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Zendaya set to star in Alex Garland's untitled sci-fi film for A24

Zendaya has signed to star in an untitled sci-fi film written and directed by Alex Garland for A24, expected to shoot in 2027. Plot details have not been disclosed.

5 outlets · 3L · 2C · 0R First reported Account updated
Image: Deadline
Image: The Hollywood Reporter
Image: Screen Rant
Image: Variety
Image: IndieWire

1 / 5

The story, neutrally told

Mixed · 2Zendaya has signed to star in an untitled sci-fi film for A24 that Alex Garland will write and direct. Mixed · 2Plot details have not been disclosed, and the film is expected to shoot in 2027. Left · 2It is Zendaya's latest project with A24, following the HBO series Euphoria and the 2026 film The Drama, in which she starred opposite Robert Pattinson.

Mixed · 2Variety put The Drama's worldwide gross at almost $135 million, and Deadline at over $134 million. Mixed · 2Garland has a long history with A24, which has worked on Ex Machina, Civil War, Men and Warfare with him and is behind his upcoming Elden Ring adaptation, due in March 2028. Mixed · 2Variety says shooting on Elden Ring wrapped on July 30, and its cast includes Kit Connor, Cailee Spaeny and Ben Whishaw.

Mixed · 2Zendaya has also appeared this year in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which the outlets describe as record-setting box-office hits. Centre · 1Deadline says Spider-Man: Brand New Day has grossed over $2.5 billion worldwide. Left · 3Her next release is Dune: Part Three, which Variety dates to Dec. 16 and Deadline to Dec. 18; The Hollywood Reporter says only December.

Left · 1The Hollywood Reporter also notes Zendaya is attached to play Ronnie Spector in Barry Jenkins' A24 biopic Be My Baby and will voice a role in Shrek 5 next summer. Left · 1Variety adds that the news could further delay a third 28 Years Later film, which Garland wrote; director Danny Boyle said at the London Film Festival that it was "on the back burner" because Garland is busy with Elden Ring.

Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on. The pill in front of each says where its sources sit: Left, Centre or Right when one side supplies at least half of them, Mixed when they are evenly split. The number is how many outlets it cites.

Left3 outlets

Framing
Trade reports on the casting that put it in the context of Zendaya's 2026 run and Garland's A24 ties. Variety looks ahead to the effect on a third 28 Years Later film. The Hollywood Reporter notes her awards-season profile and personal news.
Emphasis
Zendaya's busy year, box-office records, upcoming projects; Variety on Garland's genre return and the 28 Years Later delay.
Leaves out or plays down
Neither gives talent representation. The Hollywood Reporter gives no gross for The Drama.
Charged language
“dusting off her “Dune” boots”“smashed box office records”
For example
“Zendaya is dusting off her “Dune” boots and getting back into the world of science fiction.” — Variety
“Zendaya has joined a new project as her memorable year winds down.” — The Hollywood Reporter

Centre2 outlets

Framing
Deadline's deal-style report leads on the casting, with Zendaya's 2026 success and Garland's studio history as context.
Emphasis
Box-office figures, awards, and talent agency representation for both Zendaya and Garland.
Leaves out or plays down
Does not mention the 28 Years Later delay, Shrek 5 or Zendaya's marriage news.
Charged language
“killer 2026”“A-lister”
For example
“As Zendaya continues to play out a killer 2026, she’s inked to star in an untitled new A24 sci-fi film written and directed by Alex Garland.” — Deadline

Right0 outlets

No right outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.

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