Zendaya is reuniting with A24 for a new science fiction project, with the actor set to star in an untitled film written and directed by Alex Garland. The upcoming sci-fi film is scheduled to begin shooting in 2027, although plot details and additional casting information have yet to be announced.
The project brings together Zendaya and Garland, two established names in their respective fields, for a collaboration that extends the actor’s relationship with A24 and the filmmaker’s ongoing work with the independent studio. Known for exploring unconventional ideas through science fiction, Garland has built a filmography that includes “Ex Machina” and “Annihilation,” raising expectations for his latest directorial effort.
Zendaya Continues Her Partnership With A24
Zendaya is set to star in a new sci-fi movie from writer and director Alex Garland (“Civil War,” “Ex Machina”).
Plot details are being kept under wraps, but the feature is set to shoot in 2027.
https://t.co/2nnxwXuWvi https://t.co/i9tpl6jsNw
— Variety (@Variety) October 15, 2026
The upcoming film marks another collaboration between Zendaya and A24 following “Euphoria,“ the HBO drama that concluded its run after three seasons earlier this year, and “The Drama,” a dark comedy starring Zendaya alongside Robert Pattinson.
“The Drama” became a box office success, earning more than $134 million worldwide. Meanwhile, “Euphoria” helped cement Zendaya’s reputation as one of her generation’s most acclaimed television performers, earning her multiple Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.
The new project adds another title to the actor’s growing film slate as she continues moving between blockbuster franchises and original productions. Zendaya was also previously attached to “Be My Baby,“ an A24 film from filmmaker Barry Jenkins about singer Ronnie Spector.
Neither A24 nor the filmmakers have disclosed further details about Zendaya’s character or the story of the new sci-fi film.
Alex Garland Returns to Science Fiction
For Garland, the project continues a longstanding creative relationship with A24. The studio has worked with the filmmaker on several titles, including his directorial debut “Ex Machina,” the psychological horror film “Men,“ the political thriller “Civil War,” and “Warfare.“
Garland earned widespread recognition for “Ex Machina,” which examines artificial intelligence, human consciousness, and the ethical implications of technological advancement. His subsequent science fiction work has included “Annihilation,“ a feature about a mysterious environmental phenomenon, and “Devs,“ an FX miniseries exploring determinism and advanced computing.
His latest collaboration with Zendaya will mark another return to the genre, although it remains unclear whether the film will follow the technological and philosophical themes associated with his earlier work.
A24 has also backed Garland’s upcoming live-action adaptation of the video game “Elden Ring.“ The project stars Kit Connor, Cailee Spaeny, Ben Whishaw, Nick Offerman, and Tom Burke, with a release date set for March 3, 2028. Production wrapped on July 30.
Zendaya Adds Another Major Project to Her 2026 Slate
Zendaya’s upcoming projects. 🎬
▪️‘DUNE: PART THREE’ dir. Denis Villeneuve w/ Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh, Robert Pattinson, Anya Taylor-Joy and more.
▪️‘BE MY BABY’ dir. Barry Jenkins
▪️‘SHREK 5’ (Voice of Shrek’s Daughter)
▪️Untitled Alex Garland’s Sci-Fi movie https://t.co/fyKy6POsYZ
— Film Crave (@_filmcrave) October 15, 2026
The announcement arrives during a busy year for Zendaya, whose recent releases include Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” and “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.“ She is also set to reprise her role as Chani in Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Three,“ scheduled to arrive in theaters on December 18, 2026.
The actor’s return to science fiction with Garland will offer a different creative direction from her work in the “Dune” franchise. While Villeneuve’s films explore political conflict, ecological pressures, and competing dynasties across an expansive universe, Garland’s projects frequently center on psychological tension and questions about human behavior.
The upcoming film’s production timeline also places it among Zendaya’s future commitments as she continues building a filmography that spans major studio releases and more independent projects.
New Film Could Delay Third “28 Years Later” Installment
Garland’s new commitments could also affect the timeline for a potential third “28 Years Later” film. The filmmaker wrote the original “28 Days Later” and later reunited with director Danny Boyle for “28 Years Later” and its sequel, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.“
Speaking at the London Film Festival, Boyle revealed that Garland had written a “fantastic script” for a third installment but explained that the project was on hold while the writer-director worked on other productions, including “Elden Ring.“
With Garland now preparing to shoot another A24 feature in 2027, the next “28 Years Later” installment could face a longer wait. However, no updated production schedule has been confirmed.
For now, the untitled film brings Zendaya and Garland together for a new science fiction collaboration, with further details expected as the project moves toward production.
Featured image: Popular Images/Deposit Photos
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