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Leaving the Disney Image Behind In 2017, Zendaya made her feature-film debut as Michelle “MJ” Jones-Watson in Spider-Man: Homecoming. The role introduced her to a global movie audience, and she returned as MJ in Spider-Man: Far From Home and Spider-Man: No Way Home. She also appeared in The Greatest Showman, where she performed alongside Zac Efron and contributed to the film’s soundtrack. Then came Euphoria. Playing Rue Bennett, a 17-year-old struggling with drug addiction, required Zendaya to leave behind the Disney image that had defined her early career. The performance established her as a dramatic actress capable of carrying difficult material. In 2020, she won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, becoming the youngest recipient of the award at 24. She won the same award again for the second season, making her the youngest person to win two Emmys. She was also recognized as an executive producer on Euphoria, becoming the youngest woman ever recognized in the Outstanding Drama Series category. In 2023, she won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama for the role. Her film career expanded at the same time. She played Chani in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune, returned for Dune: Part Two, and starred in and produced Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers in 2024. As Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy turned coach, she deliberately moved away from the younger roles that had defined much of her earlier career. The performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Zendaya arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere Of A24’s ‘The Drama’ held at the DGA Theater Complex at The Directors Guild of America on March 17, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Image Press Agency/DepositPhotos