Zendaya is arguably one of the biggest names on the Dune cast, but it seems that her part in the story is relatively small. At least, that’s what the actress is teasing in her latest interview with Empire. In Denis Villeneuve’s Dune, the fan-favorite actress will portray Chani, the Arrakis-born girl who bonds with Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides. While she plays a pivotal role after the arrival of Duke Leto Atreides I’s son on the desert planet, it seems that the first part of the adaptation won’t see her very much after that. That’s why Zendaya hopes to see a sequel where she can explore her character.
“My part is very, very small in this movie and that’s why I’m so excited to see it, to see what everyone’s been up to. [Denis and I] had a little discussion about who Chani is and the strength she possesses. She’s a fighter, that’s what her people are. I only really had a few days with her, so I kind of scratched the surface but it was so much fun figuring her out. What does she walk like, what does she talk like? This is her planet, so how does she navigate this world? It was so fun.”
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In Frank Herbert’s books, Chani is a formidable fighter who stands for her people, the Fremen of Arrakis. Without revealing too much about her fate for those who don’t want any spoilers, meeting the young Duke will change Chani’s destiny (and the other way around). At the moment of writing, a sequel to Villeneuve’s Dune hasn’t been greenlit yet at Warner Bros. However, the director is hopeful about the project.
Dune will debut in theaters and on HBO Max on Oct. 22.
What do you think about Zendaya’s words on Dune? Do you believe that she deserved a more prominent part? Let us know in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: Dune (Penguin Galaxy)
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