The 2026 Met Gala is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about events in its history, with a star-studded guest list and whispers of jaw-dropping surprise arrivals still to come. Fashion's biggest spectacle will once again welcome around 450 guests from across film, music, sport, and culture, but as ever, the real chaos lies in who shows up uninvited or unannounced on the red carpet.
Theme and Co-Chairs
This year's theme, Costume Art, and dress code, Fashion is Art, will be brought to life by co-chairs Anna Wintour, Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams, all expected to deliver headline-grabbing looks. The host committee is equally stacked, with fans set to see names including Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Teyana Taylor, Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez, Angela Bassett, and Sam Smith among the high-fashion crowd.
Potential Surprise Guests
While familiar Met Gala fixtures such as Kim Kardashian and her sisters, Zendaya, and Rihanna are expected back, attention is drifting firmly toward potential wildcard arrivals who could hijack the night entirely. The Daily Mail takes a closer look at the A-listers tipped to show up and show out.
Taylor Swift
Swift would undoubtedly send fans into meltdown if she makes an appearance, given it has been nearly a decade since she last stepped onto the Met Gala red carpet. The pop superstar attended the event six times between 2008 and 2016, with her final appearance marking a dramatic style shift during her Reputation-era transformation. Even more buzz would surround a potential debut alongside her fiancé, NFL star Travis Kelce, with the pair expected to marry this summer ahead of the new season. Sources previously told the Daily Mail that the couple are planning an ultra-private ceremony, with even close friends and family said to be in the dark about the exact date and location. 'Everybody has been told to put the summer on hold and they will find out the details right before the wedding,' an insider revealed. Swift has already fueled speculation in recent weeks, stepping out in New York in an ivory satin skirt that many fans took as a subtle bridal hint, and the Met Gala could offer another opportunity to tease her aisle style.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds
Her close friend Blake Lively, along with husband Ryan Reynolds, could also make an appearance, potentially presenting a united front amid her ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni. Following the release of It Ends With Us, Lively filed a complaint accusing Baldoni of creating a hostile work environment, alleging sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign. Baldoni has strongly denied the allegations and filed a $400 million countersuit against Lively, Reynolds, and their publicist, accusing them of defamation and extortion. The case was dismissed. In April 2026, a New York judge dismissed several of Lively's claims, including those related to alleged harassment, though she is still permitted to pursue claims tied to reputational damage.
Adele
Elsewhere, Adele could finally end her long Met Gala absence, with insiders suggesting Beyoncé's role as co-chair has encouraged several high-profile stars to reconsider attending. PR expert Kayley Cornelius said the 'Beyoncé effect' could draw in major names, explaining to The Sun: 'When someone of her status is involved, it instantly raises the bar and turns the event into a must-attend moment. Expect to see a wave of A-listers returning to the carpet, particularly those within her inner circle.' She added: 'With Beyoncé involved, this is no longer just about fashion; it becomes a full cultural moment.'
Anne Hathaway
With The Devil Wears Prada 2 debuting days before the Met Gala, Anne Hathaway could also be poised for a return, having last attended in 2025 in a striking Carolina Herrera look. Co-stars Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci may also seize the moment, particularly as anticipation builds around the sequel.
Jacob Elordi
Jacob Elordi could easily set the red carpet alight if he makes an appearance. The Hollywood heartthrob has become a quiet style force, but the real question is whether he'll ditch his signature minimalism for something far more daring to match the night's theme. And if he shows up with a date? Expect instant chaos, especially after he was recently spotted kissing Kendall Jenner.
Harry Styles
And then there's Styles, whose gender-fluid fashion choices have made him a Met Gala favorite in the past, meaning any return would likely deliver one of the night's most talked-about looks. The singer, who has been romantically linked to Zoë Kravitz since 2025, is now reportedly engaged, and the pair could use the Met Gala as the perfect stage for a high-profile red carpet debut.
