Zendaya Reveals Surprising First Impression of Robert Pattinson as Tom Holland Shares the Opposite View
Zendaya is opening up about a funny misunderstanding that proves first impressions are not always accurate. While promoting her new movie The Drama, the actress shared how she initially viewed her co-star Robert Pattinson very differently from how her fiancé Tom Holland sees him.
The story gives fans a rare glimpse into their dynamic both on and off screen, especially as the trio gears up for a major year in Hollywood with multiple films hitting theaters.
Keep reading to find out what Zendaya really thought of Robert Pattinson at first, and how Tom Holland completely disagreed.
Zendaya Thought Robert Pattinson Was Mysterious
During a recent cover story interview, Zendaya and Robert Pattinson sat down to interview each other. As they reflected on working together, Zendaya admitted she once had a completely different perception of him.
“I think it’s interesting, because you probably know what I thought about you before I met you, but I don’t think I asked you what you thought about me,” she told Pattinson.
Zendaya explained that they had mutual friends before officially working together. When she first encountered him in those social settings, he seemed reserved.
“Truthfully, I met you because we had common friends, and you were always pretty quiet and chill, which is a little different from my experience of Rob,” she said. “You didn’t say much, and I was like, ‘Ooh, mysterious!’ Then I talked to Tom, and he was like, ‘No, he’s super fun and always laughing and joking,’ and I was like, ‘Really? I haven’t experienced that side of him, I guess.’”
Her initial impression painted Pattinson as intense and enigmatic. But as she would later discover, that was only one side of his personality.
Tom Holland Had a Totally Different Take
Zendaya’s fiancé, Tom Holland, sees Pattinson in a completely different light. According to Zendaya, Holland describes his longtime friend as playful and full of energy.
Pattinson reacted to the story with humor and a little regret.
“That’s so depressing. I wish I could stay in the mysterious. I’ve learned again and again that if you just don’t speak, people are like, ‘Wow. You’re really intimidating,’ but I just can’t f—ing maintain it,” he joked.
Zendaya quickly responded with a laugh.
“You maintained it for a while, until we made a few movies together,” she said.
The playful exchange highlights how different people can experience the same person in unique ways. It also shows the comfort level the actors now share after collaborating on several projects.
A Big Year for Zendaya, Tom Holland, and Robert Pattinson
The timing of this revelation is perfect. Zendaya and Pattinson are not just working together once. They are starring in three major films releasing this year.
The first is The Drama, a romantic story with unexpected twists. They also appear in Dune: Part Three, the highly anticipated continuation of the epic science fiction saga. Finally, they will share the screen in The Odyssey, directed by Christopher Nolan, which also features Holland.
In The Odyssey, Nolan adapts the ancient epic poem by Homer into what is expected to be a sweeping cinematic experience. With this lineup, it is clear that 2026 is shaping up to be a huge year for all three actors.
Zendaya and Holland’s professional lives are closely intertwined as their personal ones. The couple got engaged in January 2025, four years after confirming their relationship publicly. Fans have followed their journey from co-stars to one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples.
Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson’s Longtime Friendship
Holland and Pattinson go way back. The two previously starred together in The Devil All the Time, which introduced them as collaborators before Zendaya and Pattinson began working closely.
In a past interview, Holland spoke warmly about their bond.
“I love Rob to death, he’s a good friend of mine. We just made another movie together,” he said.
Their friendship adds another layer to Zendaya’s story. While she was still figuring out Pattinson’s personality, Holland already knew the fun-loving side she had not yet seen.
Robert Pattinson’s Impression of Zendaya
When it was Pattinson’s turn to share his thoughts about Zendaya, he hesitated at first.
“My impression of you? You know what? I can’t tell if this is kind of offensive or not,” he began.
He then offered a compliment that speaks volumes about her public image and influence.
“Do you know how people always ask, ‘Do you feel a responsibility to be an example to your fans?’ I think you’re a good example to the youth.”
The comment reflects Zendaya’s reputation as a grounded and thoughtful presence in Hollywood. Despite her global fame, she has consistently been seen as a role model for younger audiences.
Inside The Drama and Zendaya’s Honest Take on Promotion
In The Drama, Zendaya and Pattinson play an engaged couple whose wedding plans are thrown into chaos after a shocking revelation. The film blends romance with emotional tension, offering both stars a chance to explore complex characters.
Even though Zendaya has led multiple blockbuster films, she admitted she does not love the promotional side of the business.
“If it was possible for people to just go see something without having to promote it, that would be great. Unfortunately, I don’t think that’s our reality,” she said.
Pattinson agreed that discussing creative work can sometimes feel overwhelming.
“When I hear actors talk about their projects, everyone sounds like geniuses to me. I can’t really communicate what I’m trying to do,” he shared.
Their honesty makes them even more relatable. Even major stars sometimes struggle to articulate their craft.
The Drama Release Date and What’s Next
The Drama hits theaters on April 3, and anticipation is already building. With three films arriving this year featuring Zendaya and Pattinson, audiences will get to see their evolving chemistry across very different genres.
What started as a mysterious first impression has turned into a strong creative partnership. And thanks to Tom Holland’s inside perspective, fans now know that Robert Pattinson is not just mysterious. He is also, apparently, the life of the party.
Summary:
- Zendaya revealed she initially found Robert Pattinson “mysterious” when they first met through mutual friends.
- She said Pattinson was quiet and chill, which led her to form a different impression of him.
- Tom Holland, her fiancé, had the opposite view and described Pattinson as “super fun and always laughing and joking.”
- Pattinson responded humorously, admitting he cannot maintain the mysterious persona for long.
- Zendaya and Pattinson are starring together in three major films this year: The Drama, Dune: Part Three, and The Odyssey.
- The Odyssey is directed by Christopher Nolan and also stars Tom Holland.
- Holland and Pattinson have been longtime friends and previously worked together on The Devil All the Time.
- Pattinson praised Zendaya, saying, “I think you’re a good example to the youth.”
- In The Drama, Zendaya and Pattinson play an engaged couple whose wedding plans take a dramatic turn after a shocking revelation.
- The Drama is set to release in theaters on April 3.
