Zendaya Was Originally Cast for Ayo Edebiri’s Role in "After the Hunt"
Malik Hassan Sayeed, the cinematographer of After the Hunt, revealed in a Deadline interview that Zendaya was initially set to play the role that eventually went to Ayo Edebiri in Luca Guadagnino's film. However, Zendaya dropped out before production began.
Production Context and Scheduling
Production for After the Hunt started in July 2024. Zendaya’s schedule that year was largely open, with only one filming project, The Drama, in October. This suggests that she likely chose not to participate in the film.
Reception and Outcome of the Film
The film reunited Zendaya with director Guadagnino, who also worked with her on Challengers. However, After the Hunt was heavily criticized, labeled reactionary by reviewers, and performed poorly at the box office. Its $80 million production budget remains surprising given the film’s primarily confined settings.
“After the Hunt” cinematographer Malik Hassan Sayeed actually let it slip in a Deadline interview that Zendaya was actually supposed to play the Ayo Edebiri role in Luca Guadagnino’s film, but dropped out.
“I’m still not entirely sure how the film cost $80M to produce — it still boggles my mind, since most of it takes place in rooms and offices.”
Summary
Zendaya's decision to leave After the Hunt appears prudent given the film's poor critical reception and commercial failure.
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