A24 Unveils First Look at Zendaya and Robert Pattinson’s ‘The Drama’

Zendaya and Robert Pattinson star as an engaged couple whose wedding plans unravel amid shocking revelations in ‘The Drama,’ an upcoming romantic comedy-drama from A24. The film marks the onscreen pairing of two of Hollywood’s most versatile leads, with Zendaya portraying Emma Harwood, a bookstore clerk from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Pattinson as Charlie Thompson, an art director from London, England. Directed and written by Kristoffer Borgli, known for the 2023 dark comedy ‘Dream Scenario’ with Nicolas Cage, the project blends romance and tension during the couple’s fraught wedding week.

Principal photography wrapped in late 2024, following the script’s development under Borgli’s Dilemma Films banner. Producers Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen oversee the effort through their Square Peg company, which previously collaborated with A24 on ‘Hereditary’ in 2018, ‘Midsommar’ in 2019, ‘Beau Is Afraid’ in 2023, and Borgli’s ‘Dream Scenario.’ Tyler Campellone joins as producer, marking another A24-Square Peg venture that includes upcoming titles like ‘Death of a Unicorn’ with Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, and ‘Eddington’ featuring Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, and Austin Butler.

The ensemble rounds out with Alana Haim, making her feature follow-up to ‘Licorice Pizza’ in 2021; Mamoudou Athie, seen in ‘Jurassic World Dominion’ in 2022 and ‘Uncorked’ in 2020; and Hailey Gates, a model and actress with credits in ‘The Magicians’ series from 2015 to 2020. Supporting roles add layers to the central conflict, where one partner’s hidden truths disrupt the ceremony preparations. A24 financed the production entirely, emphasizing Borgli’s signature style of absurd humor laced with emotional depth.

A first-look poster, released exclusively on A24’s social channels, depicts Zendaya and Pattinson in a dimly lit, intimate pose against a stark white background, hinting at the film’s blend of glamour and unease. The image captures the duo mid-embrace, with subtle wedding motifs like a veil and boutonniere underscoring the premise. No trailer has surfaced yet, but the poster’s minimalist design aligns with A24’s arthouse aesthetic, seen in campaigns for ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ in 2022 and ‘Past Lives’ in 2023.

‘The Drama’ arrives in theaters on April 3, 2026, positioned as counterprogramming during Easter weekend against Illumination and Nintendo’s ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.’ This slot targets adult audiences seeking character-driven narratives amid family blockbusters. The release follows A24’s pattern of spring launches for prestige titles, such as ‘Civil War’ on April 12, 2024, which grossed $108 million worldwide on a $50 million budget.

For Zendaya, the film caps a prolific 2026 slate, including her reprise as MJ in Marvel’s ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ and as Rue Bennett in HBO’s final ‘Euphoria’ season, both slated for mid-year. She earned two Emmys for ‘Euphoria’ and drew acclaim for ‘Challengers’ in 2024, opposite Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor, where she played a former tennis prodigy navigating a love triangle. Zendaya’s A24 ties extend to ‘Malcolm & Marie’ in 2021 with John David Washington.

Pattinson, fresh off Warner Bros.’ ‘The Batman’ in 2022, which earned $772 million globally, next appears in Mubi’s ‘Die My Love’ with Jennifer Lawrence, directed by Lynne Ramsay, and A24’s ‘Primetime,’ Lance Oppenheim’s narrative debut. His role in ‘The Drama’ reunites him with Zendaya after shared screen time in Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey,’ set for July 17, 2026, with an ensemble including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron. Rumors persist of Pattinson joining ‘Dune: Part Three’ as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, potentially marking a third 2026 collaboration.

Borgli’s sophomore A24 feature builds on ‘Dream Scenario’s’ success, which premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival and earned Cage a Golden Globe nomination. The Norwegian director, whose 2015 short ‘Entertainment’ screened at Sundance, infuses ‘The Drama’ with satirical edges on modern relationships. Square Peg’s involvement ensures elevated production values, with a reported budget under $25 million, typical for A24’s mid-tier releases.

The film’s premise echoes classics like ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ in 1994 but pivots to darker, revelation-driven chaos. Early buzz positions it as a festival contender, possibly at SXSW in March 2026 or Cannes in May. A24’s distribution arm, which handled ‘The Iron Claw’ in 2023 to $18 million domestic, will manage U.S. rollout, with international sales via Mubi in select territories.

As Hollywood navigates a post-strike recovery, ‘The Drama’ exemplifies A24’s knack for pairing A-listers with bold voices. Zendaya’s producing credits via her Kandooma company and Pattinson’s versatility signal strong awards potential. With principal cast locked and post-production underway, the film promises a fresh take on marital mayhem for audiences craving wit over whimsy.