‘After the Hunt’: Zendaya Was Originally Supposed to Play Ayo Edebiri’s Role Before Dropping Out — World of Reel

Zendaya Originally Cast for Role in "After the Hunt"

Malik Hassan Sayeed, cinematographer for After the Hunt, revealed in a Deadline interview that Zendaya was initially set to play the role that eventually went to Ayo Edebiri. However, Zendaya dropped out before filming began.

Production and Scheduling Details

Production on After the Hunt started in July 2024. That year, Zendaya had a fairly light schedule, participating in only one film—The Drama—which was shot in October. It is likely she chose not to proceed with After the Hunt, which would have reunited her with director Luca Guadagnino, known for Challengers.

Critical and Financial Reception

The film was widely criticized, receiving backlash for its conservative political themes, and performed poorly at the box office. Despite its limited settings—mainly rooms and offices—the production cost was reportedly $80 million, a figure that remains surprising to many.

“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 likely saved her from associating with a critically panned and financially unsuccessful project.

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