Amid mounting speculation, Deepika Padukone is confirmed to join Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming film King, directed by Siddharth Anand and slated for release in late 2026. Contrary to earlier reports of a cameo, Padukone will play a full-fledged role, marking her fifth cinematic collaboration with Khan. Production timelines had initially clashed due to Padukone’s personal commitments, including postnatal recovery and fitness preparations, but a rescheduled shoot has now made her participation possible.