The Year of Zendaya — The Lexington Line

Zendaya is one of the most prominent Gen Z actors, with her fame continuing to grow exponentially. Over the course of 2026, be prepared to hear her name constantly when discussing new film and television projects premiering. She has been booked and busy with projects in genres such as sci-fi, action, and drama, all slated to release this year. Zendaya’s yearly plans include concluding epic series and trilogies, and preparing herself to receive many accolades for the incredible acting she is about to debut.

The Drama (April 3)

The Drama is the first project that includes Zendaya to be released in theaters this year, debuting on April 3, 2026. This A24 film, where she stars alongside Robert Pattinson—Twilights beloved Edward Cullen—has been deemed worth seeing for its incredible performances and memorable atmosphere.

The film follows a happily engaged couple—Emma and Charlie—in the midst of the week leading up to their wedding. Their lives take an unexpected turn after a devastating confession comes out from the bride.

Euphoria Season 3 (april 12)

HBO’s popular drama series Euphoria began releasing new episodes for its third and final season on April 12, 2026, over four years after the last episode of season two.

The series has always followed a group of teens, navigating love and friendship, while dealing with real issues such as mental health struggles, substance abuse, and exploitation. Euphoria’s first season was released back in 2019, starring Jacob Elordi, Hunter Schafer, Sydney Sweeney, and many other memorable actors.

Zendaya has returned, playing the beloved main character Rue Bennett, who is now enduring life out of high school, now that her problems from her past have followed her into her future.

With plenty of cast drama and changes throughout such a long break, fans are tuning in to see what Euphoria has to bring to the table with its final season.

The odyssey (July 17)

A highly anticipated Christopher Nolan film is finally coming out this summer, releasing on July 17, 2026. The Odyssey is an action-fantasy film that follows Odysseus—played by Matt Damon—on his journey back home after the Trojan War, where he meets a variety of creatures along the way.

Zendaya stars alongside Pattinson for a second time. She will additionally share the screen with her husband, Tom Holland. Actors Anne Hathaway and Charlize Theron will also be seen in this film.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 31)

July is the second double movie month for Zendaya. The last iteration of the Spider-Man films is finally releasing on July 31, 2026: Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Zendaya returns as MJ, with Tom Holland returning as Peter Parker. Additionally, Sadie Sink is in the film, exciting fans with the potential of what character she might play. Rumor claims she could play Jean Grey, driving the X-Men into the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe).

After the end of the previous Spider-Man film, Spider-Man: No Way Home, fans are devastated to have to watch MJ not remember Peter. The thrill for this film and the desire for another amazing Marvel movie are completely outweighing the sadness that fans know they are bound to feel.

Many are hopeful for MJ to remember Peter, and the excitement for this film is unlike any other.

dune: part three (December 18)

Zendaya is back again, portraying Chani in the final part of the Dune trilogy, Dune: Part Three, directed by Denis Villeneuve. The story will reach its conclusion, also ending Zendaya’s booming year, releasing on December 18, 2026.

Chani's love interest, Paul Atreides, is still facing the consequences and glory that have come from his rise to power in the prior films. Politics are shifting in the Dune universe, and a war is beginning to cloud the future. Zendaya will be starring alongside Pattinson for a third time this year, as well as Rebecca Ferguson, Florence Pugh, and Anya Taylor-Joy. These actresses are included in notable films and series from the past, such as The Greatest Showman (in which Zendaya also stars), Little Women, and The Queens Gambit.

2026 is the year of Zendaya. With so many projects coming out, this is destined to be an incredible year for our powerhouse actress.

Which project are you most excited for? Leave a comment below!