Zendaya Set to Star as Cleopatra in Denis Villeneuve‘s New Film
Zendaya’s ascent in Hollywood continues with the proclamation she will portray Cleopatra in an upcoming film directed by Denis Villeneuve. The Quebecois filmmaker intends a starkly realistic depiction of the iconic queen, diverging from traditional portrayals with the inclusion of graphic, historically-grounded scenes. This casting solidifies Zendaya’s position as one of her generation’s most sought-after actors and signals a bold new direction for the Cleopatra narrative.
At 27, Zendaya has already amassed an impressive body of work, demonstrating a versatility that spans film, television, and music. Her rapid rise reflects a changing landscape in entertainment, where young talent is increasingly entrusted with leading roles and complex characters. The Cleopatra project, coupled with her existing accolades, underscores her influence and potential to redefine cinematic history.
Over the past decade, Zendaya has appeared in 10 feature films and held roles in seven television series. Beyond acting, she launched her musical career with the 2013 album Zendaya and has since released 15 singles. Her personal life, while largely private, includes a relationship with actor Tom Holland, whom she met while filming Spider-Man in 2021.
Zendaya’s talent has been widely recognized through numerous awards,including: the 2019 People’s Choice Award for Film Actress of the Year for spider-Man; the 2019 People’s Choice Award for Best Actress in a Dramatic Television Series for Euphoria; and a Golden globe in 2023 for her performance in Euphoria. Notably,she is the youngest actress to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series,also for euphoria.
Zendaya - the journey of an icon
by Eloise Barry
Casa Éditions
144 pages / Large illustrated format
