The release of the first trailer for Denis Villeneuve's DUNE had fans buzzing last week as it offered us our first real look at his take on Frank Herbert's classic novel. The cast of the film is pretty stacked with Timothee Chalamet, Oscar Isaac, Dave Bautista, Jason Momoa, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, and Zendaya being featured in the sci-fi event film. Zendaya in particular is riding high as she's Emmy nominated for Best Actress in a Drama Series for Euphoria and her film with John David Washington, MALCOLM & MARIE, recently scored a massive $30 million Netflix deal out of the Toronto International Film Festival. Zendaya's popularity is steadily growing but if you planned on seeing DUNE simply because she's in it, you may walk away a little disappointed by her limited time on screen.
Zendaya recently did an interview with "Empire" and the actress revealed that she only worked on the film for about four days:
That's why I'm so excited to see it, to see what everyone's been up to. [Director Denis Villeneuve 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. [The director] is so kind and attentive to all of his actors. I was only there for four days and I did not want to leave! Denis understands what he wants from us but he's also very collaborative, allowing me to have my take on the character as well. I don't want to jinx anything but I can't wait to explore her more."
Zendaya plays Chani in the film and she's described as "a mystery woman who haunts (the lead character) in his dreams." Denis Villeneuve has a plan to make DUNE a two-part movie so if everything works out as it should, perhaps we will see more of Zendaya's Chani in the second installment. Considering how the COVID-19 pandemic has halted release dates and affected the box office, I hope DUNE does well enough to warrant that second entry and Villeneuve can complete his vision as intended.
This marks the second time that Herbert's 1965 novel has been adapted for the big screen. The first film came in 1984 and was directed by David Lynch. The film starred Kyle MacLachlan and featured an ensemble of well-known American and European actors in supporting roles. Lynch's take, which he considers his biggest career disappointment due to his lack of creative control and studio interference, was a box office failure and was negatively reviewed by critics. Although the film has developed a cult following in the subsequent years, Villeneuve is hoping that his vision will be met with much more enthusiasm.
DUNE follows the son of a noble family that is entrusted with the protection of the most valuable asset and most vital element in the galaxy. Villeneuve has gathered an impressive ensemble cast for the film including Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgard, Dave Bautista, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Zendaya, David Dastmalchian, Chang Chen, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Charlotte Rampling, Jason Momoa, and Javier Bardem.
Were YOU hoping to see more of Zendaya in DUNE? The film hits screens on December 18, 2020.