Zendaya is mapping out her future collaborations even as her current schedule borders on overwhelming. During a recent appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, the actress singled out one director she has long hoped to work with, tracing that admiration back to a film that left a lasting impression early in her career.
A Longstanding Admiration Rooted in ‘Fruitvale Station’
The star didn’t hesitate when asked about dream collaborators, immediately naming Ryan Coogler. “Ryan Coogler… ever since Fruitvale Station.”
Her connection to his work is also personal. “I’m from Oakland, he means so much to the world, but he means so much to us too.” The remark anchored her admiration in a shared hometown identity that extends beyond industry recognition.
That familiarity even comes with a sense of closeness, despite never having met. “I always joke, ‘I know I don’t know you, but I feel like you’re my cousin.’”
The timing of those remarks is notable. Zendaya is currently in the middle of an unusually packed year that includes the release of “The Drama” alongside Robert Pattinson, the return of “Euphoria,” and major roles in upcoming titles like “The Odyssey” and “Dune: Part Three.” She has already indicated that this intense stretch may be followed by a brief step away from the spotlight.
As for Coogler, the director has been expanding his focus beyond franchise filmmaking following the success of “Sinners,” while continuing to develop projects like the “X-Files” reboot. A collaboration between the two would unite one of Hollywood’s busiest actors with a filmmaker whose influence continues to grow across multiple fronts.