Zendaya says Malcolm & Marie was shot in black and white as a tribute to Hollywood era

Zendaya has been discussing why her new Sam Levinson movie was shot in black and white.

Talking on GMA, the 24-year-old actress revealed it was a tribute to an era where black actors were not as common on screen. 

‘Well, you know, other than the fact that it’s just pretty, it’s beautiful, it adds timelessness to it, but also… there was a thought also about reclaiming the narrative of black and white Hollywood and Black actors really having their moment at that time,’ Zendaya explained.

‘We weren’t as present in the black and white era,’ she continued. ‘A lot of filmmakers have already done this before, a lot of Black filmmakers, so it’s not necessarily a new idea, but we did want to pay tribute to that era and reclaim that beauty and that elegance with these two Black actors.’

Meanwhile, Zendaya took to Twitter on Thursday with kind words for the crew of her new movie.

The 24-year-old actress said she was anxious prior to the film – which she stars in with John David Washington – drops on the streaming service.

‘Full of excitement and nervousness as this lil movie we made in lockdown with people I love is coming out in the next hour,’ the Oakland-born beauty said.

‘Nervousness for a few reasons. Normally I’m pretty self-critical and that leads me to be far too fearful to make things myself or trust myself enough to… even try.’

The Euphoria star said that she had a number of professional milestones on the romantic drama, as she’s a producer on the project.

‘This is really my first time believing that maybe I could,’ she said. ‘This is my first time being a leading lady, but also my first time being this creatively involved in something, producing something, co-financing something, owning something and sharing it all with my crew.’

The Emmy winner explained the intimate production process as the film was made during the pandemic in June and July, amid strict COVID-19 protocols.

‘We made this as a family, shot it in 14 days with a 22 person crew I am eternally grateful for,’ she said. ‘For their talent, their time, their hard work, and their willingness to believe in this film.

‘If there’s anything to learn from this year, and I hope from our little movie… it’s gratitude for every moment and every person we get to love. To stop and acknowledge the people in our lives who make it possible to do the work we do and honestly, make life worth living.’

The star added that ‘it comes in many forms and sometimes it’s just a thank you.’

She wrapped up in saying, ‘All that being said, on behalf of our little crew of 22, we hope you laugh (please laugh lol) and cry and hopefully enjoy this little thing we made with a whole lot of love.’

Malcolm & Marie, directed by Euphoria creator Sam Levinson, dropped on Netflix on Friday.