Columbine Victim's Father Condemns Zendaya and Robert Pattinson's New Film
The upcoming A24 romantic black comedy The Drama, starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, has drawn sharp criticism from Tom Mauser, a father who lost his son in the 1999 Columbine High School massacre. Mauser labeled the film's central plot twist as "awful" during an interview with TMZ, expressing dismay that a project marketed as a romantic comedy would incorporate such sensitive subject matter.
Controversial Plot Revelation Sparks Outrage
In the film, scheduled for theatrical release on April 3, Zendaya's character reveals during the narrative that she planned a high school shooting as a teenager but ultimately did not carry it out. This revelation, which emerged from early screenings, forms the movie's dramatic pivot point. Mauser argued that this storyline "humanizes" potential shooters, even though the character refrains from violence. He emphasized that topics of school violence should not be used for entertainment purposes.
"I was appalled that a project branded as a romantic comedy would have such a twist," Mauser told TMZ. He also referenced Zendaya's recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where she discussed the "big twist" with some audience laughter, suggesting she might not be taking the subject seriously enough.
Mixed Reactions and Industry Responses
Early screenings have elicited polarized responses. Some viewers were horrified by the bait-and-switch marketing, as the film was primarily promoted as a wedding flick without trigger warnings for its dark content. However, others have praised The Drama for its bold narrative. Social media reactions include comments like "So good. So fun. So dark" and descriptions of it as a "perfectly executed exercise in disturbing romantic discomfort."
Zendaya addressed the complexity of discussing the film during her Kimmel interview, noting, "What's difficult about even talking about the movie is that there is so many different genres. And I think it is a romantic comedy in many ways but it's also a drama... everybody has their own kind of feelings leaving the theater."
Behind the Scenes and Cast Insights
Robert Pattinson revealed in an Interview Magazine conversation that he "spiraled hard" while filming a major scene, struggling to articulate his deep feelings about the material. Zendaya recalled his process, stating, "I remember you kind of spiraled hard about that scene, but where you and Kris [Borgli] landed was really beautiful."
The film, written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli, features additional cast members Mamoudou Athie, Alana Haim, Hailey Gates, and Zoe Winters. Its premise involves a happily engaged couple whose wedding week goes awry due to an unexpected turn of events.
Support and Future Projects
Tom Holland, rumored to be married to Zendaya, publicly supported the film on Instagram, writing, "I honestly couldn't be more excited for you to see this movie and believe me when I say it's gonna floor you. Get your tickets now!" Meanwhile, Zendaya and Pattinson continue their collaboration with upcoming projects including Dune: Part Three and The Odyssey.
Mauser concluded his remarks by encouraging individuals who have considered violent acts to seek therapy, reiterating his hope that such topics are handled with greater sensitivity in media. Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Zendaya and A24 for comment but has not received an immediate response.
