Zendaya is the voice behind Lola Bunny in the new “Space Jam 2” movie, but diehard fans are upset over the bunny’s updated appearance.
The actress is taking the backlash in her stride.
“I definitely know we love her, but I didn’t know it was going to be as much of a focus as it was. [Laughs] But I understand, because she’s a lovable character. She’s very important, so I get it,” she told Entertainment Weekly.
The reworked Lola Bunny has a bigger chest, more pronounced curves — and fans are upset that one of their childhood faves has been “oversexualized.”
In the 1996’s version of the movie, Lola rocks a crop top and short shorts throughout the film and her basketball kit is similar to those of her male counterparts.
“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. [Laughs] No, but I felt really grateful just to have the opportunity,” she added.
The movie’s director, Malcolm D. Lee, was also a little surprised by the harsh feedback.
“I had no idea that people would be that up in arms about a bunny not having boobs,” Lee tells EW. “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!”
“Space Jam: A New Legacy” is in theaters now and is also available to view on HBO Max.
