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Zendaya Wants to Collaborate with Ryan Coogler: 'He Just Makes Beautiful Work'
The actress expressed her admiration for the acclaimed director and fellow Bay Area native.
Apr. 4, 2026 at 4:00am
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Zendaya's admiration for director Ryan Coogler's artistry reflects the actress's own ambitions to collaborate with visionary filmmakers.Oakland TodayIn a recent interview, actress Zendaya revealed that she would love to work with director Ryan Coogler, whom she described as a 'beautiful and powerful' filmmaker. Zendaya, who is also from Oakland, California, said she feels a personal connection to Coogler and his work, including his acclaimed film 'Fruitvale Station'.
Why it matters
Zendaya is one of the most in-demand young actresses in Hollywood, so her interest in collaborating with Coogler, an acclaimed director known for socially conscious films, would be a high-profile pairing that could lead to an impactful project.
The details
During an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Zendaya expressed her admiration for Coogler, saying 'I would love to work with Ryan Coogler' and that she has felt this way 'for years' since seeing his film 'Fruitvale Station'. Zendaya, who is also from the Bay Area, said she feels a personal connection to Coogler, noting that 'he sounds like my family' and 'his accent is so strong, and so Oakland'.
- Zendaya recently worked alongside Robert Pattinson in the new film 'The Drama', which is now playing in theaters nationwide.
The players
Zendaya
An acclaimed actress known for her roles in films like 'Dune' and 'Malcolm & Marie', as well as the hit HBO series 'Euphoria'.
Ryan Coogler
An acclaimed film director known for socially conscious films like 'Fruitvale Station', 'Creed', and the blockbuster 'Black Panther'.
What they’re saying
“'You know, I would love to work with Ryan Coogler. … For years I've felt this way, since Fruitvale Station. I thought that was such a beautiful and powerful film. But I'm from Oakland, too, and I remember when that happened.'”
— Zendaya, Actress
“'He means so much to the world but he also means so much to us. I always joke, I'm like, 'I know I don't know you. But I feel like you're my cousin,' you know what I mean? He sounds like my family, his accent is so strong, and so Oakland.'”
— Zendaya, Actress
“'He just makes beautiful work, absolutely beautiful work. So talented.'”
— Zendaya, Actress
The takeaway
Zendaya's interest in collaborating with Ryan Coogler, a critically acclaimed director known for his socially conscious filmmaking, highlights the actress's own artistic ambitions and desire to work with filmmakers who create impactful, meaningful projects.
