Robert Pattinson supposedly has a hilarious reason for wanting to work with Zendaya again: annoying Tom Holland. At least, that's what a viral social media claim would have fans believe.

The actor has been linked to an upcoming science-fiction film from Alex Garland and A24, with a cheeky remark about Holland circulating alongside the alleged casting news. There's just one problem: the film is real, but Pattinson's involvement hasn't been confirmed.

And the joke attributed to him? That remains unverified, too.

Did Robert Pattinson really joke about annoying Tom Holland?

The claim circulated online after an account called Culture Cave posted that Pattinson had joined Garland's untitled sci-fi project alongside Zendaya.

According to the post, Pattinson explained his supposed motivation with one line: "It's all about annoying Tom [Holland], really."

It's an amusing premise. Pattinson and Zendaya have already worked together, while Holland's relationship with the actress gives the alleged joke an obvious punchline.

But there's an important distinction between a quote appearing on social media and an actor actually saying it.

As highlighted in a fact-check published by Netflix Junkie, no credible confirmation has emerged establishing that Pattinson made the remark or signed on to Garland's film.

Without an identifiable original interview or another reliable source for the quote, it should not be treated as an authenticated statement from the actor.

What has actually been confirmed about Zendaya's new movie?

The genuine announcement is exciting enough without an invented casting confirmation.

According to Variety and TheWrap, Zendaya is attached to star in an untitled science-fiction film written and directed by Alex Garland for A24.

Production is expected to begin in 2027, although the story, Zendaya's character and the film's release date have not been revealed.

Neither report names Pattinson among the cast. That doesn't establish that he won't appear in the film, but it certainly doesn't support claims that his involvement has already been confirmed.

Garland has an established history with A24, including Ex Machina, Men and Civil War. His previous films have explored everything from artificial intelligence to political violence, although there is currently no reliable indication of what his latest science-fiction story will involve.

Robert Pattinson, Zendaya and Tom Holland already have a real connection

Part of what makes the viral story believable is that the three actors aren't strangers to one another.

Pattinson and Zendaya starred opposite each other in The Drama, the 2026 A24 film written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli.

They also discussed Holland during a joint interview published by Interview magazine earlier in 2026.

As ELLE reported, Zendaya explained that Holland had helped change her initial impression of Pattinson, describing him as someone who was much more playful than his quiet first impression suggested.

That exchange offers genuine insight into their off-screen dynamic. It also helps explain why a joke involving Pattinson and Holland might sound plausible, even without evidence that this particular remark was ever made.

There's no verified indication that the alleged Garland casting involves a prank on Holland, or that the actors are engaged in any sort of rivalry.

So, is Robert Pattinson joining Zendaya in the A24 sci-fi film?

For now, Pattinson's involvement remains unconfirmed.

Zendaya's casting, Garland's role as writer-director and the planned 2027 production start are supported by established entertainment industry reporting.

The supposed Pattinson announcement and his alleged joke about annoying Holland are not.

It's entirely possible that additional cast members will be announced as the project develops. Until then, fans can look forward to Zendaya working with Garland without assuming that Pattinson has already secured a place alongside her.