The key members of the millennial and Gen-Z crop of A-listers have been solidifying over the past few years, and Zendaya and Robert Pattinson are both key parts of this group. Both actors have had an interesting career trajectory in that they had origins in lower-caliber films and television before pivoting to working with major directors. Zendaya got early exposure on Disney Channel in shows like Shake It Off; last year, she was in multiple films, including Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two and Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers.
Though Pattinson was not a Disney Channel star, there were years in which his name was synonymous with the Twilight series (and for the more avid Harry Potter fans, as Cedric Diggory). This all changed in the late 2010s when he devoted his time to indie films such as The Rover, High Life, and The Lighthouse. Now, both Pattinson and Zendaya can walk the thin line between blockbuster and indie film, with the former recently appearing in Mickey 17. 2026 will be a huge year for both actors and create a big movie battle.
Zendaya & Robert Pattinson Are Expected To Appear In Both The Odyssey & Dune 3
Pattinson’s Dune Role Still Needs Full Confirmation
Both Zendaya and Pattinson are expected to appear in two of next year’s biggest films: The Odyssey and Dune: Part Three. Adapted from Homer’s epic poem of the same name, The Odyssey is the next film from auteur Christopher Nolan after 2023’s Best Picture winner, Oppenheimer. Zendaya is confirmed for sure to be in both films, and Pattinson is definitely re-teaming with Nolan on The Odyssey. In early April, it was reported that Pattinson was “circling” the role of Scytale in Dune: Part Three, and it has been reported enough to be all but confirmed.
Given her arc so far and the Dune: Part Two ending, Chani will likely be the main female lead in Dune 3, making Zendaya’s role critical to the film. Scytale is not as major of a part as Chani, but as per the novels, he plays a key role in the inevitable rebellion against Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) that will take place in the third film. As for The Odyssey, their roles remain unknown, and they could take on smaller parts within its star-studded ensemble. Still, it is exciting to have these two A-listers appearing in both movies next year.
The Odyssey Vs. Dune 3: Which Movie Will Be Bigger?
Both Are Expected To Do Well
With the crossover actors and the clout behind the movies themselves, The Odyssey and Dune: Part Three are both likely to be big movies at the box office and among critics. Both Villeneuve and Nolan have developed a significant reputation, and their films are generally well-liked by audiences and critics alike. Though most likely based on the less-liked Frank Herbert sequel novel Dune: Messiah, Dune: Part Three has the potential to be huge given the momentum from the previous two movies.
Fascinatingly, Dune: Part Three and The Odyssey are not the only two films that Pattinson and Zendaya have down the pike together.
Dune: Part Two did particularly well in theaters, making $714 million worldwide. Impressively, it did so outside a major release slot, as it was put in theaters on March 1, 2024, rather than during either the summer blockbuster time or awards season. While the third movie’s release date has not been fully confirmed, Warner Bros. has scheduled a Villeneuve film for December 18, 2026, leading to speculation that this will be for Dune: Part Three. This would potentially be a prime release spot, right before the Christmas holiday, which could make the film a huge success.
That said, the merits of The Odyssey cannot be underestimated. Nolan’s previous film, Oppenheimer, made almost $1 billion when it came out in the summer of 2023. Like this biopic film, The Odyssey is set for a summer release on July 17, 2026. Given the timeline, the clout of its director, and its basis in a timeless classic text, it seems like The Odyssey‘s box office potential is incredibly high.
Before The Odyssey & Dune 3, Zendaya & Pattinson Have Another Movie Together
And It Likely Comes Out In 2025
Fascinatingly, Dune: Part Three and The Odyssey are not the only two films that Pattinson and Zendaya have down the pike together. They will also both feature in Kristoffer Borgli’s (Dream Scenario) The Drama, which is expected to be released later this year. The set pH๏τos created some buzz online, even though little is known about the A24 movie. Nevertheless, these three films indicate an ongoing collaboration between these two young A-listers, hinting at an exciting future to come.
