Zendaya & Robert Pattinson's A24 film "The Drama" surpasses $100 million worldwide. A gripping narrative & powerful performances drive its box office success.
- April 23, 2026
AceShowbiz - The Drama starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson has officially surpassed the $100 million mark worldwide, becoming one of the most successful releases in A24’s history. The film opened on April 3, 2026, and quickly captured audiences with its gripping narrative and powerful performances.
On its opening weekend, The Drama debuted to an impressive $28 million globally, ranking third at the box office behind The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Project Hail Mary. The film continued to perform well, accumulating an additional $8.7 million domestically in its second weekend. As of 18 days after release, the worldwide gross sits near $100 million, marking an important milestone for A24, which now has five films to cross this benchmark.
The total breakdown of The Drama’s earnings includes approximately $40 million from the domestic market and $60 million internationally. This is significant considering the film’s production budget was $28 million, meaning it has already exceeded the $70 million threshold required to turn a profit.
Directed and written by Kristoffer Borgli, who previously worked on A24’s Dream Scenario, The Drama explores a complex relationship between a happily engaged couple, played by Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. The story takes a dramatic turn as a surprising revelation emerges just before their wedding, adding emotional depth and tension to the plot.
This project is the first of three films featuring Pattinson and Zendaya in 2026. Both actors will reunite later this year in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, set to release on July 17, and Dune: Part Three by Denis Villeneuve, scheduled for December 18.
The supporting cast of The Drama includes notable names such as Alana Haim (known for Licorice Pizza), Mamoudou Athie (Jurassic World Dominion), Hailey Gates, Zoë Winters (Succession), Hannah Gross, Sydney Lemmon, Anna Baryshnikov, Michael Abbott Jr., Damon Gupton, Jeremy Levick, and Jordyn Curet.
Critics have responded positively to the film, reflected in its Certified Fresh rating of 77% on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers have praised the movie for its nuanced handling of sensitive themes and the way it maintains a delicate balance throughout the storyline. Both Zendaya and Robert Pattinson received acclaim for delivering some of their best performances to date.
Audiences similarly rated the film highly, giving it a 78% score. Viewers appreciated the strong acting, the exploration of trust and forgiveness, and the lingering emotional impact the film leaves after the credits roll.
With its strong box office performance, The Drama has now outgrossed Zendaya’s previous non-franchise film, Challengers, which earned $96.1 million worldwide. This achievement is especially notable given the movie’s darker tone and more serious subject matter compared to traditional romantic films.
The success of The Drama also highlights Zendaya’s growing commercial appeal beyond her well-known franchise roles, such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Spider-Man and the Dune series. The film benefited from strong promotional momentum, boosted by anticipation surrounding the upcoming Dune: Part Three trailer and the buzz for Euphoria season 3, helping the project transition from niche interest to a must-watch feature.
In summary, The Drama stands out as a compelling and profitable release for A24, blending intense drama with relatable questions about relationships and personal trust. Its box office success and critical acclaim underscore the film’s impact and the continued rise of its lead stars.