2021 was a landmark year for Zendaya, with four major film releases, including Spider-Man: No Way Home and Dune, which became blockbuster hits.
Having started acting in 2009, Zendaya has starred in numerous acclaimed films and TV shows, earning her widespread recognition.
Zendaya and her stylist, Law Roach, attend the HBO Max FYC event for “Euphoria” at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on April 20, 2022, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: MEGA / WENN)
By turning 26 in 2022, Zendaya had already won several prestigious awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Critics’ Choice Movie Award. In 2022, Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world—an incredible achievement at such a young age.
Check out these fun facts and discover Zendaya’s age during her top 7 movies. These films highlight her best work before she turned 26, after which she continued to shine in other great movies like Dune 2 and Challengers.
7. Zendaya at 24: Showcasing Raw Emotion in Malcolm & Marie
The story progresses, but the actors’ performances truly elevate the film, compensating for the less-than-stellar writing. In particular, Zendaya and John David Washington’s performances were widely praised by critics and audiences alike.
Zendaya and John David Washington’s intense chemistry elevates the film, helping it overcome its uneven script. The audience said that Zendaya and John David Washington bring Malcolm & Marie to life.
Zendaya and John David Washington served as producers and starred in the 2021 American black-and-white romantic drama film Malcolm & Marie (Credit: Netflix)
Malcolm & Marie was released in January 2021. Since Zendaya’s birthday is September 1, she was 24 years old when the film was released.
Interesting Fact: Malcolm & Marie takes the credit for being Hollywood’s first feature to be written, produced, and financed during the COVID-19 pandemic
6. Zendaya at 21: Flying High in The Greatest Showman
The Greatest Showman was released in December 2017 when Zendaya was 21. It received mixed reviews from critics.
They opined that the film tries hard to dazzle the audience with a Barnum-style sense of wonder at the expense of its complex subject’s far more intriguing real-life story.
Zendaya hardly used stunt doubles as trapeze artist Anne Wheeler in the 2017 American biographical musical drama film The Greatest Showman (Credit: 20th Century Fox)
Zendaya’s promotional tour for The Greatest Showman delivered several unforgettable style moments. During the London leg of the press tour, Zendaya showed off her versatility with three dramatically different outfits in one day, including a sharp Ronald van der Kemp suit styled with vibrant red Casadei pumps.
Interesting Fact: The Greatest Showman was an ambitious project that took nine years to complete. A standout moment for Zendaya in the film is her performance of the original song “Rewrite the Stars” alongside her co-star Zac Efron, which showcases her dual talents as a singer and an actor.
5. Zendaya at 22: Lending Her Voice to Smallfoot
Smallfoot received positive reviews from critics. They said it keeps youngsters entertained with its colorful distractions and has a story whose message might even resonate with older audiences, suggesting that the film is a good watch for any age viewers.
Zendaya flaunts her legs in a Michael Kors dress on the blue carpet as she steps out for the premiere of Smallfoot on September 22, 2018, at the Regency Village Theatre in Westwood, California (Credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock)
Smallfoot was released towards the end of September 2018, so Zendaya was 22 years old. At the Los Angeles premiere of Smallfoot, Zendaya captivated onlookers in a vibrant pink and orange V-neck mini dress by Michael Kors, featuring puffed sleeves and a ruffled hemline.
She completed the look with white Christian Louboutin ‘So Kate’ pumps and statement jewelry, while her long braided ponytail paid tribute to her character Meechee. The outfit perfectly exemplifies how Zendaya combines playful color with sophisticated styling on the red carpet.
Interesting Fact: This animated flick employed over 100 character animators, and the makers rendered millions of strands of hair for the principal actors.
4. Zendaya at 25: A Mysterious Force in Dune
Dune performed well among critics and audiences alike, who praised the scope and ambition of this visually thrilling adaptation.
On the other hand, viewers commented that the film is slow-building but gets you hooked, and that you will be on the edge of your seat for the sequel. Dune was also released in 2021, and Zendaya was 25 years old when the film was released.
