Zendaya and John David Washington Talk 'Malcolm & Marie,' Racist Comments and More With 'W Magazine'

Malcolm & Marie's Zendaya and John David Washington are the cover stars of W Magazine's latest issue. Accompanying the editorial lensed by Nadine Ijewere with styling by Law Roach and Samantha McMillen, the two actors speak about the Netflix film, racist comments from the 2015 Academy Awards red carpet and more.

In the photoshoot, the duo is seen wearing a clean-cut Prada suit and sheer Valentino dress, as well as designs from Miu Miu and Gucci. They share the inspiration behind the editorial, hoping to deliver a message for all: "Two Black actors in this setting, seems like rewriting history in an elegant manner, like kind of an Old Hollywood that we wished existed. It’s almost like righting a wrong." Recalling the 2015 incident when E! news anchor Giuliana Rancic explained her hair to "smell like patchouli oil and weed," Zendaya opens up: 'That’s how change happens and it made me think, ‘How could I always have a lasting impact on what people saw and associated with people of color?'"

The interview continues on with Washington recounting when he and the Euphoria star first met on set for Malcolm & Marie. "I didn’t know Zendaya and I hadn’t seen her in anything but Euphoria. When we met, we instantly connected. She was wearing her hoodie and glasses and no makeup. She struck me instantly as a quiet, powerful force," he says.

Peep the editorial in the gallery above. You can head over to W Magazine to read the full conversation with Zendaya and John David Washington.

In case you missed it, we've put together a list of drama movies to watch after Malcolm & Marie.

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