Zendaya auditioned 'many times' for 'Descendants,' Disney Channel executive reveals

The Disney Channel executive stated about Zendaya, “She really wanted it, and it just ended up not going her way.”

Zendaya, renowned for her roles in "Dune: Part Two" and Marvel’s "Spider-Man" trilogy, was also a contender for Disney Channel's "Descendants" franchise. 

Cornelia Frame, former vice president of casting and talent relations at Disney Channel, disclosed in a recent "Magical Rewind" podcast interview that Zendaya auditioned numerous times for an undisclosed part in the franchise.

Frame noted, “Zendaya did audition many times for ‘Descendants,’ and that was a big deal.” She added, “She really wanted it, and it just ended up not going her way.” Despite Zendaya's significant effort and dedication to these auditions, it did not result in a role within the franchise.

Reflecting on the situation, Frame mused, “Now that I think about it, I’m like, ‘Would “Spider-Man” have happened right at that same time?’ Things happen for a reason, and you do often book this other thing that’s amazing when you don’t get something else.”

Although Zendaya did not secure a part in "Descendants," she had already appeared in Disney Channel original movies such as "Frenemies" in 2012 and "Zapped" in 2014. 

She later showcased her talents in "The Greatest Showman" (2017), starring alongside Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron.

The "Descendants" series, which began with the original film in 2015, also included two sequels released in 2017 and 2019, featuring Dove Cameron, Sofia Carson, Booboo Stewart, and Cameron Boyce.