Zendaya covers 'Elle', talks evolving into a more “grown-up” actress

e_zendaya_082323742600
ELLE Magazine/Steven Klein

Zendaya is ready to step into the next chapter of her career.

The Emmy winner opened up to Elle about entering a new risk-taking era of acting.

“From a character perspective, I want to find things that will push me,” she said. “As I get older, you know, I can’t play a teenager for the rest of my life.”

Her leading role in the upcoming film Challengers will see her in a new light.

Zendaya joked that audiences are “more ready” than she is to see her play a cutthroat femme fatale, but she finds the career move to be a necessary one.

“I felt like it was a good step into a more, I guess you could say, ‘grown-up’ role and into that next phase,” Zendaya said. “It was a little bit scary to take on, which I think is a good feeling. To be like, ‘Ooh, can I do this?’ You could run from that feeling and stay safe and comfortable, or you can go, ‘You know what, f*** it.'”

Despite those reservations, she knew taking on the gig was a rare opportunity.

“What was important to me was that [the character] was unapologetic,” Zendaya said. “Sometimes characters who are messy and conflicted and wield power over other people are reserved for [actors] who don’t look like me, so when I get an opportunity to play a character like that, I’ma take it!”

Elle‘s September 2023 issue featuring Zendaya hits newsstands nationwide on August 29.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

3-sisters-2025

Snowflake Boutique

The 49th Snowflake Boutique will be Friday, November 7th 1:00pm -8:00pm and Saturday, November 8th 9:00am – 5:00pm at the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center in the South Sisters Building. Admission is $4.00 per person, children

static_digital-venueemail_735x385_linkinpark_2025_regional_modacenter_0919

Linkin Park with JPEGMAFIA Live at Moda Center

Get ready for an electrifying night of music as Linkin Park and JPEGMAFIA take the stage at the Moda Center! This is a once-in-a-lifetime to experience the legendary rock anthems of Linkin Park, whose powerful performances have

static_digital_600x400_chicago_2024_regional_haydenhomesamphitheater_0831

An Evening with Chicago at Hayden Homes Amphitheater

Join us for an unforgettable evening with the legendary rock band Chicago live at Hayden Homes Amphitheater. Set against the stunning backdrop of the amphitheater’s natural beauty, this event promises a night filled with timeless hits and