Zendaya wants to work with Ryan Coogler after praising Fruitvale Station

Zendaya says she’s wanted to work with Ryan Coogler for years, praising Fruitvale Station as beautiful and powerful

Zendaya has publicly expressed her strong desire to collaborate with acclaimed director Ryan Coogler, revealing that she has admired his work for years.

During a recent appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, the Emmy-winning actress and star of Dune and Euphoria opened up about her long-standing appreciation for Coogler, who is best known for directing Fruitvale Station, Creed, and Marvel’s Black Panther franchise.

Zendaya on which director she’d like to work with next

“Ryan Coogler… ever since Fruitvale Station. I’m from Oakland, he means so much to the world, but he means so much to us too. I always joke, ‘I know I don’t know you, but I feel like you’re my cousin.’”

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"For years, I’ve felt this way since Fruitvale Station because I thought that was such a beautiful and powerful film," Zendaya shared on the show.

She went on to emphasize Coogler’s impact not only on the film industry but on a more personal level. "He means so much to the world but he also means so much to us," she added, hinting at a deeper connection that the actor feels toward the filmmaker’s storytelling style and thematic choices.

Zendaya’s comments have sparked excitement among fans, who are eager to see what a potential pairing between the Spider-Man: No Way Home star and the visionary director could produce. Coogler is currently developing several high-profile projects, including a sequel to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and other original works under his production company, Proximity Media.

While no official project has been announced linking the two, Zendaya’s public statement marks one of the clearest signals yet of her interest in joining Coogler’s creative universe. The actress continues to be one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents, with upcoming releases including The Drama and Euphoria Season 3.