Zendayais quashing concerns about the age gap between her and on-screen love interestJohn David Washington.
The costars share the screen inNetflix’sMalcolm & Marie, streaming Feb. 5, in which the 24-year-old Emmy winner explores the complexities of a romantic relationship opposite the 36-year-oldTenetactor. After some social media users expressed concerns about the 12-year age gap between the stars, Zendaya assured them she’s not a child star anymore.
Currently, Zendaya stars as high school student Rue on HBO’s Euphoria, and she’s at work on a newSpider-Mansequel, in which she plays teenager MJ. The actress rose to fame as a Disney Channel star with the showShake It Up.
John David Washington (L); Zendaya.Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic; Matt Baron/Shutterstock
Washington, who’s the son of Denzel Washington, previouslyaddressed criticism of their age difference, tellingVarietythat he isn’t “concerned,” noting that, “People are going to see in this film how much of a woman she is.”
“She has far more experience than I do in the industry,” he said. “I’ve only been in it for seven years. She’s been in it longer, so I’m learning from her. I’m the rookie.”
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Washington further added that he had been “leaning on” Zendaya “for a lot” while making the movie, which was filmed under pandemic protocols last year during quarantine. “Some of the stories she’s shared about what she’s had to go through with Twitter and everything,” he said, “I appreciated her wisdom and discernment when it comes to this business. I admire that.”
And what Washington is “really excited for people to see when the film is released” is “how mature she is in this role.” He said, “We’re talking about versatility, and [director Sam Levinson] and Zendaya brought both.”
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source: people.com
