2026 has been truly triumphant for Zendaya. Thanks to the phenomenal success of two major film premieres — the historical drama 'Odyssey' and the new superhero blockbuster 'Spider-Man' — the actress has confidently taken the top spot on the list of the year's highest-grossing performers. Her colleagues in the industry cannot yet boast similar results, trailing behind the star in total box office earnings.
Two hits and one record
The combined box office results of 'Odyssey' and the Spider-Man film allowed Zendaya to surpass all competitors. These projects became not just successful releases, but genuine cultural events, grossing billions of dollars at the box office. The actress's ability to choose roles in projects of different genres — from an epic historical canvas to dynamic comic-book action — demonstrated her versatility and appeal to a global audience.
'Dune: Messiah' and future plans
However, Zendaya's list of achievements in 2026 is not limited to two films. The actress has another grand release ahead — the continuation of the saga, 'Dune: Messiah'. This film is already considered one of the most anticipated in the near future. Critics and audiences are eagerly awaiting the return to the world of Arrakis, where Zendaya will once again appear as Chani.
The release of 'Dune: Messiah' could be the deciding factor that finally cements the actress's title as the highest-grossing star of the year. If the film repeats the success of previous installments, Zendaya's lead over her closest pursuers will become even more impressive.
New horizons: 'Shrek 5'
Aside from serious dramatic and science-fiction projects, the actress also has plans in the animation industry. The fifth installment of the legendary 'Shrek' franchise is preparing for release, where Zendaya is also expected to play one of the key roles. This project will add another bright stroke to her busy schedule and demonstrate the star's ability to work in the most diverse formats of the film industry.
