A24 Unveils First Look at 'Drama' Starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson

A24 has officially pulled back the curtain on its highly anticipated cinematic venture, "Drama," by releasing a compelling new trailer. Scheduled to hit theaters across the United States on April 3, 2026, the film is already being hailed as a cornerstone of the studio's upcoming release calendar. The narrative centers on the intricate and high-stakes relationship between Emma Harwood, a bookstore employee portrayed by Zendaya, and Charlie Thompson, a British museum director played by Robert Pattinson.

The core conflict of the film revolves around the couple’s recent engagement, which is thrown into a state of profound turmoil following an unexpected and jarring confession during a formal dinner party. Helming the project is director Kristoffer Borgli, who previously garnered acclaim for his work on "Dream Scenario." Borgli continues his exploration of the more unsettling and complex dimensions of human interaction, intentionally steering clear of the predictable clichés often found in traditional romantic cinema. This production marks the second collaboration between Borgli and A24, following their previous joint effort that delved into the psychological nuances of self-promotion within the modern influencer era.

Beyond the powerhouse pairing of Pattinson and Zendaya, the film boasts a talented supporting cast including Alana Haim, Mamoudou Athie, and Hayley Gates. The production is spearheaded by Square Peg, the production banner led by visionary filmmakers Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen. With the plot's primary crisis unfolding just one week before the scheduled wedding, "Drama" is poised to offer a deep and perhaps uncomfortable investigation into the themes of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal—motifs that have become a signature of Borgli’s directorial style.

The creative process behind the film appears to have been intensive, with Robert Pattinson highlighting the intricate nature of the material. The actor noted that he engaged in an extensive, in-depth conversation with Zendaya specifically to navigate the complexities of a particular scene in the script. This level of dedication from the lead actors suggests a film that prioritizes psychological depth and character-driven tension. For A24, a studio established in 2012, the 2026 release of "Drama" represents a significant milestone in an ambitious year, further cementing its reputation for attracting top-tier talent and producing high-concept cinema.

As "Drama" challenges the conventions of its genre by presenting a darker, more claustrophobic look at human connections, it also highlights the prolific nature of its stars. For Zendaya, 2026 is shaping up to be a monumental year; in addition to this A24 project, she is slated to appear in the third season of "Euphoria," as well as the continuing chapters of the "Dune" saga and the next installment of the Marvel franchise, "Spider-Man: Brand New Day." This convergence of major projects underscores her status as one of the most influential figures in contemporary Hollywood.