Fresh Insights on Upcoming Movies and Zendaya's Rising Star Power
By Published Apr 5, 2026, 5:30 PM EDT Angela Davis is a freelance movies writer for Screen Rant. She specializes in English with concentrations in media analysis and grammar. She's watched a movie every day for the past eight years and learned some of the best ways to write stories during her time at college. follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap
Zendaya is looking at a stacked two years following her performance in A24's new film, . Critical reception to the star's latest film has been positive with both moviegoers and critics.
It's been seen as a that has plenty of twists and turns, making it one of A24's most notable releases yet. Zendaya, in particular, has drawn praise for her performance, alongside her co-star Robert Pattinson. However, this isn't the last time that fans can expect to see her.
Zendaya has a plethora of projects releasing in the coming months, with some more hyped than others. From returning series to new takes on classic stories, she's making a name for herself as one of Hollywood's biggest celebrities. Her name alone generates enough hype for a project's release, and these upcoming films are absolutely no exception.
5 Shrek 5
The only film on Zendaya's docket that arguably very few people are hyped about is the long-awaited sequel to the hit Shrek series. Of course, this isn't necessarily her fault. The teaser trailer for Shrek 5 received for its animation style, leading to cries from longtime fans demanding the film change course.
As a result, the film has gone through a few delays, pushing back from a Holiday 2026 release to its current window of June 2027. Whether this is to address criticism from fans and adjust the animation or for other reasons is yet to be seen.
However, until the film releases another trailer, Shrek 5's hype will remain fairly low due to its controversies, even with the return of the original cast, plus the addition of Zendaya as Shrek and Fiona's daughter.
Cast
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Felicia -
Donkey (voice) -
Princess Fiona (voice) -
Shrek (voice)
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4 Euphoria (Season 3)
It's been four years since the hit HBO series' last season, and the fanbase surrounding the show is very excited to see Euphoria return. However, the hype is understandably not as large as it was when season 2 was released.
The previous season developed a massive following due to the worldwide acclaim for season 1. Everyone was excited about watching the next season. However, when it finally aired, season 2 didn't get quite as much praise.
Season 2 still had a warm reception, but many critics and fans felt it didn't quite live up to the first season's high bar, especially with .
Now, with season 3 on the horizon, the hype isn't nearly as strong. The time jump, departing cast members, and trailer all leave a lot of questions. Of course, this could change closer to its release, but for now, Euphoria season 3 is looking at a modest hype level.
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3 Dune: Part Three
The final chapter of Denis Villeneuve's acclaimed Dune series has got many sci-fi fans talking. Adapting the second book in the Dune saga, Part Three has a lot to live up to following the universal acclaim of 2026's Dune: Part Two.
As a result, the film is being seen as , which will be releasing the same day, because of the excitement building behind it.
Zendaya's role as Chani will be the most interesting to see, given how she's changed from the novel to be more apprehensive of Paul and his influence. She's shown to be willing to stand up to Paul in this new take on the character, and that could change how the story plays out.
Even though there are six books in the Dune saga, this film feels like it has a sense of finality. As such, it's gaining a massive following that could turn out and make the final film in this trilogy a massive success.
Cast
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Paul Atreides -
Princess Irulan -
Alia Atreides - Chani
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2 Spider-Man: Brand New Day
The latest entry in the MCU has been generating a level of hype that will make it a surefire success at the box office this Summer. This new Spider-Man story is promising a darker look at Peter's life as he begins to mutate while also dealing with the impact of his choice in No Way Home.
There's no denying that the excitement for this film is higher than most MCU films, especially after . What will be interesting to see is how Zendaya's take on MJ will factor into the story. She no longer remembers Peter and has a new life with a new boyfriend.
It's clear that Peter still has feelings for her in the trailer, so how this plays into the story will be a major factor in its quality. Of course, given Zendaya's performance in previous films, she's bound to make it a worthwhile performance.
Cast
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Spider-Man / Peter Parker - Michelle Jones
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Jacob Batalon Ned Leeds -
Bruce Banner / Hulk
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1 The Odyssey
Releasing just two weeks before Spider-Man, this new take on the iconic epic by Homer is undeniably the most anticipated film of 2026. It's the latest film from Christopher Nolan following his Oscar win for Oppenheimer, so all eyes are on him to see how he follows it up.
From what's been shown so far, The Odyssey looks like it will be another hit in his filmography because of the grandiose scale showcased in the teasers.
Zendaya's role is one of the most crucial parts of the story, making it a great first performance working with Nolan. , who has a major role in guiding and protecting Odysseus on his journey home.
This is a huge opportunity for her career, and under the guidance of Christopher Nolan, this will undoubtedly be the most hyped film featuring Zendaya following her performance in The Drama.
Cast
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Odysseus - Telemachus
- Athena
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Penelope
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