Zendaya has been making headlines for quite a while now, and for all the right reasons, by choosing some of the best roles of all time to deliver some of her most iconic performances. But even though she had been widely absent from the screens this year, her role choices in the upcoming year signal a new era for her career.
For one, she’s returning to her filming commitments next year through the Euphoria and Spider-Man saga, lining up what is shaping up to be the biggest year of her career yet. Plus, skipping events like the Emmys and Oscars this year will allow for more impact at future premieres, signalling a new and more prominent era for her career.
Furthermore, due to her engagement to Tom Holland, she further chose to embrace privacy, stepping away from the cameras, leading to fewer public appearances. After such time away from the limelight, her return to the screens will garner all the attention possible, shooting excitement levels off the charts for her upcoming projects.
A List of Zendaya’s Upcoming Projects in 2026
Zendaya has quite a few projects in which she is set to star in 2026 and has quite a few characters lined up for her to play, including both old ones that she is all set to reprise as well as new ones in her upcoming projects (via IMDb).
First off, there’s Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, in which she is set to play the iconic role of Athena. In what is going to be a massive big-screen adaptation of the ancient Greek epic, she will effectively be the first Black woman to play the role of the goddess of wisdom and war. This one is currently in its post-production stage and is set to release on July 17, 2026.
Then there’s Dune: Part Three, in which she will be reprising her fan-favorite role of Chani. If the first two installments in the Dune film series served as the setup for her character, then this upcoming film is the one where Chani truly steps into her power. As one of the most morally complex figures of the saga, this film is expected to work on the emotional character of Chani. This is currently set to release on December 18, 2026.
Next off, she’s also set to return as Rue in Euphoria. As fans already know, it has been almost four years (and counting) since the last season of the series dropped, and that wait period alone has built enormous anticipation. Thankfully, Zendaya’s Emmy-winning performance returns this spring, currently scheduled to hit the screens on HBO by April 2026.
Adding to this, she is also set to reprise her role as MJ in Spider-Man: Brand New Day alongside her fiancé – a project that is also currently in its post-production stage. This one will serve as the fourth installment in Holland’s Spider-Man film series, and will see Peter Parker suit up again when a new threat endangers his friends and those he loves, teaming up with an unexpected ally on the way. It is expected to hit the screens on July 31, 2026.
Lastly, she is also set to play Emma Harwood in her next project with Robert Pattinson, The Drama. Expected to release on April 3, 2026, this one is currently in post-production and will feature a happily engaged couple being put to the test when an unexpected turn sends their wedding week off the rails.
Why Was Zendaya Absent From Major Red Carpets in 2025?
Zendaya in a still from the Dune film series. | Credit:
As much as fans miss her, Zendaya has practically been absent from the limelight since her last red carpet appearance at the Met Gala. In fact, she didn’t even step out on the red carpet at the Emmys this year, though it’s worth noting that she had no nominations nor was presenting this year, so her absence is only understandable.
But her stylist gave an insight into her absence, teasing that the upcoming year would be big for her. Law Roach, her stylist, told E! News earlier this year that the actress’s wedding to Tom Holland was “far away. They’re both doing a bunch of movies this year, and there’s a lot of premieres next year, so you’ll see a lot of red carpets. I’m resting up for 2026.”
Prior to this, he also shared with E! News that the wedding process “hasn’t even started yet. Zendaya is working on so many movies. She’s now filming the next iteration of Dune [Part Three in Hungary], so she’s away doing that. It’s so many movies, so we have time. We have a lot of time.” Guess the two do have a lot on their plate currently.
With all of this out there, it’s evident that Zendaya will be busy for a while next year and will certainly be gracing her presence at a lot more red carpet events in 2026 as well. That said, are you excited about her return to the screens after her absence for a whole year?
What’s your take on all this? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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