Zendaya Talks Lola Bunny in “Space Jam" and “Euphoria” Season 2

Voiced by Disney alum and Euphoria star Zendaya, the latest incarnation of Lola Bunny is one of the biggest bright spots in Space Jam: A New Legacy, and it all begins with her introduction. When Lola Bunny becomes the final Looney Tunes character to be added to LeBron James and Bugs Bunny’s team roster in the film, it’s with special fanfare. In the time between the two films, Lola has left Tune World in search of something bigger and better. She lands in another reality, illustrated like a comic book, where she's been training to be an Amazon under Wonder Woman herself.

Like Lola, Zendaya is a force to be reckoned with. In the past decade, she has taken on a wide range of roles, from her debut as Rocky on Shake It Up to her Emmy-winning turn in Euphoria to the iconic MJ in the current Spider-Man franchise. (And soon, as Chani in the highly-anticipated Dune.) While her projects have been varied, she’s gravitated toward characters that represent and empower young women and girls. Lola Bunny starting off as an Amazon in training is just one more way that Zendaya has been able to play a take-charge female character to full effect.

Zendaya sat down for a quick chat with Teen Vogue just before the premiere of Space Jam: A New Legacy to talk about her latest role, the kinds of characters she wants to play in the future, and what we can expect for her character Rue on the upcoming second season of HBO’s Euphoria.

Teen Vogue: How did your role as Lola challenge your voice acting skills and help you learn new ones?

Zendaya: The challenging part was the fact that because of COVID, I wasn't able to be in a booth with the director or with any of the other [actors]. So we had to make it work in my house, in somewhat of a closet space, which was nice, because I didn't have to put any real clothes on. But, you know, it's hard to kind of maintain that, and you have such a respect for voice actors who have to maintain so much energy while being in [a room], just through their voice. And without being able to use... obviously, like, I talk with my hands so much, but how do I give this [energy] without any of that? That's kind of the difficult thing is kind of maintaining that energy when you don't have that human ability to have human connection. But all on the same token, I got to learn how to do better. And I had a great director, Malcolm, who guided me through the process.

TV: What's a role that you'd love to play in the future that other people — either audiences or execs — maybe wouldn't think for you at first?

Zendaya: Hmm. I don't know if I have a specific role. But I mean, I've always wanted to play like some type of villain. I've always wanted to play a heightened, more theatrical kind of villain. Not literally musical theater, but the vibe of musical theater, almost. What else? I've always wanted to play a mob boss. I don't know if that'll ever happen for me, but I have a good New York accent so you never know.

TV: What are you most excited for fans to see about Rue’s character growth in Euphoria, season two?

Zendaya: It's a difficult season, I'm kinda in the middle of it. I had like a 2:30 a.m. wrap time last night, we're in the thick of it. But, you know, the show was intense. And it's very personal to, not only ourselves and all the people who work on it, but also, to other people who have been able to relate so deeply to the characters or see their experiences being reflected through Rue. So we take that very seriously. And it's definitely challenging, it's a challenging season. It's gonna be hard and it's gonna be devastating sometimes, but I think Rue really deserves all of that care when it comes to her character, because I think she represents a lot for so many people. And I hope to make those people proud with our depictions of Rue [and] where all the characters go. I think this season's not going to be easy, though. It’s not going to be a fun watch, I don't think. Sometimes.

Space Jam: A New Legacy is now in theaters and on HBO Max through August 15th.

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Want more from Teen Vogue? Check this out: Zendaya Won Outstanding Lead Actress for "Euphoria" at Emmys 2020

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue