Malcolm & Marie: John David Washington addresses age gap concerns

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Malcolm & Marie is generating some significant Oscar buzz for the film itself and for its stars, John David Washington and Zendaya. Netflix purchased the film for $30 million, based solely on a promo reel at the Toronto Film Festival and it looks like it's going to turn into a very smart acquisition. For every positive bit of feedback, there is bound to be some negativity, and the one matter of concern for some has been the age difference between Washington and Zendaya.

In Malcolm & Marie, Washington plays a filmmaker who returns home with his girlfriend (Zendaya) following a celebratory movie premiere as he awaits what’s sure to be an imminent critical and financial success. The evening suddenly takes a turn as revelations about their relationships begin to surface, testing the strength of their love. The age gap between the stars, Washington is 36 and Zendaya is 24, has actually stirred up controversy online, and during a talk with "Variety", Washington made it clear that it was Zendaya that brought wisdom and maturity to this story that ultimately inspired him:

"I wasn’t concerned about it because she is a woman. People are going to see in this film how much of a woman she is. She has far more experience than I do in the industry. I’ve only been in it for seven years. She’s been in it longer, so I’m learning from her. I’m the rookie. I was leaning on her for a lot. Some of the stories she’s shared about what she’s had to go through with Twitter and everything. I appreciated her wisdom and discernment when it comes to this business. I admire that. What I’m really excited for people to see when the film is released – they’re going to see how mature she is in this role."

What most probably don't know about the film, written and directed by Euphoria's Sam Levinson, is that the movie deals with the age gap between the characters so it's a part of the story. That being said, if it wasn't addressed, it really shouldn't matter. Margot Robbie was 23 when she starred in Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street as a love interest opposite Leonardo DiCaprio, who was 38 at the time, and I don't recall there being a fuss over it. Perhaps it's because Zendaya comes from a children's television background but she seems to exude maturity in my opinion and could likely tackle any role she wanted.

Do YOU think the age gap between John David Washington and Zendaya should be an issue? Malcolm & Marie hits Netflix on February 5, 2021.