Zendaya’s newest wax figure at Madame Tussauds New York has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with fans calling out its uncanny resemblance—or lack thereof. Here’s why this controversy is more than just a social media moment.
On January 6, 2026, Madame Tussauds New York unveiled its latest wax figure of Zendaya, modeled after her red-carpet appearance at a Dune: Part Two fan event in Mexico. The museum celebrated the figure as a tribute to her cultural impact, but fans were quick to voice their disapproval. “No way this was approved,” one netizen wrote, while others scrutinized the figure’s facial features and proportions.
The Controversy: What Went Wrong?
The wax figure, created by a team of over 20 artists through a “meticulous years-long process,” was intended to capture Zendaya’s iconic style and presence. However, social media users were quick to point out discrepancies. “That looks nothing like her,” one person commented, while others noted oddly sculpted details, including a noticeable bulge that sparked confusion. Some fans defended the work, with one user stating, “I legit thought they were both wax figures! This is the BEST one they’ve done.”
The figure also included a horizontal oval diamond engagement ring, despite Zendaya not being engaged to Tom Holland at the time of the event. The couple later announced their engagement in early January 2025, adding another layer of intrigue to the figure’s details.
A History of Wax Figure Controversies
This isn’t the first time Zendaya’s wax figure has sparked debate. In 2022, Madame Tussauds London unveiled a figure inspired by her 2016 appearance at the Humane Society of the United States’ To the Rescue Gala. Fans criticized the likeness, with one user joking, “Why does Zendaya’s wax figure look like a flight attendant?” Another questioned if it resembled Kylie Jenner more than Zendaya.
Zendaya is far from alone in this critique. Madame Tussauds has faced backlash for other celebrity figures, including Beyoncé’s 2017 wax figure in Canada, which was widely mocked, and Dwayne Johnson’s figure in Paris, which he called out for lightening his skin tone. “For the record, I’m going to have my team reach out to our friends at Grevin Museum, in Paris, France so we can work at ‘updating’ my wax figure here with some important details and improvements—starting with my skin color,” Johnson wrote at the time.
Why This Controversy Matters
The backlash against Zendaya’s wax figure highlights a broader issue: the challenge of accurately representing celebrities in wax form. Fans expect a high level of detail and realism, and when figures fall short, the criticism can be swift and harsh. This controversy also underscores the importance of representation, as seen in Dwayne Johnson’s case, where skin tone inaccuracies sparked a larger conversation about diversity and inclusion.
For Zendaya, whose influence spans film, television, and fashion, the wax figure controversy is a reminder of the high standards fans hold for her public image. As one commenter noted, “I find all of these so creepy. They always give uncanny valley vibes.”
The Fan Perspective: What’s Next?
While some fans have defended the wax figure, others are calling for a redo. The debate reflects the deep connection fans feel to Zendaya and their desire to see her represented accurately. As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen whether Madame Tussauds will address the criticism or stand by their creation.
For now, Zendaya’s wax figure remains on display, a testament to her cultural impact—and a reminder of the challenges of capturing star power in wax.
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