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Zendaya to Star in Alex Garland's Next Sci-Fi Film at A24

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In brief

Zendaya has been cast in an untitled science-fiction film written and directed by Alex Garland for A24, according to trade reports published October 15, 2026. The project has no title or released plot details, and production is expected to begin in 2027, after Garland finishes work on his "Elden Ring" adaptation.

Zendaya has joined an untitled science-fiction feature written and directed by Alex Garland, with A24 attached as the studio, according to entertainment trade reports published on October 15, 2026. The project is in early development: it has no title, and no plot details have been disclosed.

Reports from ScreenRant, The Playlist, World of Reel and JoBlo describe the film as an original science-fiction story. Production is expected to begin in 2027, after Garland completes post-production on his live-action adaptation of "Elden Ring," which wrapped filming on July 30, 2026, and is scheduled for release on March 3, 2028.

Who is Alex Garland

Garland is a writer-director whose previous work with A24 includes "Ex Machina," his directorial debut, the political thriller "Civil War," the war film "Warfare," and "Men." According to The Playlist, this new project marks his sixth collaboration with the studio.

World of Reel reported that Garland told The Guardian in 2024 he was not "planning to direct again in the foreseeable future," a statement the outlet noted has since proven inaccurate given his subsequent and current projects.

Zendaya's A24 ties and schedule

For Zendaya, the Garland film is described by The Playlist as her second A24 project; she is also attached to star in Barry Jenkins' Ronnie Spector biopic "Be My Baby." JoBlo noted she previously starred alongside Robert Pattinson in A24's "The Drama," released in 2026.

Several outlets point to a busy schedule for the actress. JoBlo listed "Shrek 5," due next summer, and "Dune: Part Three," set for December 2026, among her upcoming releases. The Playlist added that she has also worked recently on Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey."

Open questions

Casting beyond Zendaya, a title, a logline and a release date have not been announced. Sources differ on how the new project relates to Garland's other commitments: The Playlist stated the announcement effectively shelves a planned third "28 Years Later" film indefinitely. JoBlo reported that Garland has reunited with Sony and director Danny Boyle on the "28 Years Later" franchise, with a sequel still in development. World of Reel reported that Garland has finished the script for a third installment, which it described as currently in limbo at Sony, without mentioning Boyle's involvement in that status.

Questions

What is the new Alex Garland sci-fi film about?
No plot details have been released. Reports describe it only as an original science-fiction project written and directed by Garland for A24.
When will the Zendaya-Alex Garland film start shooting?
Production is expected to begin in 2027, after Garland finishes post-production on his 'Elden Ring' adaptation, according to The Playlist and JoBlo.
Is this Zendaya's first film with A24?
No. She previously starred in A24's 'The Drama' alongside Robert Pattinson, released in 2026; the new Garland project is reported to be her second A24 film.
Does this affect the '28 Years Later' franchise?
Sources differ: The Playlist said the new project effectively shelves a planned third '28 Years Later' film indefinitely. JoBlo reported Garland has reunited with director Danny Boyle on the franchise, with a sequel still in development, while World of Reel said Garland finished a script for a third installment that it described as being in limbo at Sony.

Sources

  1. ScreenRant — Zendaya Officially Cast In A24's New Sci-Fi Movie From Civil War Director
  2. The Playlist — Alex Garland & Zendaya To Team Up For Original Sci-Fi Film Over At A24
  3. World of Reel — Zendaya to Star in Alex Garland's Next Sci-Fi Film for A24 — Shoots in 2027
  4. JoBlo — Zendaya will be starring in an upcoming sci-fi film from Alex Garland and A24

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