Zendaya gives subtle nod to Tom Holland's upcoming films during surprise bookstore visit
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Actress Zendaya recently made a surprise visit to an independent bookstore in Northern California, where she was photographed holding two books that delighted both staff and fans.
The books that appeared to reference upcoming projects involving both Zendaya and partner Tom Holland. The bookstore later shared details of the visit on social media on Friday, June 6, offering insight into the memorable encounter.
Zendaya stops by Rakestraw Books and shares her love of reading
Rakestraw Books in Danville revealed Zendaya’s visit in an Instagram post. Alongside a photo of the actress inside the store, the bookstore wrote, “We had a very special visitor at Rakestraw Books recently.”
The post continued, “Zendaya stopped by to shop and chat books with us. We were thrilled to help her find her next read and hear some of her own recommendations.” In the photograph shared by the bookstore, she posed while holding copies of Frank Herbert’s 'Dune: Messiah' and 'Homer’s The Odyssey.'
The selection immediately caught the attention of fans because of the connection both books have to upcoming film projects involving the actress.
Zendaya’s choice of books appears to reference her return as Chani in director Denis Villeneuve’s next installment of the 'Dune' franchise, which is slated for release in December. At the same time, 'The Odyssey' serves as a nod to filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated adaptation of the classic epic poem.
Holland is set to star in the film, while she is also attached to the project and is reportedly expected to portray the goddess Athena. The bookstore itself acknowledged the significance of the books in its social media post, writing, “We’re also enjoying the subtle nod to her upcoming projects.”
Tom Holland reflects on relationship with Zendaya and calls her a ‘lifeline’
The two first met while working on 'Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2017.' After years of friendship and persistent romance rumors, the pair confirmed their relationship in 2021. Since then, they have largely kept their personal lives private despite continued public interest.
Engagement speculation intensified in January 2025 when Zendaya attended the Golden Globe Awards wearing a diamond ring on her left hand. A source later confirmed that Holland had proposed during the 2024 holiday season.
Although neither Zendaya nor Holland has publicly shared extensive details about their engagement, the couple continues to support one another’s careers.
The Spider-Man actor recently opened up about their relationship during a June 2 appearance on Amy Poehler's 'Good Hang' podcast, telling the comedian that having someone who understands the work he does has made all the difference in the "wild world" of Hollywood.
He said, "There are ups and downs, you go from shooting a movie, which is when we're all at our most comfortable, and then you do a press tour, which feels like you're kind of standing out on the stage, It's so nice to have someone that understands that in such a personal way so that you can talk each other down or you can pick each other up."
Holland added, "It's a lifeline. I couldn't imagine doing what I do without her."
