How Zendaya’s Selective Approach and Sweeney’s Drive Shape Hollywood

Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney, two of the brightest young talents to come out of Euphoria, have each carved out their own space in the entertainment world. Both started acting early—Zendaya first caught attention on Disney Channel’s Shake It Up, while Sweeney landed TV roles as a preteen. Their careers took off in different ways, but it was Euphoria that truly put them on the map and set the stage for their contrasting journeys in Hollywood.

Zendaya’s Careful Project Choices

Zendaya has built her reputation on being highly selective with her roles. She’s known for her natural charisma and the depth she brings to her characters, from her quirky take on MJ in Spider-Man: Homecoming to the raw emotion she delivers as Rue in Euphoria. Rather than chasing every opportunity, she’s chosen projects that challenge her and allow her to explore complex characters. After her Disney days, she moved into more mature territory with The OA and Euphoria, and showcased her vocal talent in The Greatest Showman. Her filmography includes a mix of blockbuster hits and critically acclaimed dramas, such as Malcolm & Marie and the Dune series.

In 2024, she returned to the big screen with Dune: Part Two and starred in Challengers, earning praise for her performances. Looking ahead, she’s set to appear in several major films, including a new Marvel installment and the next Dune chapter, as well as a project with Robert Pattinson. Zendaya has said she’s drawn to roles that complicate how viewers feel, explaining,

[I want to play characters] who are complicated… unlikable, unlovable, or irredeemable.

Her passion for acting began on stage, inspired by her mother ’s work at a theater, and she’s always been more interested in the craft than in box office numbers.

Sydney Sweeney’s Relentless Ambition

Sweeney, on the other hand, has made a name for herself through sheer determination and a knack for self-promotion. She’s faced her share of controversy, from bold marketing stunts to high-profile ad campaigns, but these moves have often paid off, bringing attention—and revenue—to her projects. Sweeney’s career has been marked by a willingness to take risks, both in the roles she chooses and in how she markets herself. Before her breakout as Cassie in Euphoria, she appeared in shows like Criminal Minds and Grey’s Anatomy, and had a memorable turn in Netflix ’s Everything Sucks! Her performance in Euphoria earned her an Emmy nomination and solidified her status as a rising star.

Despite setbacks and industry skepticism—she once recalled being told by a casting director,

A casting director told me once that I will never be on a TV show.

—Sweeney has continued to push forward. Her recent film, The Housemaid, has been praised for its energetic and over-the-top style, reflecting the kind of projects she gravitates toward. She’s also taken on producing roles, further expanding her influence in the industry.

Comparing Their Financial Success

When it comes to earnings, the two actresses have seen different paydays. Zendaya’s salary for Euphoria reportedly reached $500,000 per episode, while Sweeney earned $350,000 for 13 episodes. Zendaya’s post-Euphoria projects, including Spider-Man: No Way Home, Dune, and Challengers, have brought her multi-million dollar paychecks, with her first eight-figure salary coming from Challengers. Sweeney, meanwhile, has seen her own financial growth, earning $2.25 million for Anyone but You and $7.5 million for The Housemaid, thanks in part to her producer credits.

Estimates put Zendaya’s net worth at around $30 million, bolstered by her music career and high-profile film roles. Sweeney’s net worth is reported to be about $40 million, reflecting her success both in front of and behind the camera. Their distinct approaches—Zendaya’s focus on artistry and Sweeney’s drive to create buzz—have each led to impressive achievements in Hollywood.