Zendaya’s Upcoming Projects Show Why She’s One of Hollywood’s Busiest Stars

Zendaya is having a remarkable 2026. Between the success of ‘The Odyssey’ and ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’, plus the critically praised ‘The Drama’, the ‘Euphoria’ star has become one of the most in-demand actors in Hollywood.

Her schedule isn’t slowing down. With one of the year’s biggest sequels still on the way and several high-profile collaborations lined up, her next few years look very busy.

Fans are taking a closer look at Zendaya’s upcoming projects after a new announcement this week. Her slate includes ‘Dune: Part Three’ from Denis Villeneuve, ‘Shrek 5′, Barry Jenkins’ ‘Be My Baby’ and an untitled A24 sci-fi film from Alex Garland.

That’s a mix of a massive blockbuster, a beloved animated franchise, a music biopic from an Oscar-winning director, and an original sci-fi project, covering a wide range of genres. The newest addition is the Garland film. According to Deadline, Zendaya will star in Garland’s original science-fiction movie for A24, though plot details haven’t been revealed.

It’s happening… it’s really happening! Experience Shrek 5 only in theaters summer 2027. https://t.co/S661D6Mcia

— Shrek (@Shrek) June 16, 2026

Garland plans to shoot it in 2027 after finishing ‘Elden Ring’, his biggest film yet, which is set for March 3, 2028. It would be his 6th film with A24 after ‘Ex Machina’, ‘Men’, ‘Civil War’, ‘Warfare’ and ‘Elden Ring’. The new film may also replace his planned ‘Twenty Eight Years Later 3’ reunion with Danny Boyle, which is reportedly on hold.

Zendaya also has a second A24 project in the works: ‘Be My Baby’, a biopic of Ronnie Spector, lead singer of the 1960s group The Ronettes. Barry Jenkins is directing from a screenplay by Dave Kajganich, based on Spector’s 1990 memoir co-written with Vince Waldron.

“Forgive me for all I’ve done.” Experience the epic conclusion. Dune: Part Three only in theaters and IMAX December 18. #DuneMovie #FilmedforIMAX https://t.co/x9Nftg9yXd

— DUNE (@dunemovie) July 8, 2026

The project has been in development since 2020 and moved to A24 in 2022. Spector personally chose Zendaya to play her and served as an executive producer before her death. Zendaya is also producing alongside Marc Platt, Adam Siegel, and others.

On the animation side, Zendaya is joining ‘Shrek 5’ as Felicia, the daughter of Shrek and Fiona. Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz are returning to their iconic roles. The sequel has been delayed several times. Originally planned for July 1, 2026, it later moved to December 23, 2026, and is now set for June 30, 2027. It will be the first main ‘Shrek’ film since ‘Shrek Forever After’ in 2010.

Before all of that, Zendaya returns for ‘Dune: Part Three’, Villeneuve’s conclusion to his sci-fi saga, which opens in theaters on December 18. It’s one of the most anticipated films of the holiday season.

If it passes $1 billion at the global box office, Zendaya could become the first actor to star in 3 billion-dollar films in a single year, after the successes of ‘The Odyssey’ and ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’.

What stands out about Zendaya’s slate is its variety. She moves between blockbuster franchises and director-driven projects, working with filmmakers like Villeneuve, Jenkins, and Garland while also taking on a family animated film.

Her ongoing connection to A24, which dates back to ‘Euphoria’, also continues with 2 films in development. That relationship gives her room to make personal, ambitious projects alongside her studio work.

With ‘Dune: Part Three’ coming in December, ‘Shrek 5’ next summer, and 2 A24 projects in development, fans will have plenty of chances to see Zendaya on screen over the next few years. Few actors can balance major franchises and auteur-driven films so well, and her latest slate shows she’s still building one of the most interesting careers in Hollywood.

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