Zendaya’s New Madame Tussauds Wax Figure Is Drawing Strong Reactions from Fans

Zendaya has a brand-new wax figure — and the internet has plenty to say about it. Madame Tussauds New York unveiled the statue on Jan. 6, modeling it after the look she wore to a Dune: Part Two fan event in Mexico City.

The figure recreates the sleek, fashion-forward outfit from that appearance, featuring textured leather details, a slit skirt, and bold statement jewelry. While the museum presented the statue as a nod to Zendaya’s cultural influence, fans quickly zoomed in to judge how closely it captures her likeness.

Online reactions ranged from mild praise to outright doubt. Some commenters argued that wax figures are rarely perfect and felt this one turned out relatively well, with one person saying it’s “realistically not that bad” compared to other celebrity statues.

Still, others weren’t convinced. A few viewers pointed out small features they felt didn’t quite match, with one fan writing, “They’re usually so on point with these,” while another suggested that Zendaya’s wax figures never fully resemble her.

Madame Tussauds notes that each figure is built through a long, highly detailed process. Artists begin by sculpting the form in clay, then apply careful layers of paint meant to create a natural, lifelike glow.

The museum says more than 20 artists collaborate over the course of a year to complete a single statue, blending traditional artistic techniques with modern tools designed to improve realism.

“Zendaya has earned her place among today’s most recognizable and respected stars,” says Tiago Mogadouro, general manager of Madame Tussauds New York, calling the statue a reflection of her lasting impact on entertainment and fashion.

The unveiling also marks Zendaya’s 10th Madame Tussauds figure — a milestone that underscores the scale of her career and public reach. Her first statues debuted in 2015 in Orlando and San Francisco after an in-person sitting, where artists collected detailed measurements and reference photos.

That early sitting helped shape future figures that have continued to evolve alongside her career. And, much like the latest reveal, her wax statues have often drawn both admiration and debate — reflecting just how closely audiences pay attention to her image.

The new figure is now on display at Madame Tussauds New York, where visitors can pose alongside the actress.