Before she was the Euphoria girl, Zendaya showcased her brilliant acting talent in the 2017 musical, The Greatest Showman. Directed by debutant Michael Gracey, the film had an exceptional cast, including Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, and Zac Efron. The Spiderman: No Way Home actress was paired opposite Zac Efron in the film.
Both the actors shared incredible chemistry on-screen, which they attributed to their mutual admiration for Michael Jackson, a bond that brought them together. Towards the movie’s end, the pair share a kiss, and the actors had different stories to tell about this pivotal moment.
Zac Efron’s Favorite On-Screen Kiss Is Zendaya’s Most Dangerous One
In the movie, Zendaya‘s character Anne, a trapeze artist, falls in love with Zac Efron’s character Philip, who’s a ringmaster. When asked about the passionate on-screen kiss with Zendaya, the Baywatch actor shared:
“This might be my favorite kiss, I think ever. Just because at this point for these characters, it’s so built up, the tension between them is so strong, and literally, just a glance between them is electric. And when they finally have the courage in that moment to finally connect and get that kiss, it’s that epic musical moment.”
Zendaya, on the other hand, described the kiss as “dangerous,” but not for the reasons one might expect. The Malcolm & Marie actress agrees with Efron that the kiss symbolizes a lot more than just kissing someone.
But, Why Did Zendaya Describe The Kiss As ‘Dangerous’?
In The Greatest Showman, Zendaya’s Anne and Efron’s Philip navigate their love amidst a 19th century society that condemns interracial relationships. Philip’s parents, upon seeing them together, criticize him for “parading around with the help.” This societal disapproval is the reason why the 26-year-old actress labels the kiss as dangerous, as it carries weight beyond a simple expression of affection.
“A big part of my character’s storyline, the reason that she is an oddity, is that she and her brother are black. That is what makes them different. It all gets halted when she starts falling for someone who’s white. I’m biracial, so there are so many [shared] experiences there. I think it’s a cool side storyline. It’s something that you get invested in.”
Efron commended the Dune actress’s dedication to the film, as she fearlessly performed all her stunts, leaving the High School Musical actor impressed by her athleticism and professionalism. Zendaya also praised Efron for being a supportive co-star and shared that the Neighbours actor even took some blows for the film.
Source: The Things
