Get ready for a major star team-up! A24 just dropped the official release date for "The Drama," starring none other than Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, and it's shaping up to be a must-see romantic comedy that defies expectations.
TL;DR- Zendaya and Robert Pattinson's new A24 romantic comedy, "The Drama," is officially set to hit theaters on April 3, 2026.
- Helmed by "Dream Scenario" director Kristoffer Borgli, the film centers on a couple navigating unexpected hurdles right before their wedding day.
- This is just one of three projects the powerhouse duo will share in 2026, alongside their already packed individual schedules.
Get Ready for "The Drama" in Spring 2026, Courtesy of A24

Alright, cinephiles, mark your calendars! The highly anticipated romantic comedy "The Drama," featuring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, finally has a confirmed release date. A24, the studio known for pushing cinematic boundaries, has officially announced that the film will grace North American theaters on April 3, 2026. This news has fans buzzing, not just because of the incredible leading duo, but because it promises a fresh, intriguing take on the rom-com genre from a studio that rarely plays it safe.
This is a pairing we've all secretly wished for: Zendaya, fresh off her phenomenal year with "Challengers" and "Dune: Part Two," joining forces with Robert Pattinson, who's been crushing it with roles in everything from "The Batman" to acclaimed indie features. Their combined star power is undeniable, and seeing them tackle a romantic comedy together, especially one from A24, is an exciting prospect. It’s a definite sign that A24 is continuing to expand its horizons beyond its well-loved arthouse and horror roots.
Unveiling the Intriguing Plot and Creative Team Behind the Film

"The Drama" is both written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli, who previously helmed A24's critically acclaimed and wonderfully surreal black comedy, "Dream Scenario," starring Nicolas Cage. That film was a hit at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023 and even earned Cage a Golden Globe nomination for his performance. So, if you're expecting a traditional, sugary rom-com, Borgli's involvement suggests we might be in for something much more layered and, dare we say, dramatic!
While A24 is keeping most of the plot details under wraps (as they often do, building that delicious anticipation), the gist is that the film will follow a couple whose romance hits some seriously unexpected turbulence right before their big day – presumably, their wedding. Imagine the chaos, the emotional roller coaster, and the humor that can be mined from such a premise, especially with two actors known for their versatility.
Beyond our leading stars, the ensemble cast includes some other fantastic talents: Alana Haim (yes, from the band Haim and "Licorice Pizza"), Mamoudou Athie ("Oh Jerome, No"), and Hailey Gates ("Challengers"). This supporting cast further hints at a dynamic and compelling story. The film is being produced by an impressive team, including Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen through their Square Peg banner, alongside Borgli and Tyler Campellone from Dilemma Films, all in collaboration with A24. Aster and Knudsen have a strong track record with A24, having collaborated on films like "Dream Scenario," "Death of a Unicorn," and all of Aster’s directed features such as "Hereditary" and "Midsommar."
Kristoffer Borgli, director and writer of "The Drama," shared his vision for the film: "It’s a story about the absurd expectations people have of themselves and each other when love, performance and fear collide. Zendaya and Robert bring something disarmingly honest and funny to that tension."
Producers Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen added: "Kristoffer has a unique ability to turn discomfort into comedy and heartbreak into connection. We’re thrilled to help bring his vision for The Drama to life with this cast."
A24's "Luxury Love Story": Betting Big on Mainstream Romance

Interestingly, "The Drama" isn't A24's first foray into the romance genre. They've been making waves with titles like Celine Song's "Materialists," which reportedly grossed over $105 million worldwide, and John Crowley's "We Live in Time," bringing in $57 million globally. It seems the indie powerhouse is strategically venturing into more mainstream territory, and "The Drama" is a big step in that direction.
Reports suggest "The Drama" boasts a budget of nearly $30 million, a figure that's definitely eye-catching for a studio often associated with more intimate, lower-budget productions. Industry insiders are already calling it "one of A24’s most ambitious projects to date" and "an extravagant leap into mainstream romance." This substantial budget reportedly covers the multi-million-dollar salaries of its A-list stars and lavish European set designs that took months to construct. This indicates a significant investment and a clear intention to make this romantic comedy a major event, positioning it as counter-programming during the Easter holiday weekend against blockbuster competition like Illumination/Nintendo's "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie."
When Worlds Collide: Zendaya and Pattinson's Unprecedented Shared Year

