Zendaya has landed a role in a new sci-fi film written and directed by Alex Garland, the filmmaker known for «Ex Machina» and «Civil War». The project is being produced by A24, with Garland pulling double duty as both screenwriter and director. Thus, the actress and one of modern arthouse cinema's most in-demand auteurs are teaming up for a feature that currently has no official title.
What Is Known About the Plot and Production Timeline
Plot details are being kept under wraps by both sides: neither the title nor the premise of the upcoming film has been publicly announced. The only confirmed benchmark is the production schedule. According to reports, filming is slated to kick off in 2027, meaning the project is currently in the development and pre-production stages. For a film of this scale, this is a standard cycle: the script and core team are assembled first, casting is announced, and only then do cameras start rolling.
Zendaya and A24: An Enduring Partnership
This is neither Zendaya's first nor a random project with A24, as the studio has long been one of her key creative homes. The actress previously collaborated with them on the hit series «Euphoria», which wrapped after three seasons, as well as the dark comedy «The Drama», starring alongside Robert Pattinson. The latter project proved to be a notable box office success, grossing nearly $135 million worldwide. Her new sci-fi venture continues this streak of collaboration, shifting the actress from dramatic and comedic genres into a more auteur-driven, experimental space.
Sci-Fi in the Actress's Filmography
Zendaya is no stranger to the sci-fi genre, thanks to the «Dune» franchise where she plays Chani. The premiere of the film slated to conclude the trilogy is scheduled for December 18. Simultaneously, in 2026, the actress appeared in «Odyssey» and «Spider-Man: Brand New Day». Garland's new project will therefore mark another step in her work with massive sci-fi universes, but this time within a more intimate, auteur format characteristic of A24.
What Alex Garland Is Working On Now
For Garland, this new movie also represents a continuing partnership with A24, the studio behind the creation and distribution of almost all his previous films—including «Ex Machina», «Men», «Civil War», and «War». Currently, the director has been busy with a massive film adaptation of the video game Elden Ring, starring Kit Connor, Cailee Spaeny, Ben Whishaw, Nick Offerman, and Tom Burke. Filming on that project wrapped on July 30, with a premiere set for March 2028. Zendaya's new sci-fi film will thus be the next step in the director's packed and diverse schedule.
