Exclusive: Sam Levinson on directing Zendaya and John David Washington in ‘Malcolm and Marie’

Coming out this week on Netflix is Malcolm & Marie, the romantic drama starring John David Washington and Emmy Award winner Zendaya.  Directed by Euphoria creator Sam Levinson, it was the first feature film to complete production during the pandemic.

Sam Levinson teams up with Zendaya and John David Washington for an achingly romantic drama in which a filmmaker (Washington) and his girlfriend (Zendaya) return home following a celebratory movie premiere as he awaits what’s sure to be imminent critical and financial success. The evening suddenly takes a turn as revelations about their relationships begin to surface, testing the strength of their love. Working with cinematographer Marcell Rev, Levinson creates a film of rare originality; an ode to the great Hollywood romances as well as a heartfelt expression of faith in the medium's future.

Levinson, his production partner and wife Ashley Levinson (producer of Bombshell, EP of Green Knight, co-EP of Queen & Slim), longtime producer Kevin Turen, Washington and Zendaya took it upon themselves to bankroll Malcolm & Marie during pre-production and production.

BlackFilmandTV.com’s Wilson Morales caught up with Levinson as he spoke about working with both actors.