The upcoming film "The Drama," starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, has generated buzz and some controversy with its unique marketing strategy. The film, slated for release on April 3, 2026, is a romantic drama with unexpected twists, written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli and produced by A24. The cast also includes Mamoudou Athie, Alana Haim, and Hailey Benton Gates. This marks the third on-screen collaboration between Zendaya and Pattinson, who are also set to appear in "Dune: Part Three" and "The Odyssey".
The film's promotional campaign kicked off with a faux engagement announcement published in The Boston Globe, listing Zendaya and Robert Pattinson under the names Emma Harwood and Charlie Thompson, indicating a wedding date of April 2, 2026. This was followed by the release of the official poster, which depicts the pair as newlyweds. In the poster, Zendaya sports a sparkling engagement ring while seated on Pattinson's lap, creating an intimate couple's moment. Zendaya also shared glimpses of the characters on Instagram, captioning the post: “THE DRAMA. Formal invitation to follow”.
The unconventional marketing has stirred varied reactions from fans. Some lauded the approach as creative and refreshing, especially compared to typical movie promotions. One fan expressed relief at the departure from "floating head posters," while others appreciated the poster's realistic, Instagram-like aesthetic. However, the campaign has also raised eyebrows, with some fans finding the portrayal of Zendaya and Pattinson as a couple "dangerous," considering Zendaya's real-life engagement to Tom Holland. Some fans came to Zendaya's defense, pointing out that both actors are in committed relationships.
Adding to the intrigue, Robert Pattinson revealed that he struggled with a particular scene during filming, prompting him to seek advice from Zendaya. Pattinson confessed that he spent days overanalyzing the scene, leading him to call Zendaya for help. According to Pattinson, Zendaya calmly explained that the line was straightforward and lacked hidden meaning, which helped Pattinson overcome his overthinking.
The trailer for "The Drama" portrays a tense and uncertain picture of Emma and Charlie's wedding week. The film's synopsis reveals that the couple's relationship is tested when an unexpected revelation surfaces, jeopardizing their impending nuptials. The trailer includes scenes of emotional distress, confrontations, and a bloody nose, hinting at a tumultuous journey for the couple.