Before Dune: Part Two was a sure thing, Denis Villeneuve hinted that Zendaya’s Chani would have a much larger presence in the sequel. And now that another installment has officially been greenlit, it sounds like this is still the plan. While speaking with Variety, Villeneuve discussed Chani’s role in his highly-anticipated follow-up to last year’s sci-fi epic.
“For Zendaya, I will say Part One was a promise,” said Villeneuve. “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 [Chalamet] 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.”
Villeneuve also addressed the new additions to Part Two’s cast, which are rumored to include Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan and Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha. Both actors were said to be in negotiations to join the sequel earlier this month. However, Villeneuve claims that “things are not solidified” just yet (though he is a “big fan” of Pugh’s). The producers are also reportedly on the lookout for an actor to play Irulan’s father, Emperor Shaddam IV.
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Another reason to look forward to Part Two is that it will most likely adapt one of the best moments from Frank Herbert’s original novel, where Paul Atreides rides one of Arrakis’ sandworms. And while he didn’t say it outright, Villeneuve appeared to confirm this scene’s appearance in the sequel. In fact, he even suggested that it could be the crowning achievement of his entire filmmaking career.
“It involves sandworms that’s going to be one of the beautiful challenges of my life,” added Villeneuve. “And I know if I do it right, that will be the scene.”
Dune: Part Two will hit theaters on October 20, 2023.
Are you happy to hear that Zendaya will have a bigger role in the sequel? Let us know in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: Dune (Penguin Galaxy)
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