Kristoffer Borgli Faces Backlash Ahead of ‘The Drama’ Release

Kristoffer Borgli Faces Backlash Ahead of ‘The Drama’ Release


The upcoming A24 film The Drama, directed by Kristoffer Borgli and starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, is facing growing controversy just days before its scheduled release on April 3, 2026.

The backlash began on March 27, when scans of a 2012 essay written by Borgli for a Norwegian magazine started circulating online. In the essay, Borgli reportedly describes a past romantic relationship with a 16-year-old girl when he was 27. Critics on social media have condemned the essay, accusing him of using common justifications such as saying the girl was “mature for her age.” Some have also criticized references to films by Woody Allen, arguing they were used to normalize the relationship.

The resurfaced essay has led to calls for a boycott of The Drama and increased scrutiny of Borgli’s work, especially regarding how he handles sensitive topics.

At the same time, the film itself has sparked debate due to a controversial plot twist. Marketed as a romantic comedy about an engaged couple, the story reportedly takes a dark turn during a party game. Zendaya’s character reveals that she once planned a school shooting but did not go through with it.

The twist has drawn criticism from victim advocacy groups. Tom Mauser, whose son was killed in the Columbine High School massacre in 1999, publicly condemned the film. He said using such a traumatic topic in a romantic comedy setting is “awful” and expressed concern that it could normalize violent behavior.

Despite the criticism, the film’s cast has defended its approach. Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Zendaya said the movie blends genres and is meant to spark conversation. “It is a romantic comedy in many ways, but it’s also a drama,” she said, adding that audiences may leave with mixed emotions.

Actor Tom Holland has also voiced support for the film, telling fans on social media that it will “shock” viewers.

With both the director’s past comments and the film’s storyline under scrutiny, The Drama is set to arrive in theaters under intense public attention.


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