Following the huge success of the first film and its impressive awards season performance, production is currently underway for Dune: Part Two ahead of its release next year. The sequel is expected to cover the second half of the novel and introduce more characters in its universe as well as expand some of the characters that we already met in the first film.
Speaking recently with Variety, Timothée Chalamet, who plays Paul Atreides, teased Zendaya's expanded role as Chani in Dune: Part Two and praised his co-star for their wonderful working relationship, and gave a brief hint on what she'll bring to her character in the follow-up.
"She hasn’t wrapped yet and it’s amazing. She’s bringing exactly what she brought to the first one — which was incredible — but in greater abundance. And she’s really become a sister. I’m so grateful to count her as a partner and a sister and a friend," he said.
During the first film, Zendaya had a smaller screen time since she only showed up during flashforward/dream sequences and the third act, where her character had a more significant presence in the story. Since the sequel will cover the second half, it is not surprising that her screen time will be larger than before.
While Chalamet did not give out the specifics of Zendaya's expanded role in the sequel, it is still exciting nonetheless to hear that we will see a lot of her, and the audience who haven't read the novel should look forward to her arc in the upcoming film.
Denis Villeneuve is returning to direct and co-write the film. Returning cast members also include Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgard, and Javier Bardem. They are joined by Florence Pugh, Austin Butler, Christopher Walken, and Lea Seydoux. Hans Zimmer will also return as the composer.
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Dune: Part Two is slated for release in theaters on November 3, 2023. You can check more details about it here.