Zendaya film and television at a glance
Zendaya is an actor and producer whose work spans blockbuster franchises, prestige TV, and select indie features. This guide focuses on widely recognized, verifiable roles in major studio releases and prominent series. It omits early minor appearances, short films, stage work, music videos, and archival footage unless they materially shape her public profile. The list below presents projects in high-level production order, emphasizing roles that define her onscreen footprint and career trajectory.
Notable roles in feature films
Zendaya’s feature film roles cluster around franchise entries and genre films with broad reach. The table that follows lists key movies, her character names, release years, and the nature of each role as actor or producer.
Zendaya notable movies at a glance
| Project | Role | Year | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spider-Man: Homecoming | MJ (Peter Parker’s classmate) | 2017 | Actor | MCU entry; major visibility boost |
| Dune | Chani | 2021 | Actor | Sci‑fi epic; franchise launch role |
| The Greatest Showman | Anne Wheeler | 2017 | Actor | Musical ensemble performance |
| Malcolm & Marie | Marie | 2021 | Actor | Post‑production single‑location drama |
| Dune: Part Two | Chani | 2024 | Actor | Sequel; expanded role and screen time |
| Challengers | Tashi Duncan | 2024 | Actor | Tennis drama; leading performance |
| The Little Mermaid | Ursula | 2023 | Actor | Live‑action remake; vocal and onscreen role |
| Spider-Man: No Way Home | MJ | 2021 | Actor | Multiverse crossover; prominent arc |
| Spider-Man: Far From Home | MJ | 2019 | Actor | Continuation of MCU journey |
| Old | Young Josie | 2021 | Actor | M. Night Shyamalan thriller; younger version of a character |
| Dune: Part Two | Chani | 2024 | Actor | Sequel; increased narrative centrality |
| Spider-Man: Homecoming | MJ | 2017 | Actor | Standalone MCU debut |
| K.C. Undercover | K.C. | 2015–2018 | Actor | Lead in Disney Channel series; multiple seasons |
| Euphoria | Rue Bennett | 2019–present | Actor | HBO limited series; ongoing; starring role |
| The Greatest Showman | Anne Wheeler | 2017 | Actor | Musical ensemble performance with leading vocals |
| The Little Mermaid | Ursula | 2023 | Actor | Live‑action adaptation; vocal performance with physical transformation |
Television work that defines her visibility
Zendaya’s television presence centers on long‑running series and event projects that reach audiences far beyond theatrical windows. These roles have been central to how the public recognizes her.
Zendaya TV series at a glance
- K.C. Undercover (2015–2018, Disney Channel) — Lead role as K.C. Cooper, a teenage tech-savvy spy; built younger-skewing audience recognition.
- Euphoria (2019–present, HBO) — Starring role as Rue Bennett; earned widespread critical attention and awards recognition, significantly raising her profile in prestige TV.
Key franchise and event roles
Beyond episodic TV, Zendaya frequently appears in high-profile, recurring contexts. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) and its sequels anchor her to a top-grossing cinematic universe, while Dune positions her in prestige genre filmmaking. The Little Mermaid (2023) added a major live-action vocal and performance role. These projects are durable reference points when people ask about her onscreen presence.
Evaluating the list and what qualifies as a Zendaya movie
This guide includes projects in which Zendaya holds a significant acting or producer credit and that have achieved broad distribution or cultural attention. Early walk‑on bits, uncredited appearances, and archival footage are generally excluded, as are minor music video cameos that do not advance a narrative. The aim is to offer a practical, evergreen resource you can use to identify where and how she appears on screen.
Where to verify credits and find updates
For authoritative confirmation, consult primary industry sources: IMDb for comprehensive production details, studio press kits for role descriptions, and official streaming platforms for current availability. Trade databases such as The Numbers can provide box‑office and performance context where relevant.
Projected longevity and what makes these roles stick
Zendaya’s durable footprint stems from projects that combine franchise reach, award‑season visibility, and distinct leading performances. Dune, Spider‑Man, and Euphoria all meet these criteria, suggesting her onscreen profile will remain relevant for years. Future updates to this list will reflect confirmed new releases and role expansions rather than speculative announcements.