In a candid revelation, Dune: Part Two star Zendaya opens up about a challenging experience she faced while filming the much-anticipated sequel. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, who also helmed the first installment released in 2021, the sequel premiered recently, following Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides on his journey to embrace leadership among the Fremen on Arrakis. The film has received rave reviews, particularly for Zendaya’s portrayal of Chani, Paul’s love interest.
Despite Zendaya’s standout performance, she shares that filming in the arid deserts of Jordan presented significant hurdles. During a recent interview with W Magazine, she candidly discussed how failing to hydrate properly led to her suffering from heatstroke. Her determination to limit water intake stemmed from a desire to avoid frequent bathroom breaks, which proved particularly complicated while wearing a stillsuit costume. Here’s how she recounted the ordeal:
We were in Jordan. It was very hot, and I remember thinking, “Oh, man, the bathrooms are so far away,”because we had to hike to the locations. If you have to pee, you need at least 10 minutes to get out of the costumes. I was like, “Damn, I don’t want to drink too much water.”I had such a fear of peeing myself or sh-tting myself, honestly, in the suit on set.
One day, I didn’t drink enough and I had a heatstroke. I felt so barfy. I remember calling my mom on the bathroom floor, saying, “I feel terrible.”She was like, “Did you drink water today?”I said no. I thought I was being smart, but you can’t do that. So, lesson learned.
Implications of Filming in Jordan for Dune: Part Two
A Decision That Enhanced the Film’s Authenticity
Filming in an authentic desert setting undoubtedly posed various difficulties. However, this choice considerably enriched the visual storytelling of Dune: Part Two. Villeneuve’s meticulous portrayal of Arrakis remains a defining characteristic of the franchise, and capturing the actual desert landscapes rather than relying solely on green screens has allowed Arrakis to come alive. This authenticity may be a contributing factor to the film’s impressive ratings, boasting a 92% critics’ score and a 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Much of the film unfolds in the desert, a crucial backdrop for the development of Paul and Chani’s relationship and Paul’s transformation into a Fremen leader. The desert’s presence transcends mere scenery; it plays an integral role in the plot, influencing the characters’ experiences with elements like the formidable sandworms and scarce water resources. By utilizing the genuine landscapes of Jordan, filmmakers successfully evoked both the beauty and menace of this environment.
Reflecting on Zendaya’s Heatstroke Experience During Filming
Chani’s Character Shines Through
The conclusion of Dune: Part Two centers on Chani’s intense emotions following Paul’s perceived betrayal, setting the stage for her pivotal role in the upcoming Dune: Part Three. Currently in the scripting phase, this third installment is tentatively expected to reach theaters in December 2026, though delays into 2027 are possible. Zendaya is set to reprise her role, promising a continuation of the tension between Chani and Paul.
Dune: Part Three will adapt the narrative of Frank Herbert’s *Dune: Messiah*, exploring the events that transpire after a significant 12-year time jump. Despite Zendaya’s personal struggles during the filming process, her compelling performance remains one of the film’s highlights. Chani’s character is set to remain a key focus, and audiences will be eagerly anticipating her journey in the follow-up film. Fortunately, we can also hope for better hydration practices during filming for the forthcoming sequel to Dune: Part Two.
Source: W Magazine