A new Dune featurette teases the importance of Zendaya’s character in the story. Denis Villeneuve’s upcoming film will be the second feature-length adaptation of Frank Herbert’s seminal science-fiction novel from 1965. David Lynch was the first to take a crack at it in 1984 with Kyle McLachlan taking on the lead role of Paul Atreides, though the director famously disowned the film after studio interference led to poor reception.
Villeneuve, who has tapped Timothée Chalamet in the lead role, appears to be having better luck as early reviews for Dune are praising the adaptation’s scope and scale combined with the director’s signature visuals. Along with Chalamet as Paul Atreides, the film has assembled an unbelievable ensemble that includes Oscar Isaac as his father, Duke Leto Atreides, and Zendaya as Chani. With Dune set to hit theaters and HBO Max next month, its promotional campaign has been in full swing for some time now, providing various looks at the film’s epic vision and star-studded cast.
The latest look at Dune comes in a new video courtesy of the YouTube channel, Secrets of Dune. The featurette mainly focuses on Chani, a native of the desert planet Arrakis, and the importance she has in the story, including interviews with the actress who portrays her, Zendaya, along with Villeneuve and Chalamet. Watch the new video below:
Click here to watch the video.
Though Zendaya previously revealed that her role in Dune is surprisingly small, this featurette hints at the important role Chani will play regardless of her screentime. In the film, Paul begins having visions of Chani, but as Zendaya says, she will skeptical of him because she doesn’t know who he is. In Herbert’s novel, Paul’s prescience abilities allow him to see Chani in the future while he is still living on his home planet Caladan. Once he moves to Arrakis, Paul meets Chani and the two eventually develop a romantic relationship.
Given that this year’s Dune is only the first in a planned two-part adaptation of the book, Chani is likely primed for a much bigger role in the second installment. Although it appears their relationship will begin to blossom as early as part one, as Paul and Chani appear to share a kiss at the end of this new featurette. Zendaya and Chalamet are arguably A-listers already, but the two are set to break out even more this year with a joint appearance in Dune, followed by a few more blockbusters to come.
Key Release Dates
Dune
Release Date:2021-10-22
