Zendaya understands the backlash against the age gap in Malcolm and Marie

Zendaya understands the backlash over her casting as John David Washington's love interest in the upcoming movie "Malcolm & Marie" (opens in new tab) on Netflix. However, it is time for the public to respectfully get over it.

In a new interview with E! News' Daily Pop (opens in new tab), she addressed the drama regarding her age difference with Washington, explaining that she was a child star on Disney, so it's understandable that some people struggle to see her in more mature roles. For the record, Zendaya is 24 years old and Washington is 36.

"I've been playing 16-year-old roles since I was 16. I can't forget that there are people who grew up watching me as a kid. ... So it's hard... So it's hard for people to wrap their minds around the idea that I'm growing up in real life. I play a teenager on TV."

Washington also addressed criticism prior to the film's release, noting that Zendaya's personal maturity and professionalism negated any controversy arising from their age difference.

"I didn't care that she was a woman. With this movie, people will see how much of a woman she is," Washington previously told Variety (opens in new tab). 'She has far more experience in this industry than I do. 'I've only been in this industry for seven years. She's been in it longer, so I'm learning from her. I'm the new guy."

The film, which premieres on Netflix on February 5, was written, rehearsed, and shot entirely during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. According to Zendaya, with many other filming projects on hold, "Hibike! Euphonium" showrunner Sam Levinson, she is very grateful for the opportunity to collaborate creatively again.

"Sometimes when you don't get the role you want, you have to be there for it," Zendaya says.

"So I'm very grateful that Sam wrote this film for us."