What’s Next for Zendaya in Hollywood
Comprehensive Guide to the Actress’s Upcoming Movies, TV Shows, and Future Career Path (2026 and Beyond)
Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman — known globally by her professional name Zendaya — has become one of the most influential and sought‑after actors of her generation. Since her breakthrough on Disney Channel and her meteoric rise with roles in major film franchises and critically acclaimed television, Zendaya’s career trajectory shows no signs of slowing down. As we move into 2026 and beyond, she has one of the most impressive and diverse slates of upcoming projects in Hollywood, spanning blockbuster franchises, prestige television, indie cinema, epic dramas, voice acting, and biographical storytelling.
Across film and television, Zendaya has been steadily expanding her creative footprint, taking on roles that showcase her range as an actor while also building a resume that reflects both commercial appeal and artistic ambition. Below, we explore in detail all of Zendaya’s confirmed upcoming projects, including release dates, creative information, and what audiences can expect.
1. The Drama (April 3, 2026)
Zendaya will star in The Drama, an upcoming romantic comedy‑drama from indie powerhouse A24, directed and written by Kristoffer Borgli. The film is scheduled to release in theaters on April 3, 2026.
Overview
- Director: Kristoffer Borgli
- Writer: Kristoffer Borgli
- Producer: Ari Aster, Lars Knudsen, Tyler Campellone
- Production Company: Square Peg
- Distributor: A24
- Release Date: April 3, 2026
- Runtime: Approx. 106 minutes
- Genre: Romantic comedy‑drama
Plot & Role
Zendaya stars opposite Robert Pattinson in The Drama. The film follows a couple whose relationship begins to unravel in the days leading up to their wedding, revealing hidden truths and emotional cracks in what appears to be a stable bond. Sources describe the film as an unpredictable love story that blends humor and heartache, offering Zendaya a character rich in emotional depth.
Significance
This project marks one of Zendaya’s most mature dramatic turns outside of franchise work. With A24’s reputation for cutting‑edge independent cinema, The Drama is expected to be a critical highlight in her career.
2. Euphoria — Season 3 (April 12, 2026)
Zendaya will reprise her Emmy‑winning role as Rue Bennett in the third season of HBO’s hit drama Euphoria, which is set to premiere on April 12, 2026.
Series Details
- Network: HBO
- Premiere Date: April 12, 2026
- Creator: Sam Levinson
- Zendaya’s Role: Rue Bennett
- Format: Multi‑episode serialized drama
Season 3 Story Direction
The upcoming season will feature a five‑year time jump, moving the characters beyond their high school years into young adulthood, dealing with new challenges, relationships, and the consequences of choices made in earlier seasons.
Returning cast members include:
- Hunter Schafer
- Sydney Sweeney
- Jacob Elordi
along with several new high‑profile additions to the ensemble.
Impact
Euphoria is a cultural phenomenon that has earned Zendaya multiple awards, including Emmys for Outstanding Lead Actress. The return of Euphoria cements Zendaya’s television legacy and gives her a continuous screen presence beyond her cinematic work.
3. The Odyssey (July 17, 2026)
In mid‑summer 2026, Zendaya will appear in Christopher Nolan’s epic film The Odyssey, adapted from Homer’s ancient Greek epic. The movie is scheduled for release on July 17, 2026.
Project Details
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Screenplay: Christopher Nolan
- Producer: Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan
- Studio: Universal Pictures
- Budget: Reported around $250 million
- Release Date: July 17, 2026
- Genre: Epic fantasy/adventure
Cast
The film features an ensemble cast, including:
- Matt Damon
- Tom Holland
- Anne Hathaway
- Robert Pattinson
- Charlize Theron
- Lupita Nyong’o
- Zendaya
Zendaya’s Role
Zendaya’s character is reported to be Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and war, placing her at the center of this mythological retelling of The Odyssey, which chronicles Odysseus’s perilous journey home after the Trojan War.
Importance
This marks Zendaya’s first collaboration with Christopher Nolan, one of cinema’s most respected filmmakers. The scale and prestige of The Odyssey elevate Zendaya into the domain of actors capable of anchoring epic, mythic storytelling.
4. Spider‑Man: Brand New Day (July 31, 2026)
Zendaya will return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in Spider‑Man: Brand New Day, reprising her role as Michelle “MJ” Jones‑Watson. The film is scheduled for release on July 31, 2026.
Film Details
- Director: Destin Daniel Cretton
- Writers: Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers
- Producers: Kevin Feige, Amy Pascal
- Studio: Marvel Studios, Columbia Pictures
- Distributor: Sony Pictures Releasing
- Release Date: July 31, 2026
- Genre: Superhero
Cast
- Tom Holland as Peter Parker / Spider‑Man
- Zendaya as MJ
- Jacob Batalon
- Sadie Sink
- Liza Colón‑Zayas
- Jon Bernthal
- Mark Ruffalo and others
Plot Context
The film continues the story of Peter Parker as he navigates life after the dramatic multiverse upheavals following Spider‑Man: No Way Home. The narrative is described as a fresh start for the franchise while keeping core character relationships intact.