What makes "The Drama" even more exciting is that it's just the beginning of a truly packed year for both Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. They won't just be sharing the screen once; 2026 is shaping up to be a triple threat for the duo! After "The Drama" kicks things off in April, you'll also see them in Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated adaptation of "The Odyssey," set to arrive in July. In "The Odyssey," Zendaya is slated to star as the goddess Athena, while Pattinson is also part of the sprawling ensemble cast that includes heavyweights like Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong'o, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, Mia Goth, and Corey Hawkins.
And if two collaborations weren't enough, they'll close out 2026 together in Denis Villeneuve's "Dune: Part Three," which is scheduled for December 18. Zendaya will reprise her pivotal role as Chani, while Pattinson is set to join the "Dune" universe for the first time as Scytale, the cunning Face Dancer of the Bene Tleilax. Talk about a busy year for co-stars!
Adding a delightful human touch to their collaboration, Pattinson even shared an anecdote about working with Zendaya on "The Drama." He revealed that one particular scene drove him "crazy for three days." He spent days writing pages of textual analysis trying to dissect a specific line, only to call Zendaya the night before filming. "I shared my doubts with her, I spoke for two hours, and after a while, very calmly, she made me understand that the line just said what it meant to say, that there was no hidden meaning," Pattinson recalled. This peek behind the curtain shows not only Pattinson's dedication to his craft but also Zendaya's calm and gracious creative partnership.
Our Favorite Stars Are Booked & Busy: A Look at Their Other 2026 Projects

Beyond their shared projects, both Zendaya and Robert Pattinson have individual schedules that would make anyone's head spin. 2026 is truly shaping up to be the "Zendaya Cinematic Universe," as some fans are already dubbing it on social media!
Zendaya's Phenomenal Lineup: From Marvel to Musical Theaters
- "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" (July 31, 2026): Just two weeks after "The Odyssey," Zendaya will swing back into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, reprising her beloved role as MJ.
- "Euphoria" Season 3 (Spring 2026): Her Emmy-winning HBO series returns for its third season, promising a dramatic conclusion with 18 new cast members, including Trisha Paytas, Natasha Lyonne, and Danielle Deadwyler, alongside returning favorites like Hunter Schafer, Jacob Elordi, and Sydney Sweeney.
- "Shrek 5" (Tentative Dec 23, 2026): In a delightful surprise, Zendaya will lend her voice to Shrek and Fiona's teenage daughter in the animated sequel.
- Ronnie Spector Biopic: She's also attached to portray the legendary Ronettes singer Ronnie Spector in a biopic directed by Barry Jenkins.
Robert Pattinson's Diverse Upcoming Roles: From Arthouse to Gotham
- "Die My Love": Pattinson will star alongside Jennifer Lawrence in Lynne Ramsay's film, slated for a Mubi release.
- "Primetime": He'll also appear in Lance Oppenheim's narrative feature debut, an A24 production that recently wrapped filming.
- "The Batman: Part II" (Shooting Spring 2026): Get ready for more Caped Crusader! Pattinson is set to begin shooting the highly anticipated sequel, with Matt Reeves returning to direct and co-write, picking up after the events of the first "The Batman" and "The Penguin" series.
It's safe to say that 2026 is going to be an absolutely massive year for both Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. "The Drama" offers a thrilling new genre for their combined talents, and with A24 backing it, we're expecting something truly special. Whether it's a critical darling or a box office smash, one thing's for sure: we can't wait to see these two bring their unique chemistry to the big screen!
Frequently Asked Questions About "The Drama"
- Variety
- Deadline
- The Hollywood Reporter
- ScreenRant
- CBR
- MovieWeb
- Bang Showbiz
- Where Is The Buzz
- The Express Tribune
- Just Jared