Zendaya disappointed her fans by appearing for only seven minutes as the mysterious young Fremen woman Chani in the 2021 American epic science fiction film Dune (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)
At the 2021 Venice Film Festival premiere of Dune, Zendaya captivated audiences in a custom Balmain gown crafted from sculpted caramel-colored leather. The gown was designed to create a wet-look effect that clung to her silhouette. She paired the ensemble with nude Christian Louboutin ‘So Kate’ pumps and a striking 93.83-carat emerald Bulgari necklace.
Interesting Fact: The internet broke out with possible assumptions and clarifications about Zendaya’s role as Chani in Dune. The film is based on the first half of a novel written by Frank Herbert and published in 1965.
3. Zendaya at 23: Returning as MJ in Spider-Man: Far From Home
Spider-Man: Far From Home received a slightly lower rating than its predecessor, Spider-Man: Homecoming, which was released in 2017. The film was released in 2019 when Zendaya was 23 years old. Critics praised it as a bizarre blend of teen romance and superhero action.
Tom Holland as Peter Parker / Spider-Man and Zendaya as Michelle “MJ” Jones-Watson in the 2019 American superhero film Spider-Man: Far From Home (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)
At the Los Angeles premiere of Spider-Man: Far From Home in June 2019, Zendaya paid tribute to her character MJ in a custom red and black sequined gown by Armani Privé. The sleek, backless look was a subtle nod to Spider-Man’s iconic suit, complete with black Christian Louboutin pumps and vibrant red hair.
Interesting Fact: Zendaya was constantly worried about Tom Holland’s safety during the shoot. She feared that he would not be able to breathe or he might choke inside the suit because he was wearing a one-piece costume.
2. Zendaya at 21: Debuting as MJ in Spider-Man: Homecoming
It is the first in the three-part Spider-Man series in the MCU. Though Zendaya was introduced in Spider-Man: Homecoming, she did not have a significant role in the first part. Her name is revealed as MJ only towards the film’s end.
Zendaya made her debut as Michelle Jones, or “MJ” for short, in the 2017 American superhero film Spider-Man: Homecoming (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)
Interesting Fact: Zendaya’s character as MJ is not Mary Jane Watson, as in the character played by Kirsten Dunst in the first Spider-Man as Peter Parker’s love interest.
At the Los Angeles premiere of Spider-Man: Homecoming in June 2017, Zendaya turned heads in a vibrant pink Ralph & Russo Spring 2017 Couture gown featuring a plunging asymmetrical neckline, thigh-high slit, and dramatic train. She paired the look with matching hot pink Casadei ‘Blade’ satin pumps, adding a sleek finish to her ensemble.
Zendaya played Michelle, but the makers decided to call her MJ in homage since she plays the same character. Zendaya was 21 years old when Spider-Man: Homecoming was released.
1. Zendaya at 25: Stealing Hearts in Spider-Man: No Way Home
The critics praised the third and possibly last of the Spider-Man series as a bigger, bolder sequel. They appreciated that it expanded the franchise’s scope and stakes without losing sight of its humor and heart.
Interesting Fact: Tom Holland asked Zendaya and Batalon (Ned Leeds) to visit the set even when they were not shooting to provide emotional support.
Zendaya’s third Spider-Man film, the 2021 American superhero film Spider-Man: No Way Home, was a box office success (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)
Zendaya was 25 when Spider-Man: No Way Home was released in December 2021, three months after her 25th birthday.
At the Los Angeles premiere of Spider-Man: No Way Home in December 2021, Zendaya captivated audiences in a custom Valentino Haute Couture gown adorned with intricate spiderweb embroidery. The plunging neckline, thigh-high slit, and shimmering details paid homage to her character MJ and the film’s theme. She completed the look with black Christian Louboutin ‘So Kate’ pumps, Bulgari diamond jewelry, and a delicate black lace mask, embodying a blend of superhero allure and high-fashion elegance.
Before Zendaya’s blockbuster film run, she was already making waves in the fashion world. One standout early appearance came when she was just 19 years old.
