Zendaya is set to star in an upcoming, currently untitled science fiction film written and directed by Alex Garland, with production slated to begin next year. The project marks the actor’s third collaboration with A24, arriving as she prepares for the December release of Dune: Part Three.
The slate of major upcoming projects for Zendaya has expanded with a new science fiction venture directed by Alex Garland, the filmmaker behind Civil War and Ex Machina. The venture is backed by A24, and principal photography is expected to get underway next year. This upcoming chapter concludes the cinematic adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science-fiction saga as the final Dune film arrives in theaters.
Production Begins in 2027 with Plot Details Kept Under Wraps
As of October 2026, specific plot points, additional cast members, and a theatrical release date remain under wraps. According to Variety, production is scheduled to begin in 2027. The collaboration brings together a filmmaker known for exploring psychological tension and philosophical concepts with an actor deeply familiar with big-budget speculative fiction. She reprises the role of the Fremen warrior and Paul Atreides’ love interest, played by Timothée Chalamet, in the unfolding cinematic narrative.
Garland spoke previously about his creative draw to the genre, noting that speculative storytelling offers unique narrative freedom.
Science fiction simply says: do whatever you want. The bigger the idea, the better. Bring it on.
Alex Garland, via IGN
Third Collaboration with A24
The untitled film marks Zendaya’s third time working with A24. The studio previously produced her work on the HBO series Euphoria, where she portrays Rue, and distributed The Drama, a film released earlier this year alongside Robert Pattinson that earned substantial global box office revenue.
Garland is also a frequent collaborator with the studio, having partnered with A24 on projects including Ex Machina, Men, Civil War, and Warfare. Beyond this new project with Zendaya, Garland is also developing a cinematic adaptation of the video game Elden Ring, scheduled for a March 3, 2028 theatrical release.
A Busy Schedule Across Major Franchises
The announcement arrives during a packed production window for the actor. Later this year, she reprises her role as Chani in Dune: Part Three, scheduled for release on December 18.
Her recent and upcoming slate also features roles in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey—which became Universal Pictures’ biggest release to date—and Marvel’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day. She is additionally attached to star as music legend Ronnie Spector in the Barry Jenkins-directed biopic Be My Baby and will voice a character in Shrek 5.
