If you thought Zendaya peaked with Challengers and Dune: Part Two, buckle up. In Hollywood, 2026 is Zendaya’s year for her non-fiction scientific lineup of some exciting movies and I’m so down for it. While I’m sure you definitely know a thing or two about these movies/show, let’s take a closer look.
Euphoria Season 3 (April 12, 2026)
The most teenage-obsessed and unpredictable show culminated with its final season airing earlier this year. Zendaya’s Rue Bennett closed out one of the most acclaimed and controversial TV dramas of the decade, delivering what critics are calling a career-defining performance.
The final season tackled Rue’s character arc, her long road to sobriety, the aftermath of Fezco’s death (Angus Cloud’s in real life as well), and a time jump that gave each character a new chapter. But, I will say the most remarkable one remains Rue’s.
The series finale aired in March, leaving fans emotional and with divided POVs, exactly what a show like Euphoria was always meant to do. Zendaya picked up another Emmy nomination for the season, cementing Rue as one of the most iconic TV characters of the 2020s.
The Odyssey (July 17, 2026)
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey premiered in New York on July 14 and hits theaters tomorrow. Zendaya plays Athena, the goddess of wisdom (really suits her), the only divine figure who appears visibly in the film, speaking directly to Odysseus (Matt Damon) in a grounded, philosophical and very scientific way.
Nolan deliberately chose not to show the gods as distant, chess-piece-moving figures; instead, Athena’s presence is intimate and almost human; and this just makes her a crucial character for the franchise.
Zendaya has called the script “extraordinary” and she has every reason to. She even admitted to peeking over Tom Holland’s shoulder while he read his copy at home before she even got the call. Yes, same home, even I’m aww-ing. Also, really excited to see what Nolan has cooked up this time.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 31, 2026)
Perhaps the most awaited one on this list, across every age-group; and another one of Zendaya’s masterpiece releasing this month.
Just two weeks after The Odyssey, she returns as MJ in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, releasing July 31, 2026. The film is being described as an emotional reboot for the renowned MCU franchise, one that gives greater depth to Peter Parker and MJ’s relationship after the multiverse-shattering events of No Way Home, yeah the one where we all shed our tears together.
The trailer dropped recently and tickets are already on sale. Tom Holland and Zendaya share the screen once again, and fans are buzzing about how their real-life relationship adds a layer of authenticity and wholesomeness to their on-screen chemistry.
Honestly, I’m beyond thrilled to see them on the big screen together, I mean aren’t we all?
Dune: Part Three (December 18, 2026)
Putting a long stop to her back to back bangers, this one requires some patience.
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Three, adapted from Frank Herbert’s Dune Messiah, closes out Zendaya’s year on December 18, 2026. She reprises her role as Chani, and the first trailer has already dropped, showing Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides grappling with the weight of prophecy, power, and the bloody path of his own ascension.
The film is set to release in theaters, IMAX, and 70mm: Villeneuve’s preferred format for the sweeping desert landscapes and intimate character moments, the director knows his art the best.
Zendaya was recently spotted holding a copy of Dune Messiah on set, a nod to the source material she’s now bringing to life. With the first two films earning critical and commercial acclaim, expectations for this third installment are sky-high, as they should be; even the other cast members are mind-blowing.
No matter how much I say, “Can’t wait!” or “I’m so excited” for this lineup, it won’t be enough. Two movies with her maybe-already husband, all her hits this year are parts of extravagant franchises, I mean what more could we, her fans want? She’s got it all, and she’s ready to ace it.
Another thing to note: All these releases have a big stellar cast and regardless our icon Zendaya remains never overshadowed. Kudos to her.
However, I’ll admit I might be more interested in the stunning outfits she’ll be styled in for all these sensational promotional events. It’s Zendaya, I have high expectations.
