Denis Villeneuve talks about how Zendaya’s role in Dune was a promise and she’ll have a more prominent role in Dune: part 2. Frank Herbert’s classic science fiction was directed for the big screen by Denis Villeneuve who is also the writer. IT was released last year in theatres and HBO Max.
The film follows the story of Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet), heir of nobleman Duke Leto (Oscar Issac), who’s task is to rule over the desert planet of Arrakis as per the Emperor orders. This leaves House Atreides to deal with native Fremen and the House Harkonnen-who force Paul and his mother to flee from the desert and murder the Duke.
The film also casts Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, David Dastmalchian, Jason Momoa, Javier Bardem, and Zendaya. The film covers the 1st half from the Herbert’s novel. Whether or not the second half would be available for Box Office wasn’t clear until it was profitable. Considering Dune was was a financial success and been praised for visuals, performance and also scored 10 Academy Award nominations, Warner Bros and Legendary have given a green signal to Dune: Part 2. It is said to begin filming later this year and will be released next year.
An Interview with Variety
Paul expressed his thoughts over Zendaya’s role as Chani in an interview with Variety that she’ll have a more prominent role in Dune 2. Dune was a whole 5 month shoot where Zendaya was on set only for five days. Villeneuve said, “For Zendaya, I will say Part One was a promise. I know that we saw a glimpse of her in Part One, but in Part Two, she’ll have a prominent part. We will follow Timothée and Zendaya on their adventures in the desert. That’s the thing that excited me most about going back to Arrakis is to spend time with those characters again.“
Till Zendaya and Chalamet continuing headlines for Dune : Part 2, the two popular stars, it’ll drive the enthusiasm while waiting for the sequel. Dune: Part 2 is scheduled to be released on October 20th, 2023.