Madame Tussauds New York unveiled a striking new wax figure of Zendaya on January 6, 2026, marking her 10th likeness in the iconic museum’s global collection. The figure draws inspiration from a custom Bottega Veneta ensemble the actress wore to a Dune: Part Two fan event in Mexico City in February 2024. The outfit features a structured chocolate-brown cropped high-neck jumper paired with a matching maxi skirt boasting textured leather details, high slits, and faux pockets, completed with pointed Christian Louboutin pumps, an anklet, and stud earrings.
Crafted over a meticulous year-long process by a team of 20 skilled artists, the figure was sculpted from clay and layered with oil paints to replicate Zendaya’s natural glow. It builds on hundreds of measurements and reference photos originally taken during her first Madame Tussauds sitting in 2015. Tiago Mogadouro, General Manager of Madame Tussauds New York, described the creation as a tribute to Zendaya’s enduring status as “one of today’s most recognizable and respected stars,” highlighting her profound influence on entertainment and fashion.
A subtle yet notable addition sets this figure apart: a recreation of the oval diamond engagement ring Zendaya received from fiancé Tom Holland. Although the original 2024 look predated their engagement (announced in early 2025 after a holiday proposal), the museum incorporated the ring as a nod to her personal milestone.
The unveiling quickly ignited debate across social media platforms, with fans divided on the figure’s accuracy. Critics pointed to perceived issues with facial proportions—such as a narrower, longer face—along with the eye expression, makeup, and overall “off” vibe that some felt failed to fully capture Zendaya’s distinctive charisma and beauty. Comments like “No way this was approved” and observations that her essence is hard to replicate (similar to challenges artists face when drawing her) flooded discussions on platforms including X and Reddit. Some users likened it to previous wax figures that struggled with her unique features, with one noting, “Her essence can’t be captured by other people’s hands.”
On the other hand, supporters praised it as one of Madame Tussauds’ stronger efforts, with remarks like “This actually looks good” and defenses against the criticism, emphasizing that wax figures are notoriously difficult to perfect. Early coverage highlighted a more mixed but generally less harsh response compared to some of her past figures, such as one from 2022.
Zendaya, the acclaimed star of Euphoria, Dune, Challengers, and the upcoming Spider-Man and The Odyssey projects, has yet to publicly comment on the new figure. Her first Madame Tussauds statues debuted in Orlando and San Francisco in 2015, and she expressed excitement about being “immortalized” at the time.
The figure now stands on display at Madame Tussauds New York, inviting visitors to judge the likeness in person amid the ongoing online conversation. Wax tributes often generate controversy, but this latest addition underscores Zendaya’s massive cultural footprint—even in wax form.
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