Zendaya and Robert Pattinson sent the internet into a frenzy this week after fans mistook their fake engagement announcement for a real-life wedding reveal. The duo staged an elaborate promotional stunt for their upcoming A24 romantic comedy “The Drama,” hitting theaters on April 3, 2026. What appeared to be a legitimate engagement notice in The Boston Globe quickly turned into one of the year’s most talked-about marketing pranks.
The photos, styled like formal engagement portraits, sparked widespread hilarity and confusion as fans tried to parse what was real and what was part of the film’s storyline.
A Boston Globe Announcement That Fooled Millions
The fake engagement ad ran on December 9, 2025, positioned exactly like a traditional wedding announcement. It listed a wedding date of April 3, 2026—the same day the movie debuts in theaters. Social media erupted almost instantly.
One fan joked, “Batman stealing Spidey’s girl was NOT on the 2025 bingo card,” while another wrote, “My first reaction was, ‘That’s not Tom Holland!’” The stunt successfully blurred the lines between fictional characters and real celebrities, driving massive online engagement.
Sources later confirmed that The Boston Globe agreed to participate because the film is set in Boston and was partially filmed there, making the notice feel more authentic to local readers.
How A24 Crafted a Viral Marketing Moment
A24 is known for unconventional promotions, but this engagement stunt may be its most ambitious yet. Instead of relying solely on trailers or posters, the studio tapped into the internet’s love for celebrity relationship gossip.
By releasing the photos in a respected newspaper rather than social media, the marketing team amplified the prank’s believability. It also created a surge of organic conversation as fans speculated about Zendaya’s real-life relationship with Tom Holland and Pattinson’s unexpected involvement.
Inside ‘The Drama’: What the Film Is Actually About
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Director | Kristoffer Borgli |
| Studio | A24 |
| Release Date | April 3, 2026 |
| Zendaya’s Character | Emma Harwood, a bookstore clerk from Louisiana |
| Genre | Romantic comedy with unexpected twists |
“The Drama” follows an engaged couple whose relationship spirals into chaos during their wedding week. Zendaya and Pattinson portray two flawed but lovable characters navigating love, panic, and miscommunication in a comedic unraveling of romance.
Their on-screen chemistry—and the now-viral engagement photos—has already positioned the film as one of 2026’s most anticipated releases.
Tom Holland’s Reaction: Amused, Not Annoyed
Despite fans dragging him into the chaos, Tom Holland appeared to take the situation in stride. When asked by TMZ whether Zendaya’s “engagement” to Pattinson meant anything off-screen, Holland laughed it off and confirmed they were still very much together.
Fans praised him for handling the moment with humor, while others joked that he must have known the internet would explode.
A Marketing Stunt That Worked Better Than Anyone Expected
Industry watchers say the fake engagement campaign is a masterclass in viral marketing. By hijacking the format of a traditional newspaper announcement, A24 built authenticity, surprise, and shareability into a single tactic.
With Zendaya and Pattinson at the center of the joke, the studio ensured the film reached audiences far beyond typical rom-com circles.
As The Drama approaches release, the question remains: Will any 2026 movie promotion top this one?
