Former One Direction members Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik have reportedly caused a stir among fans with news of an upcoming reunion for a special project. The duo is set to collaborate on a multi-million pound Netflix road trip documentary, which will chronicle their journey across the United States. This highly anticipated short film, expected to be released in 2026—a decade after One Direction's split—promises an intimate look into Louis and Zayn's personal lives, exploring themes of romance, art, friendship, and the profound grief following the tragic death of their former bandmate, Liam Payne. Notably, other One Direction members, Harry Styles and Niall Horan, are not currently believed to be part of this particular venture.

A source close to the production informed The Sun that the documentary is poised to be a colossal hit for Netflix, guaranteed to electrify One Direction's immense global fanbase. The source also commented on the somewhat unexpected premise of British boyband members embarking on an American road trip, noting that most of them now maintain significant connections in the States. The project is anticipated to be a platform for deep introspection and candid discussions about the remarkable journey the group experienced since their formation on The X Factor 15 years ago.

This collaboration marks a significant reconciliation for Louis and Zayn, whose public falling out after Zayn's departure from the band in 2015 was widely documented. The timing of their project also comes a year after the devastating passing of Liam Payne, who tragically died at 31 years old on October 15, 2024. Payne's death, resulting from a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, left millions globally heartbroken. Zayn, Louis, Niall, and Harry all gathered to attend his private funeral service held at St. Mary’s Church in Amersham. The forthcoming Netflix documentary is expected to delve into Louis and Zayn’s shared experience of grieving their bandmate, alongside insights into their individual lives.

Since leaving One Direction, Zayn Malik has progressively withdrawn from the public eye. However, 2024 saw the release of his fourth solo album, 'Room Under the Stairs,' which unveiled a more raw and introspective sound. Last year also marked his first solo concert since 2015, followed by the launch of his 'Stairway to the Sky Tour.' Although the US dates for this tour were postponed in the wake of Liam Payne’s death, Zayn has since announced a seven-night Las Vegas residency scheduled for early 2026. Beyond his musical endeavors, Zayn has been actively involved in co-parenting his daughter Khai with his ex-partner, Gigi Hadid.

In contrast, Louis Tomlinson has maintained a very active and thriving music career. Throughout 2023 and 2024, he successfully completed his 'Faith in the Future' world tour. April 2024 brought a surprise for fans with the release of 'Live,' his first live album, featuring recordings from his various tours. Just last month, he dropped his new single, 'Lemonade,' which serves as the lead track for his third studio album, 'How Did I Get Here?,' slated for release on January 23, 2026. Furthermore, Louis has announced his 'How Did We Get Here?' world tour, scheduled to run from March to July 2026. He has also become more vocal about his personal life, recently addressing online rumors concerning his family and relationships, including his relationship with his girlfriend, Zara McDermott.