The internet has found a new superpower in actor Noah Schnapp's recent bowl cut hairstyle, but the conversation has swiftly turned to another enduring topic: his well-documented admiration for Hollywood superstar Zendaya. The 21-year-old 'Stranger Things' actor has once again captured fan attention with his candid past revelations about his celebrity crush.
The MTV Awards Shoutout That Started It All
Noah Schnapp's public declaration of love for Zendaya dates back to the 2018 MTV Movie & TV Awards. Before winning the award for 'Best Frightened Performance,' Schnapp told Variety that the only person he wanted to meet there was the 'Dune' actress. "Zendaya's here," he exclaimed, adding, "She's so pretty. I love her." He didn't stop there; he continued these heartfelt feelings during his official acceptance speech, giving a loud shoutout to Zendaya from the stage.
A Dream Meeting and an Unforgettable Scent
Schnapp's dream finally came true a year later during the award season. Recalling the magical moment on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,' he described being incredibly nervous. "I just remember seeing her out of the corner of my eye and walking up to her. I was really, really nervous. And I was like, 'Oh my god, it's actually her. This is the first time I'm meeting her,'" Schnapp shared. He added a memorable detail, claiming that Zendaya had an amazing smell, a sensory memory that has stayed with him since that encounter.
Spider-Man Ambitions for Love
Noah Schnapp's crush even fueled professional ambitions. In a conversation with Build Series, he humorously expressed a desire to replace Spider-Man—specifically Tom Holland's version—so he could share the screen with Zendaya, who plays MJ in the franchise. After initially suggesting a voiceover change, he quickly clarified his admiration for Holland: "No, but I love Tom Holland. Just once, he gets older. I love Tom Holland." He reiterated that it would be the perfect opportunity, suggesting Holland could be the 'other' Spider-Man.
On the professional front, Noah Schnapp continues to star in the hit Netflix series 'Stranger Things.' The first part of the highly anticipated fifth season has been released, with the final two parts scheduled for Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Meanwhile, Zendaya has a packed slate for 2026, including a new season of 'Euphoria,' 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day,' 'The Odyssey,' and 'Dune: Part Three.'
