Zendaya and Robert Pattinson's 'The Drama' faces criticism over plot twist ahead of release

A parent affected by a real-life tragedy has criticised the plot twist in the upcoming film The Drama, starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, ahead of its global release.

The film, directed by Kristoffer Borgli, is set to premiere on April 3 and follows an engaged couple whose relationship begins to unravel shortly before their wedding. Early spoilers have circulated online, prompting reactions from viewers, including those with personal connections to the themes explored in the story.

The plot centres on a confession made during a game, revealing that the bride-to-be once planned a school shooting as a teenager but did not carry it out. Tom Mauser, whose son Daniel was killed in the Columbine High School massacre in 1999, spoke to TMZ , describing the twist as “awful” and expressed concern over its inclusion.

Reflecting on his experience, he said the portrayal could “humanizes” shooters and “normalizes” mass shootings. While acknowledging the importance of addressing such thoughts, he emphasised that individuals experiencing them should seek professional support rather than see them represented in this manner.

Mauser also raised concerns about Zendaya’s recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on March 16, where she discussed the film. He felt the tone of the interview did not fully reflect the seriousness of the subject matter.

During the interview, Zendaya said, "I think you know what's what's difficult about even talking about the movie is there is so many different genres and I think it's it it is a romantic comedy in many ways but it's also a drama but it's also I mean - everybody has their own kind of feelings leaving the theater especially with the big twist."

She added, "There's so many conversations that are had after you watch it and it's just one of those things like I really hope that people don't spoil it for each other so they're allowed to go into it just unknowing and really experience the drama."