“People often forget — which is understandable because I’ve been playing 16 since I was 16, you know — [but] I am grown,” Zendaya said on “People (the TV Show!).” “I knew that, as I grow and as I evolve, there would be that moment where I could play someone my own age.”
Washington shared similar thoughts on the matter during an interview with Variety earlier this month, saying he “wasn’t concerned” about being 12 years older than Zendaya because the “Euphoria” actress “is a woman.”
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“People are going to see in this film how much of a woman she is,” Washington said. “She has far more experience than I do in the industry. 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. I was leaning on her for a lot.”
Washington continued, “Some of the stories she’s shared about what she’s had to go through with Twitter and everything. I appreciated her wisdom and discernment when it comes to this business. I admire that. What I’m really excited for people to see when the film is released — they’re going to see how mature she is in this role. We’re talking about versatility, and Sam and Zendaya brought both.”
“Malcolm and Marie” was made last summer during the height of the pandemic. Netflix picked up distribution rights to the film in September in a deal reportedly worth $30 million. Buzz around the project, plus strong reviews for performance, have thrust Zendaya into the Oscar race for Best Actress. “Malcolm and Marie” begins streaming February 5 on Netflix.
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