Zendaya Responds To Controversy Over Lola Bunny's New Look In Space Jam 2

Zendaya has spoken out about the controversy over Lola Bunny's new look in Space Jam: A New Legacy. Watch the trailer here:

The sequel is due to be released on Friday (16 July), 25 years on from the original, with basketball player LeBron James filling the shoes of Michael Jordan.

But it's another change in the new movie which has got people talking.

Lola Bunny's look has been tweaked in favour of a less sexualised appearance; however, a lot of people weren't impressed by the reimagined character.

Now, Zendaya - who voices the character in the sequel - has shared her take on the backlash.

Asked about the response, the 24-year-old - who was born just two months before the original came out - told Entertainment Weekly: "I didn't know that [the backlash] was going to happen either!

"I definitely know we love her, but I didn't know it was going to be as much of a focus as it was.

"But I understand, because she's a lovable character. She's very important, so I get it."

She continued: "She's special to a lot of people and their childhoods and they've been able to grow up with her, so I get that sense of protection.

"I was like, listen, just as long as I did what the director and the producers and everybody wanted me to do, I'm just here to offer my services.

"No, but I felt really grateful just to have the opportunity."

Explaining why Lola Bunny was reworked, director Malcolm D. Lee said he felt it wasn't necessary for a cartoon bunny to have boobs in this day and age - which seems reasonable enough.

He said: "I had no idea that people would be that up in arms about a bunny not having boobs.

"Listen, I understand people don't want things to change, but I think we needed some evolution with her, not by objectifying her but by making her strong and still feminine.

"And, yes, we had all these other women who were like, 'Oh, you can't be strong and have big boobs?!' Sure you can, but we're talking about a cartoon bunny not women!"

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: TV and Film, Celebrity, US Entertainment

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey