Fans Are Torn Over Zendaya's New Role As A Light-Skinned Woman In 'A White Lie'

Fans aren't sure how to feel about the news that Zendaya will star in the upcoming historical drama A White Lie.

The film is based on the novel The Gilded Years, by Karin Tanabe, and it is the true story of Anita Hemmings, a light-skinned black woman who passed as white while attending university in the 1890s. Zendaya will play Hemmings. 

Zendaya will also produce the movie alongside Reese Witherspoon. 

Many fans reacted positively to the news. 

It's an amazing story that absolutely should be told! 

Hemmings was the first black woman to graduate from Vassar College, but just weeks before she was supposed to graduate, her roommate discovered her true identity and ratted her out to school officials. Hemmings pleaded her case, and the school ultimately allowed her to graduate. Hemmings was a descendant of slaves. 

But other fans are concerned. 

Some fans have said that Zendaya isn't white passing and that they are interested to see how the film will execute that element of Hemmings' story. 

Another fan wrote: "Y'all can't have it both ways! Zendaya can't represent black women AND be considered white passing at the same time!!!"

But no matter how you feel about it, I think we can all agree it's awesome news that this film will be entirely run by women! 

Not only is it being produced by Zendaya, Reese Witherspoon, and Lauren Neustader, but it's also based on a script written by Leftoversand Fargowriter Monica Beletsky.  

The book the film is based on was also written by a woman. 

Zendaya is having a serious moment right now, and we are certain she will crush this performance. 

She's certainly no stranger to casting backlash. A ton of fans were unhappy when they thought she was cast as Mary Jane Watson in Spider-Man: Homecoming.

She actually played a character named Michelle, but obviously, she would have been amazing as Mary Jane, too. She could have played Spider-Man and I'd have loved it. 

She will also star alongside Zac Efron and Hugh Jackman in The Greatest Showmannext month and we can't wait!  

Keep killing it, girl! 

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