its mission of winning over younger women and challenging giants like Nike, as growth slows in the Americas.

With Zendaya front and center, it’s easy to see why. Her blend of star power and fashion credibility, combined with Roach’s styling vision, has turned each new drop into a cultural event rather than a simple product launch. If this action-packed film is any indication, the pair are only getting more ambitious with every collection.

Would you want Zendaya to star in a full-length martial arts action movie?

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