Zendaya's Amazing Feats In The Greatest Showman: A Look At Her Stunts And Role

Bulah Bernhard 03 Aug 2025

It's clear that the actress' hard work made an impact, and that real, genuine effort shines through in her memorable performance. Many people, it seems, were captivated by her presence in the movie, which really brought a fresh energy to the screen. She truly brought a character to life that audiences connected with, and her dedication was quite apparent.

When you think about the 2017 musical drama, "The Greatest Showman," a few things probably come to mind, right? Perhaps the magnificent musical numbers, or maybe the vibrant, colorful world of P.T. Barnum's circus. But, honestly, one of the most breathtaking aspects was the incredible trapeze work, courtesy of a character named Anne, a performer who truly soared.

This remarkable role was brought to life by Zendaya, a name that has, you know, become synonymous with talent across various artistic forms. She's not just an actress; she's a singer, a dancer, and even a model, with a career that started quite early and has grown into something really special. Her portrayal of Anne Wheeler in "The Greatest Showman" was, in a way, a highlight for many viewers, showcasing a different side of her abilities.

Zendaya's Journey: A Brief Overview
Anne Wheeler: Soaring High in The Greatest Showman
The Demands of the Role: Stunts and Skills
Impressing the Stars and Landing the Part
Beyond The Greatest Showman: Zendaya's Continuing Success
Frequently Asked Questions About Zendaya in The Greatest Showman

Zendaya's Journey: A Brief Overview

Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman, known to most simply as Zendaya, is an American actress, singer, dancer, and model. She was born in Oakland, California, on September 1, 1996, so she's, you know, a relatively young talent who has achieved so much. Her name itself holds a special meaning, as it comes from the Shona language and means "to give thanks."

Her career started quite early, actually, with appearances as a child model for Macy's. Then, she really gained fame for her role in the Disney sitcom "Shake It Up!", where she played the lead character, Rocky. This part really put her on the map for many young viewers, and it showed her comedic timing and dance abilities.

Over time, she has, in a way, made a wonderful transition from those comedic Disney roles to more complex and, frankly, critically acclaimed parts. This shift has shown her range and her dedication to her craft. She's not just sticking to one kind of role, which is, you know, really impressive to see in an artist.

Personal Details and Biography

Full Name	Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman
Commonly Known As	Zendaya
Date of Birth	September 1, 1996
Place of Birth	Oakland, California, USA
Nationality	American
Meaning of Name	"To give thanks" (Shona language)
Primary Professions	Actress, Singer, Dancer, Model
Notable Early Role	Rocky in Disney's "Shake It Up!"
Accolades	Two Primetime Emmy Awards (as of provided text)
Other Recognition	Listed on Time magazine's 2022 list (as of provided text)

Anne Wheeler: Soaring High in The Greatest Showman

"The Greatest Showman" is a 2017 American musical period drama film, and it really celebrates the birth of show business. It tells the story of P.T. Barnum, portrayed by Hugh Jackman, and his museum and circus. This circus became famous thanks to the performances of his group of "freaks," as they were called, a group that Anne Wheeler, Zendaya's character, was a part of.

The film was directed by Michael Gracey, with a screenplay by Jenny Bicks and Bill Condon, based on an original story by Bicks. It features a cast that also includes Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, and Rebecca Ferguson, so it's a very talented ensemble. The movie is, you know, a heavily fictionalized depiction of P.T. Barnum's life, offering a grand, entertaining spectacle.

A big part of the movie's charm comes from its music. It has nine original songs written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, which are, frankly, just wonderful to listen to. The original musical orchestral score was composed by John Debney and Joseph Trapanese, adding so much to the film's atmosphere. Zendaya's character, Anne Wheeler, was a trapeze artist, and her scenes really added a lot of visual excitement to the film, which is something audiences often talk about.

The Demands of the Role: Stunts and Skills

In 2018, Zendaya took on the role of Anne in "The Greatest Showman," and this character, being a trapeze artist in P.T. Barnum's circus, meant her part required a lot of stunt work. It's not every day you see an actress doing such physically demanding things on screen, so it was, you know, quite a sight.

