‘After the Hunt’: Zendaya Was Originally Set to Play Ayo Edebiri’s Role
In a Deadline interview, cinematographer Malik Hassan Sayeed revealed that Zendaya was initially cast to play the role later taken by Ayo Edebiri in Luca Guadagnino’s film After the Hunt.
“Zendaya was actually supposed to play the Ayo Edebiri role in Luca Guadagnino’s film, but dropped out.”
Production for After the Hunt began in July 2024. At that time, Zendaya’s schedule was relatively clear, with only one project — The Drama — filmed that October. Her decision to step away from the project likely came down to personal choice rather than scheduling conflicts.
The film, a reunion opportunity with her Challengers director Guadagnino, ended up receiving poor critical reception, faced backlash for its conservative themes, and failed commercially. Its $80 million production budget drew confusion, given the film’s contained settings in offices and interior spaces.
Author’s Summary
Zendaya exited Guadagnino’s After the Hunt before filming began, a decision that later seemed wise as the costly film flopped with critics and audiences alike.