Day: October 17, 2026

Zendaya is set to star in an untitled science-fiction film written and directed by Alex Garland for A24. The project is expected to begin filming in 2027, although its story, additional cast and release date have not been announced. It marks another collaboration between the actor and A24 and brings Garland back to a genre he explored in Ex Machina and Annihilation.

Key Takeaways

• Zendaya will star in a new A24 science-fiction film written and directed by Alex Garland.
• Filming is planned for 2027, with no announced start date or release window.
• The title, plot, Zendaya’s character and additional cast members remain undisclosed.
• Garland’s previous A24 projects include Ex Machina, Men, Civil War and Warfare.
• Zendaya will also return as Chani in Dune: Part Three, scheduled for a December 18, 2026, U.S. release.

Zendaya Joins A24’s Next Science-Fiction Production

Zendaya has joined Garland’s latest film as its first announced star. A24 is producing the untitled feature, with Garland responsible for both the screenplay and direction. The project is expected to shoot in 2027, but no production location has been disclosed.

The film reunites Zendaya with A24 following her work on HBO’s Euphoria and The Drama, the 2026 dark romantic comedy in which she starred opposite Robert Pattinson. The Garland project is distinct from both productions, and its genre is among the few creative details currently confirmed.

Zendaya’s recent work also includes Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day. She returned as MJ in the Marvel film, which also featured Sadie Sink’s Jean Grey debut alongside familiar characters from the franchise.

Her casting in Garland’s new film extends a screen career that moves between major franchises and projects led by individual filmmakers. The announcement, however, offers no indication of the character she will play or the story the film will tell.

Alex Garland Continues His Collaboration With A24

Garland made his feature directing debut with Ex Machina, a science-fiction thriller examining artificial intelligence and human behavior. He subsequently directed Annihilation, Men and Civil War, and co-directed the military drama Warfare with Ray Mendoza.

His A24 filmography includes Ex Machina, Men, Civil War and Warfare. The partnership places Garland among filmmakers whose work has been associated with director-driven independent film production, combining distinctive creative approaches with studio backing.

Garland is also writing and directing A24’s live-action adaptation of the video game Elden Ring. That separate project has a confirmed March 3, 2028, release date and an announced cast that includes Kit Connor, Cailee Spaeny, Ben Whishaw, Nick Offerman and Tom Burke.

The new Zendaya film returns Garland to original science fiction, but its premise has not been made public. His earlier films cannot be taken as an indication of the setting, themes or narrative of the untitled production.

Filming Is Expected in 2027, With Plot Details Unannounced

The reported 2027 filming window is the clearest scheduling detail available for Garland’s new feature. A24 has not announced when cameras will begin rolling, where filming will take place or when the completed movie could reach theaters.

Zendaya is the only performer identified in initial reports. There is no confirmed supporting cast, official title, character description or synopsis, and no announced connection to an existing franchise.

The production timeline is also separate from the release schedule for Elden Ring. Although both films involve Garland and A24, the March 2028 date belongs to the video game adaptation, not the new science-fiction project.

Zendaya’s Film Slate Includes Dune and a Ronnie Spector Biopic

Before the Garland film enters production, Zendaya is set to return as Chani in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Three. The film is scheduled to open in U.S. theaters on December 18, 2026, with international releases beginning earlier that week.

The role continues her work in the adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science-fiction novels, alongside Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides. Garland’s film will give her another project in the genre, though no comparison between the two stories is possible until details emerge.

Zendaya is also attached to portray singer Ronnie Spector in Be My Baby, an A24 biographical film directed by Barry Jenkins. The project is separate from Garland’s production and does not currently provide a confirmed scheduling reference for his untitled film.

For now, the new science-fiction feature is defined by its star, writer-director, studio and expected filming year. Further casting and production announcements will establish what kind of story the team is bringing to the screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Zendaya’s New Movie With Alex Garland?

Zendaya will star in an untitled A24 science-fiction film written and directed by Alex Garland. No official plot synopsis or title has been announced.

When Will Zendaya’s New A24 Movie Start Filming?

Filming is expected in 2027. A specific start date and filming location have not been disclosed.

Who Else Has Been Cast in the Film?

Zendaya is the only cast member named in initial reports. Additional actors and character details have not been announced.

When Will Dune: Part Three Be Released?

Dune: Part Three is scheduled for release in U.S. theaters on December 18, 2026. Zendaya will reprise her role as Chani.

What Other A24 Film Is Alex Garland Directing?

Garland is also directing the live-action adaptation of Elden Ring, which is scheduled for release on March 3, 2028.