$3B Crossed, More to Come: Zendaya Eyes an Historic Year in Cinema With 'Dune 3' on the Horizon
New York Premiere Of Universal Pictures The Odyssey MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, USA - JULY 14: Zendaya wearing Matieres Fecales Fall 2025 and Chopard jewelry, styled by Law Roach arrives at the New York Premiere Of Universal Pictures The Odyssey held at AMC Lincoln Square 13 on July 14, 2026 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States. New York City AMC Lincoln Square 13 New York United States Copyright: xImagexPressxAgencyx
New York Premiere Of Universal Pictures The Odyssey MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, USA - JULY 14: Zendaya wearing Matieres Fecales Fall 2025 and Chopard jewelry, styled by Law Roach arrives at the New York Premiere Of Universal Pictures The Odyssey held at AMC Lincoln Square 13 on July 14, 2026 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States. New York City AMC Lincoln Square 13 New York United States Copyright: xImagexPressxAgencyx
Zendaya is raking in billions at the box office this year. The actress has continued to hop from one promotional campaign to another, turning heads in glamorous outfits and gowns as she promotes her films, beginning with The Drama. And this is certainly not the end. Later this year, she will reunite with her Dune castmates for the promotional activities surrounding the film’s third installment.
So, it is safe to call this one of the most successful years of Zendaya’s career so far. But before the actress heads into another promotional campaign and makes headlines, here is a closer look at how the box office looks for Zendaya’s films.
Zendaya’s historic run at the box office in 2026
Earlier this year, Zendaya starred in The Drama opposite Robert Pattinson. The film received a mixed response, although most viewers praised it. It grossed more than $130 million against a $28 million budget, making it a major box-office win. Zendaya next had a brief role in The Odyssey, directed by Christopher Nolan.
via Imago
Credits: Imago
The film brought in $1.291 billion worldwide, making another successful box-office run for the actress. It became the second-highest-grossing film of 2026. One of the biggest box-office hits of her career is Spider-Man: Brand New Day, in which she stars as MJ. The Tom Holland-led film is now only the eighth movie in history to gross $2 billion worldwide.
After Avengers: Endgame, it is the second-fastest film to reach the milestone, achieving it in just its third weekend. It also surpassed the $1.9 billion feat of 2021's Spider-Man: No Way Home, making a new box-office record for the franchise. Her films have already crossed the $3 billion mark, and there is more.
So, expectations are higher than ever for Dune: Part Three, which is set to be released on December 18, 2026. The previous film, Dune: Part Two, grossed $715 million worldwide. If the upcoming movie manages to meet expectations, it could cap off a historic box-office year for Zendaya.
And it is not just this year. The upcoming year also looks promising for the actress, with several major projects.
Zendaya is part of Shrek 5
It was announced in 2025 that Zendaya would be part of Shrek 5, lending her voice to Felicia, the teenage daughter of Shrek and Fiona. The movie is scheduled for release in summer 2027. Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy are also returning to the cast.
29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. Fairmont Century Plaza, Los Angeles, California. Featuring: Zendaya Where: Los Angeles, California, United States When: 26 Feb 2023 Credit: BauerGriffin INSTARimages Copyright: xAXELLExWOUSSENx 52481262 EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR USE BY NEWSPAPERS BASED IN THE UK.
29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. Fairmont Century Plaza, Los Angeles, California. Featuring: Zendaya Where: Los Angeles, California, United States When: 26 Feb 2023 Credit: BauerGriffin INSTARimages Copyright: xAXELLExWOUSSENx 52481262 EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR USE BY NEWSPAPERS BASED IN THE UK.
She will also play Ronnie Spector, the legendary frontwoman of The Ronettes, in A24’s biopic Be My Baby. Filming for the movie is expected to begin this year. Although it has not been confirmed, Zendaya is also rumored to star in the upcoming Bourne reboot. All of this offers a glimpse of what could be another major year for the actress.
What do you think about Zendaya's success this year? Let us know in the comments.
Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui
