Award-winning actress Zendaya is officially returning to the science fiction genre, having signed on to star in an original, untitled sci-fi film written and directed by Alex Garland for A24. According to initial reports from Deadline, plot details for the upcoming feature are currently being kept under wraps, but the project is scheduled to begin production in 2027.
The collaboration adds another massive production to Zendaya’s packed film slate following a historic year at the box office. For Garland, the feature marks his sixth major project with A24, continuing a creative partnership that includes critically acclaimed titles such as Ex Machina, Men, Civil War, and Warfare.
Expanding a Fruitful Partnership With A24
Garland’s deep-rooted relationship with A24 spans nearly a decade, beginning with his directorial debut Ex Machina, which won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. His subsequent collaborations with the studio have consistently pushed boundaries in modern cinema through mid-budget conceptual filmmaking and sprawling epics alike.
Most notably, Garland is currently managing post-production on Elden Ring, his high-profile video game adaptation for A24 based on FromSoftware’s beloved fantasy property. Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Kit Connor, Cailee Spaeny, Ben Whishaw, Nick Offerman, and Tom Burke, Elden Ring wrapped physical production in July and is slated for a theatrical release on March 3, 2028. Garland’s new sci-fi project with Zendaya will shoot immediately following his completion of that sweeping adaptation.
Zendaya’s Incredible Box Office Streak
The casting announcement arrives as Zendaya caps off a monumental career run. Throughout recent months, the actress co-starred alongside Robert Pattinson in A24’s sleeper hit dark comedy The Drama, which grossed nearly $135 million worldwide. She also earned widespread acclaim and an Emmy Award nomination for her performance as Rue in the third and final season of HBO’s Euphoria.
Additionally, Zendaya dominated global box offices with leading roles in Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster historical epic The Odyssey and Marvel Studios’ Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Fans can also catch her reprising her iconic role as Chani in Denis Villeneuve’s anticipated sci-fi epic Dune: Part Three, which arrives in theaters in December.
Impact on the ’28 Years Later’ Franchise
While the pairing of Garland and Zendaya has generated immense excitement across the industry, the development has raised questions regarding the immediate future of the zombie horror franchise 28 Years Later.
Garland previously penned the seminal 2002 film 28 Days Later and returned to write entries for the recent continuation spearheaded by director Danny Boyle and director Nia DaCosta. Speaking at the London Film Festival, Boyle noted that while Garland had completed a fantastic script for the planned third installment of the zombie epic, the project was temporarily placed on the back burner due to Garland’s demanding schedule on Elden Ring. With the filmmaker’s commitment now shifting toward his original A24 sci-fi project with Zendaya, production timelines for the horror sequel remain uncertain.
What Lies Ahead for the Untitled Sci-Fi Project
Because pre-production and script details remain tightly guarded, official casting announcements beyond Zendaya have not yet been made. With filming scheduled to kick off in 2027 following the rollout of Elden Ring, moviegoers will likely have to wait a while longer before plot descriptions, supporting cast members, or targeted release dates are revealed.
Nevertheless, the combination of Garland’s visionary science-fiction storytelling and Zendaya’s powerhouse box-office presence ensures that this secretive A24 venture will remain one of the most anticipated titles on the horizon.
