Zendaya is in everything? So is Robert Pattinson. Why the selective criticism?
Women, particularly women of color, are judged more harshly for occupying prominent roles. The criticism Zendaya receives appears to be influenced by a combination of misogyny and racism, affecting perceptions of who deserves widespread visibility
Zendaya has lately been at the receiving end of strong criticism across multiple social media platforms, with many claiming that she is "in every other movie" and arguing that Hollywood should cast more actors instead of relying on the same handful of stars. The “Euphoria” actor has undeniably been
Zendaya has lately been at the receiving end of strong criticism across multiple social media platforms, with many claiming that she is "in every other movie" and arguing that Hollywood should cast more actors instead of relying on the same handful of stars. The “Euphoria” actor has undeniably been
Zendaya has lately been at the receiving end of strong criticism across multiple social media platforms, with many claiming that she is "in every other movie" and arguing that Hollywood should cast more actors instead of relying on the same handful of stars. The “Euphoria” actor has undeniably been
Zendaya has lately been at the receiving end of strong criticism across multiple social media platforms, with many claiming that she is "in every other movie" and arguing that Hollywood should cast more actors instead of relying on the same handful of stars. The “Euphoria” actor has undeniably been juggling an impressive slate of projects, including Christopher Nolan's
“The Odyssey”, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day”, “Dune: Part Three”, and “The Drama” alongside Robert Pattinson earlier this year. Yet, the conversation surrounding her career reveals a glaring double standard.
Pattinson, who is equally booked and busy, has instead been celebrated for what many online have called a "generational run." This year alone, he has appeared in or is attached to “The Drama” (with Zendaya, released April 3), “Primetime” (set for release on September 11), “The Odyssey”, and “Dune: Part Three”. Much of the online discourse around him has been lighthearted, with users joking that he is working overtime to make everyone forget he was once Edward Cullen in the “Twilight” saga. The joke, however, is rooted in admiration for his career choices and the range of projects he has taken on. Rather than being criticised for overexposure, his packed filmography has largely been framed as evidence of his artistic evolution and versatility.
A similar pattern can be seen with Anne Hathaway. The actor has also been involved in a string of high-profile projects, including “The Devil Wears Prada 2”, “The Odyssey”, “Verity”, “Mother Mary”, and “The End of Oak Street”. Despite being just as visible on upcoming release calendars, Hathaway has not faced the same scale of scrutiny, with some accusing her of being "everywhere."
The contrast raises an uncomfortable question about who is allowed to be omnipresent without becoming a target. While audiences are well within their rights to ask for greater diversity in casting, the criticism often appears selective. When one actor is applauded for an enviable career streak while another is ridiculed for essentially doing the same thing, it points to deeper biases at play.
In Zendaya's case, the backlash cannot simply be dismissed as fatigue over celebrity overexposure. It reflects a pattern where successful women, especially women of colour, are judged more harshly for occupying space. What she is facing is likely not just misogyny, but a combination of misogyny and racism that shapes what audiences believe deserves to be seen everywhere.