Zendaya at 19: Silver Statement at Glamour’s Game Changers Lunch
Zendaya wears her hair in braids at Glamour Magazine’s Game Changers lunch held on April 20, 2016, at Au Fudge in West Hollywood (Credit: Michael Wright / WENN)
In April 2016, Zendaya was just 19 but had already established herself as a true style icon. She turned 20 on September 1, 2016.
She’s one of our favorite faces to watch when it comes to fashion, and it was no exception when she attended Glamour Magazine’s event in West Hollywood.
The “K.C. Undercover” star made quite the entrance as she showed off her mile-long legs in a Manning Cartell ensemble at Jessica Biel’s restaurant Au Fudge.
Zendaya was at the restaurant to co-host Glamour’s Game Changers lunch, which honored some of today’s most influential women.
Zendaya flaunts her long legs in a metallic silver miniskirt and strappy Stuart Weitzman sandals, effortlessly blending futuristic glam with minimalist chic (Credit: Michael Wright / WENN)
Zendaya paired a white long-sleeved button-down shirt from Manning Cartell with a silver button-front mini skirt that showcased her endless legs.
She finished her ensemble with minimal silver jewelry by John Hardy and a pair of silver sandals by Stuart Weitzman.
Zendaya pairs an iridescent silver miniskirt with a white button-down shirt (Credit: Michael Wright / WENN)
Ever the hair chameleon, the Disney star switched up her hairstyle and went for sleek cornrows tied into a knot at the nape of her neck.
She rounded out her look with heavy smoky eye makeup, signature bold brows, and subtle pink lipstick.
Zendaya’s Manning Cartell button-down shirt peeks out from beneath her silver skirt (Credit: Michael Wright / WENN)
Zendaya picked the silver version of the iconic Stuart Weitzman “Nudist” sandals to match her skirt. These glittery sandals have keyhole cutouts at the rear, adjustable ankle straps, open toes, and about 4.5-inch heels.
Zendaya shows off her feet in silver Stuart Weitzman sandals (Credit: Michael Wright / WENN)
You can get these Stuart Weitzman sandals in different versions at Nordstrom and Zappos.
Stuart Weitzman “Nudist” Sandals, $266 – $415
Zendaya’s Most Iconic Shoe Moments
From red carpet glamour to street style chic, Zendaya consistently showcases her impeccable taste in footwear. Explore some of her most memorable shoe moments:
Embracing High Heels with Confidence
- Event: Various appearances
- Footwear: Zendaya often opts for towering heels, embracing her height and making bold fashion statements.
- Read more: Zendaya’s love for high heels and how she embraces her statuesque height
Stunning in Christian Louboutin So Kate Pumps
- Event: Multiple red carpet events
- Footwear: The actress frequently dons Christian Louboutin’s So Kate pumps, adding elegance to her ensembles.
- See more: Zendaya’s standout looks in Christian Louboutin So Kate pumps
Channeling Joan of Arc at the 2018 Met Gala
- Event: 2018 Met Gala
- Outfit: Zendaya embodied Joan of Arc in a custom Versace gown.
- Footwear: She completed the look with silver Jimmy Choo ‘Max’ platform sandals.
- Discover more: Zendaya’s Joan of Arc-inspired ensemble at the Met Gala
Sporty Glam in ‘Challengers’ Press Tour
- Event: ‘Challengers’ promotional events
- Outfit: Zendaya showcased tennis-inspired outfits with a fashionable twist.
- Footwear: She paired her looks with stylish heels, blending athletic and chic elements.
- See her style: Zendaya’s sporty glam looks during the ‘Challengers’ press tour
Retro Elegance in Vera Wang Gown
- Event: ‘Challengers’ Los Angeles premiere
- Outfit: Zendaya wore a black-and-pink lingerie-style Vera Wang gown.
- Footwear: She complemented the ensemble with classic heels, enhancing the retro vibe.
- Explore her look: Zendaya’s retro-inspired appearance at the ‘Challengers’ premiere
These moments highlight Zendaya’s versatility and her ability to make a statement with every step she takes.