Zendaya and John David Washington covered a recent issue of W Magazine. The whole thing is practically *just* about the editorial, which was inspired by Slim Aarons’ photography, mostly of socialite C.Z. Guest. They wanted to create a look of bougie luxury, wealth and privilege with two Black actors. It totally works! John David and Zendaya have a lot of chemistry together – likely from working so closely together on Malcolm & Marie – but the vibe isn’t “sexy/hot.” It’s “look at how beautiful and rich we are.” Which is cool. You can read the cover story here. Some highlights:
Zendaya on the 2015 incident with Giuliana Rancic about her dreadlocks: After the Oscars uproar, -Mattel swiftly created a Zendaya -Barbie doll, clad in the dress and sporting the hair that had led to Rancic’s remark. “That’s how change happens. And it made me think, How could I always have a lasting impact on what people saw and associated with people of color?”
John David on his professional football career: “In football, you had to prove every day that you belonged, which is also true in acting,” Washington explained. “When I snapped my Achilles tendon on a play—when I heard that pop—I thought, This is God’s way of saying that you have to sit down and think about your life. After that, I auditioned for Ballers [an HBO comedy about the world of professional football] and got the part. That was the beginning of this new life.”
On the W photoshoot: Washington in a sleek tuxedo and Zendaya in a long black gown enhanced by major jewels. “Two Black actors in this setting,” Zendaya said after the shoot, “seems like rewriting history in an elegant manner, like kind of an Old Hollywood that we wished existed in these photos. It’s almost like righting a wrong.” As Zendaya, in a short yellow dress, eased into the front seat of a sky blue convertible in the mansion’s front driveway, -Washington, in a tight green polo shirt and white pants, looked approvingly at the scene before him. “Black royalty!” he exclaimed. “Looking very, very good.” He walked up to the car and addressed no one in particular. “It’s never too late for the world to change.”
It still blows my mind a little bit that John David had a whole-ass career as a professional football player and then he transitioned – with relative ease – into acting. And he’s a good actor too! Anyway, the interview wasn’t deep but the photos are gorgeous, so enjoy.
Cover and IGs courtesy of W Magazine.
When these two are the subjects how could it not be? Gorgeous indeed!
Look at how beautiful these two people are!!! Zendaya also can do no wrong in the fashion dept. Law Roach is doing God’s work.
“Zendaya also can do no wrong in the fashion dept”. I came here to say the same thing. She’s just amazing.
And I love John David in that orange suit. Actually, he looks gorgeous in all of the outfits. Or, I just say, “he’s gorgeous” and leave it at that.
OMG, gorgeous! Love it! Could they be a power couple in real life please? Am here for these amazing actors!
I mean, is it that shocking that the son of Denzel Washington was able to have a smooth transition into Hollywood?
Zendaya is crazy beautiful.
Indeed!! I didn’t know he was his son!! lol
Considering he has a father who expected him to put in the work, yeah. JD has spoken about how tough Denzel is as a parent.
What does that have to do with nepotism? I’m not saying Denzel wasn’t a tough father or that John David isn’t a good actor. But his name and connections certainly helped him get through the door.
Has nothing to do with Denzel…producers and execs know that his name recognition will automatically add value to a production. He can’t help it, but his major advantage shouldn’t be swept under the rug, regardless of how much work he does. He will always be many steps ahead of a no-namer.
I am very torn about Malcolm and Marie. On one hand, I genuinely couldn’t watch it. Turned it off after 15 min or so. The whole atmosphere was just too real and uncomfortable as if I was having an argument with someone who just couldn’t communicate. Then, on the other hand, that was probably the point.
Those two are just so stupidly stunning.
That’s it.
That’s the comment.
I am getting Daisy Buchanan vibes. Gatsby remake? As Jay, this man would be stunning.
This is high style! Beautiful. Frameable.
Gorgeous pictures!!
JDW is a major hottie, Zendaya is an unreal kind of stunning, but that movie is supposed to be kind of shitty