As it turns out, Zendaya was using her isolation to work on a secret project.
The 23-year-old has announced that she's been filming a new movie called Malcolm & Marie. It's currently in the post-production phase and will be with viewers very soon - February 5 to be exact. And now we've got our hands on the first trailer.
The reason that details about this project are still so scarce is because the movies was produced in secret during a US mandated isolation and quarantine period. It's said that all cast and crew had to quarantine for two weeks prior to the commencement of production - from there, they all maintained strict safety protocols. It just goes to show, we can still find ways to persevere and stay creative even in the middle of a global pandemic.
Zendaya plays the lead in the new movie alongside John David Washington. And it's been written and directed by Euphoria creator Sam Levinson. As one of the stars of the series Euphoria, Zendaya reached out to Levinson when their series was put on hold. She called and asked him if he could write and direct a movie that they could film in quarantine. And he delivered.
The entire movie was shot between June 17 and July 2. It's now wrapped and is in its final phases, with Netflix officially announcing a release date for the highly anticipated film – premiering on the streaming platform on February 5, 2021.
Malcolm & Marie — a cinematic ode to the great Hollywood romances from Euphoria creator Sam Levinson starring Zendaya & John David Washington — will premiere February 5, 2021 on Netflix!
Follow @strongblacklead @NetflixFilm & @netflixqueue for the latest on this film — and more pic.twitter.com/VbliMMExf2
— Netflix (@netflix) November 18, 2020
Alongside a release date, Netflix has also shared the official synopsis of the Sam Levinson-helmed film, sharing that it will be "an ode to the great Hollywood romances as well as a heartfelt expression of faith in the medium's future."
"An achingly romantic drama in which a filmmaker (Washington) and his girlfriend (Zendaya) return home following a celebratory movie premiere as he awaits what’s sure to be imminent critical and financial success. The evening suddenly takes a turn as revelations about their relationships begin to surface, testing the strength of their love," the synopsis continued.
According to Deadline, the movie has a similar vibe to Marriage Story - the Netflix original starring Scarlett Johansson and majestic dream man, Adam Driver. But it also includes some modern social themes that echo what the world is currently feeling right now.
Malcolm & Marie pic.twitter.com/99RWzgLFbD
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) July 8, 2020
Our period of isolation has certainly been the catalyst for a new era of creativity. We've seen everyone from Jacquemus to our own Josie Musgrave pull together amazing photoshoots over FaceTime. Fashion Weeks have turned into democratic virtual events. Dior recently debuted its couture collection with a stylised film. And musical artists like DMA'S are making gigs smaller but far more intimate. While this time has been devastating, we can take solace in the notion that creativity still blooms.
We can't wait to see how Malcolm & Marie will take shape. Watch this space for more details as they emerge.
