Somto Bisina
After the successful adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi novel Dune in 2021, which went on to win an Oscar, a sequel titled Dune: Part Two is set to arrive in cinemas later this year. As the premiere date approaches, one of the film’s biggest stars, Zendaya, who played the character Chani, is teasing an expansion to her role.
In the first Dune movie, Chani appeared mainly in the dreams of Timothée Chalamet’s character, Paul Atreides, before finally meeting him towards the end of the movie. Despite the marketing of the first film hinting at a larger role for Zendaya, her character’s screen time was limited.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHowever, in the sequel, Zendaya confirms that Chani’s role will be expanded beyond just Paul’s dreams. She reveals that the character will enjoy a larger role that would involve exploring her further and her evolving romance with Paul.
READ ALSO:‘The Flash’: See Michael Keaton In New Trailer
Zendaya says, “She’s not just in dreams this time. It was such an incredible experience being on set with these two and exploring this character. I only got a small time to learn who she was [in the first film], and now I feel like she’s a part of myself.
Developing this love story where there’s so much pain and stress and turmoil, and trying to find the balance of these two young people trying to grow up while there’s so much pressure on top of that, being a warrior for your people… it was really, really special.”
Expanding Chani’s role would certainly be a welcome addition to the sequel, as her limited screen time in the first movie did not offer a chance for audiences to understand the character.
Moreover, with the emergence of a new character arc for Chani, Chalamet’s Paul is also expected to undergo significant character development. In the first film, Paul was seen as a shy person, struggling to control the Voice, the desire to avenge his father, and defeat the evil Emperor.
Dune: Part Two has also added Florence Pugh and recent Oscar nominee Austin Butler to its roster, making the sequel a collection of some of the brightest young talents in the industry. Pugh expressed her excitement at the prospect of working with such remarkable actors, saying, “To do ‘Dune’ with those specific actors at the front, like Timmy [Chalamet] and Zendaya and Austin [Butler]—they are remarkable people, number one, and unbelievable actors, number two.
They’re stars in their own ways, not in the cliché way of using the word. They’re just—they’re sparkly people.” Dune: Part Two is currently scheduled to hit theaters on November 3, 2023.
Watch Trailer
