Zendaya Wants to Play a Villain in Next Role

Zendaya’s Ambitions: Embracing Villainy and Directorial Dreams

Zendaya, celebrated for her Emmy-winning role in “Euphoria” and her appearances in upcoming films like “Challengers” and “Dune: Part Two,” is setting her sights on new horizons in her acting career. Her aspirations include delving into the realm of antagonistic characters and stepping behind the camera as a director. This article explores  26 year-old Zendaya’s desire to portray a villainous character and her ambitions as a director.

Zendaya has spoken candidly about how her rise to stardom elicited a lack of privacy in her personal life, especially in her relationship. ‘I can’t not be a person and live my life and love the person I love,’ the former Disney Channel star says

Embracing the Dark Side: Zendaya’s Urge to Play a Villain

Zendaya, known for her diverse roles and captivating performances, is eager to take on a new challenge by embracing the role of a villain. While discussing her future aspirations, she expressed her interest in tapping into the world of evil and supervillainry. It’s not about donning a superhero cape, but rather about delving into the emotional complexity of a character with negative inclinations. Zendaya revealed her longing to break away from her typical portrayal of the protagonist and explore the depths of playing an antagonist. As she puts it, “I would love to play a villain of sorts. Tap into that evil, supervillain vibe. Whatever that manifests in… I don’t think necessarily in a superhero sense but in an emotional sense. I feel like I usually play the good guy, so I’d like to play the bad guy.”

Directorial Dreams: Zendaya’s Journey Behind the Camera

Beyond her acting endeavors, Zendaya’s dreams extend to the realm of directing. She previously disclosed her near-miss opportunity to direct an episode of “Euphoria” Season 2, titled “A Thousand Little Trees of Blood.” However, her commitments as an actress in the same episode left her with insufficient time for preparation. Undeterred, Zendaya is resolute in her desire to helm a feature film. She expresses her aspiration to step into the director’s chair, acknowledging that the initial step toward personal achievement is a daunting one. In her own words, “direct one day. To direct a film, hopefully more than just one, but just doing it… The first step to actually doing something yourself is not an easy step to take, so hopefully I can get over the fear.”

Directorial Debut on the Horizon: Zendaya’s Vision for “Euphoria”

Zendaya’s foray into directing is gradually taking shape, with plans for her to direct an episode of “Euphoria” Season 3. Although the series is expected to make its return in 2025, the timeline has been influenced by the ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike and Sam Levinson’s role as showrunner for “The Idol.” Francesca Orsi, HBO’s drama chief, anticipates Zendaya’s involvement as a director and provides insight into the current status of the show’s production. She remarks, “’Euphoria’ is one of those that we had begun writing in tandem with post-production on ‘Idol’ but at this point, we don’t have countless scripts… We can’t start shooting, so the delivery of that show — ideally in 2025 — will be determined on when we can pick back up with Sam, who at this point is all pencils down and just finishing posts on ‘Idol.’”

A Glimpse into the Future: Zendaya’s Impact on “Euphoria” Season 3

Levinson, the creator of “Euphoria,” has hinted at what lies ahead for the show’s third season. He suggests that the upcoming season will adopt a “film noir” tone, with Zendaya’s character, Rue, navigating the challenges of preserving her principles in a corrupted world. This shift in genre promises a fresh and intriguing exploration of individual integrity in the face of a morally complex environment. As fans anticipate the return of “Euphoria,” the blend of noir elements with Zendaya’s performance is expected to create a captivating narrative.

Shifting Release Dates: Zendaya’s Upcoming Film Ventures

Apart from her television pursuits, Zendaya is also making waves in the film industry. Two highly anticipated releases, “Challengers” and “Dune: Part Two,” were initially slated for 2023 but have encountered delays. “Challengers,” a film where Zendaya is set to shine, was originally intended to open the Venice Film Festival and premiere widely in September. Unfortunately, the ongoing WGA strike prompted a delay, and the film is now expected to grace screens in 2024. Similarly, Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two,” in which Zendaya plays a significant role, faced a postponement and is now scheduled for a March 15, 2024 release from Warner Bros.

The Future Beyond: Zendaya’s Legacy in the Making

Beyond her current projects, Zendaya’s collaboration with director Denis Villeneuve has sparked speculation about the potential continuation of the “Dune” saga. Villeneuve envisions completing his trilogy of films based on Frank Herbert’s iconic sci-fi novels with a possible “Dune: Part Three.” While the details remain uncertain, Zendaya’s involvement in this expansive narrative hints at a future that holds both artistic exploration and the continuation of beloved stories.

In conclusion, Zendaya’s aspirations reflect her determination to embrace new challenges and expand her creative boundaries. Her desire to explore villainous roles adds complexity to her already diverse portfolio, while her pursuit of directorial opportunities showcases her ambition to shape narratives from behind the camera. As fans eagerly anticipate her upcoming projects, including the next season of “Euphoria” and the delayed film releases, Zendaya’s multifaceted career trajectory continues to captivate and inspire. With each endeavor, she leaves an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, setting the stage for a future filled with innovation, creativity, and transformative storytelling.