When images of Zendaya and Tom Holland seemingly tying the knot began circulating online, fans didn’t hesitate to believe the fairytale. Set against the romantic stillness of Lake Como, the pictures looked convincingly real.
There was just one catch: every single image was AI-generated.
A viral illusion
The photos spread like wildfire across Instagram and X, with millions liking, sharing and — crucially — believing what they were seeing. While some posts included small disclaimers labelling the images as “artistic recreations,” the detail was easy to miss in a sea of double taps.
“They’re not real”
Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Zendaya addressed the moment with a kind of amused disbelief that feels very on-brand.
While she was out in the real world, people were stopping her to gush over her “wedding photos”. Her response was simple: the images weren’t real.
Even more surprising? It wasn’t just fans who were convinced. People in her own circle had seen the images and assumed they were legitimate, with some jokingly offended that they hadn’t been invited.
Of course, the internet didn’t pull this narrative out of thin air. Rumours around the couple’s relationship have been quietly building for a while. Stylist Law Roach previously hinted that a wedding may have already taken place.
Then came Paris Fashion Week, where Zendaya stepped out wearing a gold band, and suddenly speculation had something visual to latch onto.
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The reality behind the romance
Zendaya and Holland’s real-life love story began on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming, and since then, they’ve become one of Hollywood’s most quietly adored couples.
They’re set to reunite again in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, with more shared screen time on the horizon, including The Odyssey.
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Source: Adapted from reporting by BBC News.
Feature image: Zendaya/Instagram