Is That Tom Holland Under Her Hat? The Viral Zendaya Hat Theory Explained

The Breakdown: The "Zendaya theory" began as a running joke, but now netizens can't get over it. The memes have resurfaced online following the actress' appearance at the Met Gala.

The internet can't stop talking about a wild conspiracy surrounding Zendaya — and yes, the Zendaya Theory is very real. TikTok users turned her oversized hats and mysterious energy into a full-blown viral moment. What began as a playful joke about her iconic 2014 headwear has evolved into a running meme with staying power. Just when the chatter started to die down, Zendaya brought the theory back to life at the 2025 Met Gala.

The "Zendaya Theory," also known as the "Zendaya Hat Theory," is a viral meme that humorously speculates on the mysterious nature of Zendaya's oversized hats.

It kicked off when TikTok user @thesnakesbloxx dropped a video that mashed up a glitchy clip of Zendaya smiling during a 2015 interview with creepy music and a throwback image of her oversized hat from 2014. This sparked a series of satirical conspiracy videos suggesting absurd ideas, such as Tom Holland hiding under her hat.

Zendaya gave the meme new life at the 2025 Met Gala when she hit the carpet in a sharp, all-white Louis Vuitton suit — and yes, she brought back the dramatic wide-brimmed hat. Fans instantly clocked the nod to her 2014 look. Zendaya has acknowledged the meme, expressing affection for the original look and hinting at its potential comeback.

"I still see memes about this particular look," she told Teen Vogue. Adding, "I would wear it again. Might have to bring it out of the archives one day."

Zendaya didn’t just show up to the 2025 Met Gala — she shut it down. Embracing the night’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” she embodied Black dandyism with a custom Louis Vuitton slay, designed by Pharrell Williams and styled by her stylist, Law Roach. She stepped onto the Met steps rocking an all-white three-piece suit: flared bell-bottom pants, a sharply tailored blazer with silver snake detailing, a matching vest and tie, and a wide-brimmed hat.

She kept the accessories lowkey but luxurious – with diamond studs and a Bulgari Serpenti brooch tucked under her collar.

However, there was a slight fashion mishap on the carpet. Anna Sawai wore a strikingly similar Dior outfit, styled by Karla Welch. Her look included a tailored blazer, wide-brimmed hat, white gloves, and a Cartier watch. The primary difference lay in the trousers. Sawai opted for wide-legged pants, while Zendaya's were flared.

Zendaya switched things up for the Met Gala after-party, stepping out in a deep red, sequined vintage gown by Patrick Kelly. Known for defying fashion norms and celebrating Black identity, Kelly made history as the first American and Black designer admitted to the Chambre Syndicale du Prêt-à-Porter in Paris. By choosing one of his archival pieces, Zendaya honored both the evening’s theme and Kelly’s lasting impact on fashion.