Zendaya’s Upcoming Projects: Alex Garland Sci-Fi Joins ‘Dune’, ‘Shrek’ and ‘Be My Baby’

Avatar photoValentina Kraljik
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Zendaya’s year has been nothing short of extraordinary, a dream come true for studios. She starred in A24’s sleeper hit ‘The Drama’, appeared in ‘The Odyssey’ and ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’, and completed filming for HBO’s ‘Euphoria’. By year’s end, she will add yet another major release to her impressive lineup.

These three films alone have grossed nearly $4.5 billion combined at the global box office. ‘The Drama’ alone brought in almost $135 million worldwide, and her role in ‘Euphoria’ earned her an Emmy nomination this year for portraying Rue in its third and final season. This marks one of the most remarkable runs by any actor in recent memory.

Now, her slate of upcoming projects has expanded further. Zendaya is set to star in an untitled sci-fi film that Alex Garland will write and direct for A24. While plot details remain under wraps and no co-stars have been announced, the film is expected to begin shooting in 2027.

This project continues the strong collaboration between Garland and A24, which includes titles like ‘Ex Machina’, ‘Men’, ‘Civil War’, and ‘Warfare’. Garland recently completed A24’s adaptation of ‘Elden Ring’, scheduled for release in March 2028, and he will reportedly work on both films simultaneously. This timeline suggests that the new sci-fi film may not debut until after ‘Elden Ring’.

Additionally, this further solidifies Zendaya’s connection to A24. Her recent collaborations with the studio include ‘Euphoria’, which they produced, and ‘The Drama’. Reports indicate she is attached to only one other film after ‘Shrek 5’, which is ‘Be My Baby’.

Before that, she will reprise her role as Chani in Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune: Part Three’, which Warner Bros. will release in theaters on December 18. This film adapts Frank Herbert’s ‘Dune Messiah’, taking place 17 years later, with Timothée Chalamet’s Paul ruling as Emperor and married to Florence Pugh’s Princess Irulan. Zendaya’s character, Chani, remains central to the narrative.

The cast also features Robert Pattinson as Scytale, Anya Taylor-Joy as Alia, Jason Momoa as a new version of Duncan Idaho, Rebecca Ferguson, and Javier Bardem. Villeneuve has indicated that this installment leans more into thriller territory and includes more action than its predecessors. It was primarily filmed on 65mm film, with some sequences shot in 15/70mm IMAX.

The stakes at the box office are significant. One outlet has noted that if it surpasses $1 billion, Zendaya would become the first actor to star in three films that hit that milestone in a single year.

Next summer, she will take on a very different role. Zendaya voices Felicia, the daughter of Shrek and Fiona, in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Shrek 5’, which is set to hit theaters on June 30, 2027. Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz will reprise their roles as Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona.

Skyler Gisondo and Marcello Hernández will voice the couple’s sons, Farkle and Fergus. Co-directed by Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon, this film marks the franchise’s return after a 16-year hiatus. Zendaya’s casting was revealed in a teaser, and her previous comments about watching ‘Shrek’ too often as an adult add to the charm.

Perhaps the most personal project on her agenda is ‘Be My Baby’, the Ronnie Spector biopic directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins. Zendaya has been attached to this project since 2020 and also serves as a co-producer. Spector, who passed away in 2022 at age 78, was an executive producer and personally selected Zendaya for the role.

The film is based on Spector’s 1990 memoir, co-written with Vince Waldron. It focuses on her tumultuous marriage to producer Phil Spector rather than covering her entire life, with Dave Kajganich penning the original screenplay. Earlier reports suggested filming could commence this fall, although no official updates have been provided.

Collectively, these four projects showcase remarkable versatility. Zendaya transitions from a sci-fi epic to family animation, then to a music biopic, and finally to a mysterious Garland feature. Few stars are balancing blockbusters, indie prestige, and voice work with such confidence.

This also indicates she isn’t slowing down after an incredible year. With details about the Garland film still under wraps, every new piece of information is sure to generate buzz.

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