Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, the actress acknowledged the demands of promoting multiple high-profile projects while attending the New York premiere of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” confirming that she plans to slow down after an exceptionally busy stretch that has seen her headline some of 2026’s biggest film and television releases.
Zendaya Says It’s Time to Step Away After a Whirlwind Year
Speaking on the red carpet, Zendaya described the pace of her schedule as relentless, saying, “This is such a whirlwind and you’re in a new place every second and your brain is all over the place.” Even with the nonstop travel, she made it clear she has no regrets about the experience, adding, “It’s fun and I’m grateful and I wouldn’t change a thing.” Still, she admitted that the intensity of the past several months has left her looking forward to some time away from public life, saying, “Sometimes you need to disappear for a little bit.”
Her comments come after a year unlike any other in her career. In April, Zendaya led A24’s “The Drama” alongside Robert Pattinson before returning as Rue Bennett in the long-awaited third season of HBO’s “Euphoria.” This month alone, she is appearing in Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” as Athena and will soon reprise her role as MJ opposite Tom Holland in Marvel’s “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” Later this year, she returns as Chani in “Dune: Part Three,” the conclusion of Denis Villeneuve‘s acclaimed trilogy.
The latest remarks also reinforce what Zendaya hinted at earlier this year. During a March interview with Fandango, she joked about her packed release schedule, saying, “I just hope you guys don’t get sick of me this year because I’ll tell you what, I’m disappearing for a little bit. I’m going to have to go into hiding for just a little bit.” At the time, she also expressed gratitude to fans, saying she was “deeply appreciative” of everyone who has supported her career.
With “The Odyssey” opening on July 17, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” arriving on July 31, and “Dune: Part Three” set for a December release, Zendaya’s 2026 agenda is far from over. Even so, her latest comments suggest that once the current wave of premieres and promotional appearances comes to an end, she intends to take a well-earned pause before beginning her next chapter.