Role Significance
Zendaya’s continued presence in the MCU solidifies her as a key figure in one of Hollywood’s biggest franchises. MJ remains one of the most beloved non‑superpowered characters in the franchise.
5. Dune: Part Three (Dec 18, 2026)
Zendaya will return as Chani in Dune: Part Three, continuing the sci‑fi epic directed by Denis Villeneuve. It is scheduled to release on December 18, 2026.
Film Details
- Director: Denis Villeneuve
- Screenplay: Denis Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts
- Studio: Legendary Pictures
- Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
- Release Date: Dec 18, 2026
- Genre: Science Fiction/Drama
Cast
- Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides
- Zendaya as Chani
- Florence Pugh
- Jason Momoa
- Rebecca Ferguson
- Anya Taylor‑Joy
- Robert Pattinson
Story Context
This installment adapts Dune Messiah, the second novel in Frank Herbert’s Dune series, and examines deeper political and personal consequences of Paul Atreides’ ascent to power. Zendaya’s Chani remains central to the emotional core of the story.
Impact
The Dune franchise has been one of the most visually ambitious and critically acclaimed science‑fiction properties of the decade. Zendaya’s continued involvement highlights her star power across genres.
6. Be My Baby (Ronnie Spector Biopic – TBA)
Zendaya is set to portray Ronnie Spector, legendary frontwoman of The Ronettes, in the biographical drama Be My Baby. The film will be directed by Barry Jenkins, the Academy Award‑winning director known for Moonlight.
Project Details
- Director: Barry Jenkins
- Producers: Zendaya, Marc Platt, Adam Siegel, Mark Itkin, Tom Shelly
- Writers: David Kajganich, Barry Jenkins
- Studio: A24
- Status: In development / upcoming
Plot & Role
The biopic is based on Ronnie Spector’s 1991 autobiography Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts, and Madness, chronicling her rise to fame, her tumultuous relationship with producer Phil Spector, and her fight to reclaim her music rights. Zendaya will star as Ronnie and serve as a producer on the project.
Significance
This biopic represents Zendaya’s first major portrayal of a real‑life music icon and expands her range as an actor while adding production credentials to her resume.
7. Shrek 5 (June 30, 2027)
While not a 2026 release, Zendaya is confirmed to appear in Shrek 5, voicing Felicia, the daughter of Shrek and Fiona. The animated sequel is scheduled for June 30, 2027.
Film Details
- Directors: Walt Dohrn, Brad Ableson
- Writers: Michael McCullers, Christopher Meledandri
- Release Date: June 30, 2027
- Genre: Animated family comedy
Role
Zendaya will voice a new character — the next generation in the beloved Shrek franchise — expanding her appeal to animated family audiences.
Zendaya’s Career Direction Beyond Projects
Zendaya’s forthcoming slate demonstrates several clear trends in her career:
1. Multi‑Genre Dominance
Zendaya is not limiting herself to one genre. Her upcoming roles span:
- Indie drama (The Drama)
- Prestige television (Euphoria)
- Epic mythology (The Odyssey)
- Superhero action (Spider‑Man: Brand New Day)
- Science fiction (Dune: Part Three)
- Biographical drama (Be My Baby)
- Animation (Shrek 5)
This means she is positioned to reach diverse audiences, from blockbuster fans to arthouse cinephiles and television audiences alike.
2. Collaborations With Top Filmmakers
Zendaya is working with some of cinema’s most respected directors:
- Christopher Nolan (The Odyssey)
- Denis Villeneuve (Dune: Part Three)
- Barry Jenkins (Be My Baby)
- A24 auteurs (The Drama)
- HBO’s Sam Levinson (Euphoria)
This trend enhances her reputation as a serious actor capable of anchoring both mass‑market and critically acclaimed films.
3. Franchise Staying Power
Her continued roles in major franchises like Marvel and Dune keep Zendaya entrenched in multi‑billion‑dollar properties that bolster her box‑office clout and global visibility.
4. Expansion Into Producing
Zendaya is taking on producer roles (e.g., Be My Baby), signaling a future where she may shape the stories she tells both on and off camera.
Conclusion
Zendaya’s Hollywood future is exceptionally bright and expansive. From sweeping epics and franchise blockbusters to intimate dramas and biographical storytelling, her upcoming projects reflect both artistic ambition and commercial savvy. With a stacked 2026 lineup — including The Drama, Euphoria Season 3, The Odyssey, Spider‑Man: Brand New Day, and Dune: Part Three — she is poised for one of the most defining years of her career. Add to that her biopic work and animated roles extending into 2027 and beyond, and Zendaya clearly stands as one of the most versatile, influential, and bankable talents in Hollywood today.
About the Author
