Zendaya Says Little Nieces And Nephew Feel Like Her ‘Borrowed Children’
Zendaya showcased a different side of her acting chops at the premiere of her latest film, Challengers, in London’s Odeon Luxe Leicester Square.
In this new movie, the multitalented actress known for her roles in blockbusters like Spider-Man and Euphoria, steps into the shoes of a former tennis prodigy turned young mother, a role that required her to channel her maternal instincts. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at the premiere, the 27-year-old actress revealed how she drew inspiration from the children in her life, particularly her nieces and nephews.
“I have many, many little nieces and nephews. So they’re like my borrowed children,” she shared.
She confessed that one of the best parts of being an aunt is getting to enjoy time with the kids and then returning them to their parents afterward.
But it wasn’t just her family that influenced her portrayal of a mother on screen. Zendaya also credited the mothers she knows personally for providing insight into the nuances of parenting.
She was inspired by “watching the mothers in my life and around me,” she said, highlighting the importance of observing real-life experiences to inform her performance.
However, when it comes to her own future as a parent, Zendaya is candid about her desires for a different lifestyle. In a recent interview with British Vogue, she expressed her hopes for a quieter, more private life away from the spotlight.
Zendaya explained that she does not want her future kids to have to deal with the lack of privacy that comes with her fame, emphasizing her wish for a balance between her career and personal life.
The actress shared her concerns about the fleeting nature of fame, acknowledging the anxiety she feels about potentially losing relevance in the industry.
“I think that’s always been a massive anxiety of mine: this idea that people will just be like, ‘Actually, I know I’ve been with you since you were 14, but I’m over you now because you’re boring,'” she confessed, reflecting on the pressure to maintain success in Hollywood.
In Challengers, Zendaya portrays a character caught in a love triangle amidst the backdrop of a high-stakes tennis tournament. Director Luca Guadagnino praised her dedication to the role, revealing that she underwent rigorous training to convincingly portray a tennis prodigy.
“I mean, wow. We edited the movie and we almost actually don’t use any of her double. She’s so good,” Luca remarked, highlighting the impressive results Zendaya’s training with pro tennis coach and former player Brad Gilbert yielded on screen.
