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Zendaya and Robert Pattinson's upcoming dark new film The Drama has been condemned by a grieving Columbine victim's father.
The 29-year-old actress took on a leading role alongside the Twilight alum, 39, in the A24 romantic black comedy which is set to release in theaters on April 3 - and notably contains a major plot twist.
Both stars play an engaged couple and during a trailer that dropped earlier this year, Zendaya's character revealed the 'worst thing' that she has ever done, which left her fiance and friends shocked.
While the official teaser did not unveil what she did, the revelation has since come to light following early screenings.
Her character shares in the film that she planned a high school shooting as a teenager but didn't follow through with it at the last minute.
Tom Mauser - who lost his son in the tragic 1999 Columbine High School massacre - called the twist 'awful' during an interview with TMZ.
Zendaya and Robert Pattinson's upcoming dark new film The Drama has been condemned by a grieving Columbine victim's father; seen on Tuesday in Paris
Tom Mauser - who lost his son in the tragic 1999 Columbine High School massacre - called the twist 'awful' during an interview with TMZ
He further told the outlet that he was appalled that a project branded as a romantic comedy would have such a twist.
Mauser also referenced to Zendaya's recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! where the pair discussed the 'big twist' and how he felt the Euphoria star was possibly not taking the topic seriously.
The late night talk show host said, 'I can see it - without revealing anything - I can see this movie causing a lot of problems for a lot of people... in their personal lives.'
'Yeah, yeah, very possible. Absolutely. Those conversations can go... many ways,' she said as some of the live audience broke out into laughter, prompting her to flash a small smile while diving into other elements of the movie.
Mauser told TMZ that Zendaya's character 'humanizes' shooters - although in the film, she did not go through with the high school shooting.
He added that he feels that those specific topics of violence should not be used as entertainment.
Mauser also hopes that individuals who have considered violent acts but didn't go through with it to seek help through therapy.
Daily Mail has reached out to reps for Zendaya and A24 for comment, but did not immediately hear back.
Mauser also referenced to Zendaya's recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! where the pair discussed the 'big twist' and how he felt the Euphoria star was possibly not taking the topic seriously
Mauser told TMZ that Zendaya's character 'humanizes' shooters - although in the film, she did not go through with the high school shooting
During her conversation with Kimmel, the actress also said, 'That's the thing. 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, especially with the big twist.'
Zendaya continued, 'There's so many conversations that are had after you watch it. And its one of those things, like I really hope that people don't spoil it for each other so they are allowed to go into it just unknowing and really experience the drama.'
During their recent conversation with Interview Magazine, her co-star Pattinson recalled how he 'spiraled hard' when it came to filming a major scene in The Drama.
'On The Drama, for instance, there's that big scene when I'm giving a speech to you - the amount of times where I feel like I'm totally insane...'
The Batman actor continued, 'I can feel something so deeply and I'm trying to explain it to a director or anybody around me and no one understands.'
Zendaya replied, 'I remember you kind of spiraled hard about that scene, but where you and Kris [Borgli] landed was really beautiful,' referencing to the movie's director.
'But I think I would agree with you. I'm not always the best at articulating or expressing myself either,' she added.
During her conversation with Kimmel, the actress also said, 'That's the thing. What's difficult about even talking about the movie is that there is so many different genres'
During their recent conversation with Interview Magazine, her co-star Pattinson recalled how he 'spiraled hard' when it came to filming a major scene in The Drama
Insiders who watched early screenings of The Drama also previously stated that audiences had been left horrified over the disturbing plot twist.
The film has mainly been marketed as a wedding flick - but some viewers were left blindsided by the bait-and-switch.
The Drama also reportedly does not have a 'trigger warning' despite the subject matter.
However, others have applauded the film ahead of its official release next month.
One wrote on social media, 'So good. So fun. So dark,' while another added that The Drama is a 'perfectly executed exercise in disturbing romantic discomfort.'
Tom Holland - who is rumored to have tied the knot with Zendaya - voiced his support for the actress and her new movie.
In a recent Instagram post he uploaded to promote the project, he wrote: '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!'
Insiders who watched early screenings of The Drama also previously stated that audiences had been left horrified over the disturbing plot twist; Pattinson and Zendaya seen earlier this month in Hollywood
Tom Holland - who is rumored to have tied the knot with Zendaya - voiced his support for the actress and her new movie
The A24 project was written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli - who is known for other movies such as Dream Scenario (2023) starring Nicolas Cage.
The cast of The Drama additionally includes Mamoudou Athie, Alana Haim, Hailey Gates and Zoe Winters.
The premise is: 'A happily engaged couple is put to the test when an unexpected turn sends their wedding week off the rails,' per IMDB.
Zendaya and Pattinson are no strangers to working together and will also appear in forthcoming films including Dune: Part Three and The Odyssey.
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