> At a Glance
> – Madame Tussauds New York revealed Zendaya’s 10th wax figure on January 6
> – Inspired by her Dune: Part Two Mexico City fan event look
> – Social media users debate the likeness accuracy
> – Why it matters: Fans expect celebrity statues to capture iconic features-this one divides opinion
Zendaya now has double-digit wax figures worldwide, but the newest addition at Madame Tussauds New York is already fueling online chatter about how well it actually looks like her.
The Unveiling
The museum debuted the figure three days ago, dressing it in the textured leather, slit skirt, and bold jewelry the actress wore to promote Dune: Part Two. More than 20 artists spent roughly a year sculpting, painting, and finishing the piece.
General Manager Tiago Mogadouro praised the result:
> “Zendaya has earned her place among today’s most recognizable and respected stars.”
Fan Reaction
Reactions on social media landed somewhere between polite applause and disappointed head-shakes:
- One viewer shrugged that wax figures are “realistically not that bad” compared with other celebrity misfires
- Another lamented, “They’re usually so on point“-implying this one missed the mark
- Several users argued that no Zendaya figure has truly captured her face
A small detail-an engagement ring-sparked side conversations unrelated to the likeness debate.
Crafting Process
Madame Tussauds says every figure follows a multi-step, year-long process:
- Initial clay sculpt
- Layered skin-tone painting for natural glow
- Final styling with authentic wardrobe pieces
The first Zendaya waxworks date back to 2015 in Orlando and San Francisco after an in-person sitting supplied precise measurements and photos.
Key Takeaways
- This is statue No. 10 for the actress, underscoring her global popularity
- Fans expect hyper-realism; anything less triggers instant online critique
- The Dune-inspired ensemble aims to celebrate her fashion influence, not just her film roles
Love it or side-eye it, the new figure is now on display at Madame Tussauds New York for selfies and scrutiny.
