TODAY’S PAPER | April 05, 2026 | EPAPER

Zendaya’s controversial film The Drama earns $14M opening weekend

Zendaya and Robert Pattinson’s controversial A24 film The Drama earns $14 million in its opening weekend


Pop Culture & Art April 05, 2026 1 min read
-A24

Zendaya and Robert Pattinson’s latest film The Drama has made a notable impact at the domestic box office, despite facing stiff competition from major releases.

Backed by A24, the film opened to an estimated $14 million in its first weekend, marking one of the studio’s strongest debuts in recent years.

Directed by Kristoffer Borgli, The Drama explores the complexities of a relationship shaken by a shocking confession before marriage. The film has sparked significant online discussion, with audiences divided over its controversial twist. While some viewers have praised its satirical tone, others have criticized it as being in poor taste.

Despite the mixed reactions, the controversy appears to have boosted the film’s visibility and audience turnout. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the movie currently holds a 77% critics’ score, reflecting generally positive reviews. Critics have particularly highlighted the performances of Zendaya and Pattinson as standout elements.

At the box office, The Drama secured the third position during a competitive weekend dominated by blockbuster titles. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie led the charts with an impressive $190 million over the extended Easter frame, while Project Hail Mary continued its strong run, surpassing $200 million domestically.

With a reported production budget of $28 million, The Drama is already on track to become a profitable venture for A24 if momentum continues. Its opening performance places it among the studio’s top releases, signaling strong audience interest in character-driven, adult-oriented storytelling.

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