Lupita Nyong’o and Zendaya are the latest cover stars for ELLE Magazine, appearing in its Summer 2026 issue. The feature highlights their roles in the upcoming epic film The Odyssey, directed by Christopher Nolan, while also exploring their personal journeys, career choices, and deeper reflections on life and fame.
Lupita speaks about her experience being cast and filming the epic for the first time, and how her approach to acting has changed since her 2014 Oscar win. She also opens up about her health struggles with fibroids, saying she’s learned not to ignore her own pain anymore. In the shoot, her styling is inspired by the fire element, symbolizing strength, intensity, and transformation.
Zendaya discusses working with Nolan for the first time and the pride she felt watching her “best friend” Tom Holland on set. She also reflects on empathy in today’s world, emphasizing how harmful it is to dehumanize others. In the visual concept, she channels the earth element, representing grounding, balance, and resilience.
ELLE: @elleusa
Editor-in-chief: Nina Garcia @ninagarcia
Photographer: Norman Jean Roy @normanjeanroy
Stylist: Law Roach @luxurylaw
Writer: Alexis Okeowo @aokeowo
Hair: Coree Moreno for Oribe @coree.moreno
Makeup: Ernesto Casillas for Prada Beauty @ernestocasillas
Manicure: Alex Jachno for Manucurist @ajax_jachno
Set design: Marla Weinhoff at 11th House Agency @marlaweinhoff @11thhouseagency
Produced by Alexey Galetskiy Productions @alexeyg
