Hollywood actress Zendaya is set to star in a new science-fiction film written and directed by filmmaker Alex Garland for independent entertainment studio A24. The currently untitled project is expected to begin production in 2027, according to reports published on October 15 and 16, 2026. Details about the film’s storyline, supporting cast and release date have not yet been announced.
The announcement brings Zendaya and Garland together for a science-fiction project at a time when both have established records in film and television. Zendaya has appeared in major franchise productions, including the Dune films and the Spider-Man series, while Garland is known for directing science-fiction and thriller films such as Ex Machina, Annihilation and Civil War.
A24 will produce the upcoming film, which does not yet have an official title. The studio and filmmakers have not publicly disclosed the plot, the character Zendaya will portray or the names of additional cast members.
The planned 2027 production schedule places the project among Zendaya’s upcoming acting commitments. However, a specific filming start date and theatrical release window have not been confirmed.
The film will also extend Garland’s working relationship with A24. The studio has previously backed several of his projects, including Ex Machina (2014), Men (2022), Civil War (2024) and Warfare (2025), which Garland co-directed with Ray Mendoza.
Zendaya has already appeared in science-fiction films through Denis Villeneuve’s Dune franchise. She plays Chani, a Fremen warrior, alongside Timothée Chalamet, who portrays Paul Atreides. Zendaya is expected to reprise the role in Dune: Part Three, scheduled for release in December 2026.
Her other recent film projects include Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day. These productions have added to a filmography that spans science fiction, superhero films and dramatic roles.
The new project will also mark another collaboration between Zendaya and A24. She starred as Rue Bennett in HBO’s Euphoria, which was produced with A24’s involvement, and appeared opposite Robert Pattinson in the 2026 film The Drama. The upcoming science-fiction feature will give her another opportunity to work with the studio.
Garland has built a career as a screenwriter, novelist and filmmaker. His directorial debut, Ex Machina, was released in 2014 and explored artificial intelligence through the story of a programmer invited to evaluate an advanced humanoid robot. He later directed Annihilation (2018), a science-fiction film based on Jeff VanderMeer’s novel.
His 2024 film Civil War depicted a fictional conflict within the United States, while Men (2022) combined horror and psychological drama. Garland also co-directed Warfare with former military serviceman Ray Mendoza.
A24 is also producing Garland’s adaptation of the video game Elden Ring, which is scheduled for release in March 2028, according to published reports.
Although Zendaya’s casting and the planned production year have been reported, several important details about the new film remain unknown. No official synopsis, additional cast announcements or release date has been made public.
The project’s eventual direction and themes therefore remain unconfirmed. Its combination of Zendaya, Garland and A24 brings together an established actor, a filmmaker with multiple science-fiction credits and a studio known for producing and distributing independent films.
Further announcements are expected to clarify the film’s title, story, production schedule and other casting details. Until then, the confirmed information remains limited to Zendaya’s lead role, Garland’s involvement as writer and director, A24’s participation and the expected start of production in 2027.