What's really impressive is that Zendaya performed her own stunts in the movie. This shows a deep commitment to her role and a willingness to, frankly, push her own physical boundaries. Of course, not everything in the film was entirely real, as movies often use various techniques, but her personal involvement in the stunts was significant.

Reports from the time, like one from the Los Angeles Times by Michael Ordoña on December 19, 2017, highlighted her dedication. Hugh Jackman, who has, you know, a lot of experience with action roles after nine movies as Wolverine, was reportedly very impressed by the stunt work Zendaya did on the set of their musical. She truly showed she has some trapeze skills under her belt, which is a rather unique addition to her already impressive list of talents, which includes singing, dancing, and acting.

There were, it seems, some questions about whether Zendaya was really singing in the movie, given her role as an acrobat and trapeze artist, and how strenuous her scenes looked. The movie had original songs, and her character was part of the musical numbers, which, you know, makes people wonder about the extent of her vocal performance in those high-flying moments.

Impressing the Stars and Landing the Part

It's interesting to hear that Hugh Jackman didn't know who Zendaya was when they first started working together on "The Greatest Showman." This is, in a way, a common occurrence in Hollywood, where people from different circles come together. However, it's clear that Zendaya quickly made a strong impression on him, which is a testament to her talent and work ethic.

She had to, you know, really work hard and "leap through a few, uh, hoops" to actually land the role of Anne Wheeler. This suggests that getting the part wasn't just handed to her; she had to earn it, which makes her performance even more meaningful. Her dedication during the audition process and her subsequent work on set truly stood out.

The fact that she performed so many of her own stunts, and that someone like Hugh Jackman, who is, you know, familiar with demanding physical roles, was impressed, speaks volumes. It shows her commitment to bringing Anne Wheeler to life in the most authentic way possible, making her scenes feel very real and impactful to watch.

Beyond The Greatest Showman: Zendaya's Continuing Success

Zendaya's career has, frankly, continued to soar since her role in "The Greatest Showman." She has gone on to take on even more complex and critically acclaimed parts, showing her incredible range as an actress. She's not one to rest on her laurels, it seems, always pushing herself to new creative heights.

Currently, she is lighting up the big screen and television in several significant projects. She stars in HBO and A24’s second season of “Euphoria,” a role that has earned her immense praise. Her performance as Rue in the first season of "Euphoria" earned her an Emmy Award in 2020, making her, you know, the youngest woman to achieve that particular honor for that category.

Her work extends to major film franchises as well. You can see her in movies like "@challengersmovie" which is in theaters now, and she's also a prominent figure in "@dunemovie" and "@spidermanmovie." These roles really show her versatility, moving from intense dramas to big-budget action films, which is quite a feat for any actor.

Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman has, in a way, become a household name, winning several honors, including those two Primetime Emmys. In 2022, she was also listed on Time magazine’s prestigious list, further cementing her status as a significant cultural figure. She's often seen setting trends, too, like when she pulled off the ballet sneaker trend with a $200 pair of Ecco shoes paired with oversize bermuda shorts during a walk in London's Richmond Park. Learn more about Zendaya's career on our site, and you can also find out more about her other projects by visiting this page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zendaya in The Greatest Showman

Did Zendaya do her own stunts in The Greatest Showman?

Yes, Zendaya performed her own stunts as Anne Wheeler in "The Greatest Showman." Her role as a trapeze artist required extensive physical work, and she committed to doing many of the challenging aerial sequences herself, which, you know, really added to the authenticity of her performance.

What character did Zendaya play in The Greatest Showman?

Zendaya portrayed the character of Anne Wheeler in "The Greatest Showman." Anne was a talented trapeze artist who performed in P.T. Barnum's famous circus, and her story involved a significant romantic subplot with Zac Efron's character, Phillip Carlyle.

Was Hugh Jackman impressed by Zendaya in The Greatest Showman?

Reportedly, yes, Hugh Jackman was quite impressed by Zendaya's work on "The Greatest Showman." Despite not knowing who she was when they first started, her dedication, especially to performing her own stunts, really caught his attention and earned his respect.

Zendaya

Zendaya opens up about the 1st time she had power in her career

Zendaya

Global Artist Buzz

Zendaya's Amazing Feats In The Greatest Showman: A Look At Her Stunts And Role

Table of Contents