Why Zendaya's New Madame Tussauds Wax Figure Is Polarizing the Internet

Zendaya was honored with her 10th Madame Tussauds wax figure based on an outfit she wore for a Dune: Part Two event in 2024. However, fans were divided on if the figure looked like her.

By Sabba Rahbar Jan 10, 2026 1:27 AM
| Updated 1 day ago
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Watch: Why Zendaya's Madame Tussauds Wax Figure Is Polarizing the Internet

Some fans found Zendaya’s new wax figure to be rather challenging.

The Dune: Part Two actress was honored with her 10th Madame Tussauds wax figure at the museum's New York City location Jan.7, inspired by a custom Bottega Veneta look she wore to a February 2024 fan event for the sci-fi film in Mexico City and completed with a version of her engagement ring from fiancé Tom Holland.

As with all Madame Tussauds creations, the figure was based on hundreds of measurements and reference photos taken of the 29-year-old when she sat for her first figure in 2015. The latest wax figure was sculpted during a meticulous, year-long process by a team of 20 highly skilled artists. 

“Zendaya has earned her place among today’s most recognizable and respected stars,” Tiago Mogadouro, General Manager of Madame Tussauds New York, shared in a Jan. 7 press release. “This figure is a tribute to her lasting impact on both entertainment and fashion.”

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Still, despite the high level of care that went into creating the wax edition of Zendaya, many fans were divided on whether the figure actually looked like the Spider-Man: Far From Home actress.

“It’s good if you only stare at it for like 4 seconds,” one fan wrote on X. “Any longer and you realize that ain’t remotely Z. That’s like someone’s Yiddish aunty in her prime.”

Madame Tussauds; Medios y Media/Getty Images

“Something's off,” another said, with one user adding, “They did her dirty.”

But others had a completely different reaction to the figure, with many finding it to be a very realistic likeness of Zendaya.

“Why is everyone hating?” one person posted to X. “This one actually looks good.”

Another added, “The wax figure hate is so forced and cringe, this literally looks like Zendaya.”

Madame Tussauds; Medios y Media/Getty Images

While Zendaya herself has yet to comment on her newest wax figure, the Challengers actress previously shared how excited she was to be immortalized by Madame Tussauds after her first figures debuted in Orlando and San Francisco in 2015.

“This is a major, major honor,” she raved during the debut event at the time, “and it’s so cool to have it in the Bay where I’m from.”

For a look at more wax figures of all your favorite stars, keep reading.

Rihanna

Shine bright like a diamond RiRi! The Grammy winner's wax figure makes her debut at Madame Tussauds New York before her 2023 Super Bowl halftime performance. 

Lizzo

The "Juice" singer was feelin' good as hell when she unveiled her wax figure at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas.

Shawn Mendes

The singer-songwriter's Madame Tussauds Wax Figure, which is housed in Berlin, is unlike any other's in that you can literally lie next to it for a snuggle-worthy photo opp. 

Ariana Grande

Social media users were quick to critique the statue after it was unveiled at Madame Tussauds London.

Priyanka Chopra

The Isn't It Romantic actress strikes a pose next to her wax figure at Madame Tussauds New York.

Ariana Grande

We're saying thank you, next to this eerily accurate wax figure of the pop star, which was unveiled at Madame Tussauds in Berlin, Germany. 

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle

Check out these wax figures of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Khloe Kardashian

Don't be fooled! This is not actually KoKo. 

Jason Momoa

The actor's Aquaman alter-ego makes waves at Madame Tussauds Orlando.

Ed Sheeran

The figure looked identical to the British star, including his guitar and flannel shirt. 

Steve Aoki

The Grammy nominee celebrates the DJ Experience launch at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas. 

Beyoncé

This Madame Tussauds wax figure of Bey looks way more like Bey.

Kendall Jenner

The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star hangs out with her doppelganger.

Ryan Gosling

Hey girl, it's Ryan Gosling's look-alike!

Kylie Jenner

The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star meets her doppelganger.

Zoe Saldana

Seeing double! The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 actress mimics her wax twin at Madame Tussauds Hollywood.

Laverne Cox

The actress helps unveil her Madame Tussauds wax figure in Hollywood, California.

Alessandra Ambrosio

The Victoria's Secret model poses with her wax figure at Madame Tussauds in Shanghai, China.

Jason Derulo

The singer jumps with his wax figure at its unveiling at Madame Tussauds Hollywood.

Stephen Curry

The basketball star dribbles with his wax counterpart at Madame Tussauds in San Francisco.

Miley Cyrus

The pop star's wax image models Christmas attire at Madame Tussauds in Berlin.

Cody Simpson

The Australian singer gives a kiss to his wax figure at Madame Tussauds in Orlando.

Adele

The "Hello" singer is recreated at Madame Tussauds in London.

Anne Hathaway

Madame Tussauds in Hollywood shows their wax version of the actress.

Angelina Jolie

This Angelina Jolie wax figure is dressed similar to what she wore at the BAFTA Awards in London in February 2014.

Jon Hamm

Jon Hamm twinning with his wax look-alike at Madame Tussauds in New York.

Benedict Cumberbatch

The British actor stands next to his identical wax twin at Madame Tussauds in London.

Jennifer Lopez

J.Lo gets another wax figure of herself at Madame Tussauds in New York.

Zayn Malik

One Direction fans wipe away tears following the news of the departure of Zayn Malik from One Direction on March 31, 2015 in London, England.

Ariana Grande

Madame Tussauds does it again! Viewers can't help but "focus" on this superstar's wax figure.

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