Zendaya's meteoric rise from Disney Channel darling to Hollywood heavyweight is a testament to the unpredictable nature of stardom. Before gracing the silver screen in blockbusters and amassing Emmy accolades, she was already a familiar face on the network's hit shows like 'Shake It Up' and 'K.C. Undercover.' But little did fans know, the actress almost became an integral part of the enchanting 'Descendants' franchise, a tale woven around the teenage offspring of iconic Disney villains.
In a captivating revelation during a recent 'Magical Rewind' podcast episode, Cornelia Frame, the former casting and talent relations vice president at Disney Channel, shared the intriguing backstory. She disclosed that Zendaya ardently pursued her dream of being part of the musical fantasy series, undergoing multiple auditions with unwavering dedication.
"Zendaya's auditions for 'Descendants' were a monumental event," Frame reminisced, addressing hosts Will Friedle ('Boy Meets World') and Sabrina Bryan ('The Cheetah Girls'). "It was a significant undertaking for her, as she repeatedly showcased her talents, her heart set on landing the role. Unfortunately, fate had other plans in store."
The 'Descendants' saga, centered around the rebellious offspring of characters like Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Jafar, and Cruella de Vil, captured imaginations worldwide with its debut in 2015, followed by two sequels in 2017 and 2019. Even a spin-off, 'Descendants: The Rise of Red,' premiered exclusively on Disney+ this month, further expanding the franchise's reach.
Frame emphasized Zendaya's relentless effort and commitment, lamenting, "She poured her heart and soul into those auditions, but sometimes, life has other incredible opportunities waiting in the wings."
Reflecting on the turn of events, Frame mused, "One wonders if 'Spider-Man' would have entered her life had she landed 'Descendants.' It's all about timing, and often, when one door closes, another, even more magnificent, one opens."
Indeed, Zendaya's journey beyond Disney Channel was nothing short of spectacular. She soared to new heights with her starring roles in blockbusters like the 'Spider-Man' trilogy alongside Tom Holland, cementing her place as a leading lady in Hollywood. Additionally, her portrayal of a complex character in the critically acclaimed TV series 'Euphoria' earned her not just accolades but also two prestigious Emmy Awards. Her latest ventures into the 'Dune' franchise and Luca Guadagnino's 'Challengers' further solidify her status as a versatile and sought-after talent.
