While filmmaker Denis Villeneuve added extra scenes in for her, and while the marketing uses her heavily, don’t expect Zendaya to have much screen time in the upcoming film adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi novel “Dune”.
The “Spider-Man” actress has the role of Chani, the Fremen love interest of Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet), in the new film which serves as the first of a planned two-film adaptation of the book.
Chani of course doesn’t really feature in the story until the back half which is going to serve as the basis for the second movie where more of the supporting cast characters will have time to shine.
Villeneuve has included Chani in the first film, but Zendaya tells Empire her role is relatively quite small as she was on set for less than four days of the several months-long shoot. She also had nothing but nice things to say about Villeneuve:
“He’s 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. I hope I get to learn more from Denis. I love to learn from people who are great at their job.”
While the point at which the film splits the book isn’t clear, it’s possible Paul’s meeting with Chani could come right towards the end or her scenes will be limited to dreams or scenes separate from the various House Atreides characters.
Villeneuve himself has already said Zendaya will have a lot more to do in the sequel which is currently being written. We’ll find out more after the film has its world premiere next Friday at the Venice Film Festival.
