Hollywood star Zendaya is gearing up for her busiest year yet. Reports confirmed on Friday that she will appear in five major projects set to release in 2026, covering everything from action blockbusters to emotional dramas. The Emmy-winning actress is about to take over both the big screen and television once again.
A Packed Film Calendar
1. The Odyssey (July 17, 2026)
Zendaya joins director Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic The Odyssey, based on the Greek classic by Homer. The cast also includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, and Charlize Theron.
Though Zendaya’s exact role is under wraps, fans suspect she may play one of the mythic women Odysseus encounters on his journey. The project began filming earlier this year in Scotland and is already gaining hype as one of 2026’s most anticipated releases.
2. Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 31, 2026)
Zendaya will return as MJ in the fourth Spider-Man movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Tom Holland reprises his role as Peter Parker, with Jon Watts rumored to direct again.
Reports say Zendaya’s role might be slightly smaller this time, mainly due to her heavy schedule, but her chemistry with Holland continues to be a fan favorite. The movie is expected to explore a “fresh start” for Spider-Man after the events of No Way Home.
3. Dune: Part Three (December 18, 2026)
Zendaya will also reprise her role as Chani in Dune: Part Three, directed by Denis Villeneuve. The film is based on Frank Herbert’s Dune Messiah, which follows Paul Atreides’ rise and struggles as emperor.
Fans are curious about how closely the movie will follow the book, where Chani’s story takes a tragic turn. Villeneuve has already said this could be his final Dune film, marking the end of the trilogy.
4. The Drama (April 3, 2026)
A shift from her sci-fi and superhero work, The Drama pairs Zendaya with Robert Pattinson in a psychological satire produced by A24. Directed by Kristoffer Borgli, the movie dives into the strange world of fame, identity, and modern media.
Filming wrapped in late 2024 in London and Boston. Industry insiders expect it to be an awards contender, given Borgli’s reputation for dark, intelligent storytelling.
5. Be My Baby (TBA 2026)
Zendaya will portray music legend Ronnie Spector in Be My Baby, a biopic about the lead singer of The Ronettes. The late Spector personally approved Zendaya for the role before her death in 2022.
The film will explore the highs and lows of the 1960s pop era, including Spector’s personal struggles and musical influence. Zendaya is also a producer on the project, marking another step in her move behind the camera.
A Return to TV
Besides her film work, Zendaya is set to return for Season 3 of HBO’s Euphoria. Filming reportedly began earlier this year. The show’s release has been delayed multiple times, but insiders say it will finally arrive sometime in 2026.
Zendaya will once again play Rue Bennett, a troubled teenager navigating addiction and growing up in a chaotic world. Her previous performances earned two Emmy Awards, and expectations are sky-high for the new season.
A Year of Versatility and Pressure
Five films and a hit series in one year is no small feat. Fans online are already calling 2026 “the year of Zendaya.” But some critics question whether the packed schedule might spread her too thin. Still, few stars her age are managing to balance major franchises, indie dramas, and producing work all at once.
If everything stays on track, Zendaya will go from mythic goddess to superhero girlfriend to 1960s pop icon — all in one year. It’s an ambitious lineup that could define her next era in Hollywood.
2026 looks like the year Zendaya stops being called “the future of Hollywood.” She’ll simply be Hollywood.
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