Zendaya will appear in Dune: Part Two as Chani, a proud Fremen and love interest of Paul Atreides (played by Timothee Chalamet). In a recent interview with Screen Rant, the Euphoria fame talked about how the relationship between Paul and Chani has been tackled in the upcoming project.
While talking with Screen Rant, Zendaya discussed Chani’s bond with Paul in detail:
“I think, talking about how there are some character changes and differences, something Denis really found for Chani is allowing her to have her own mind and spirit when it comes to her perception of Paul and what she thinks of him. I think what that allows for, and also what he represents to her, is something a little bit more complicated and something that she has to fight against.”
“The love story isn’t necessarily just given; it’s not something that to her even feels natural. I don’t think she’s ever even allowed herself to think of the concept of falling in love, and now it’s being presented in the least likely person. I think there’s a lot of weight to that, and just the sheer amount it would take for her to be vulnerable with somebody or open up to someone is big,” Zendaya added.
In Dune (2021), Zendaya’s screen time was much less compared to other cast members. She keeps appearing in Paul’s visions. During the film’s final moments, we see Paul witnessing Chani in real life while encountering Stilgar’s tribe. One of the Fremen challenges Paul to a duel, in which the latter emerges victorious. Paul goes against her mother’s wish and joins hands with the Fremen to exact vengeance for his father’s (Leto) death.
Dune: Part Two is expected to test Paul and Chani’s relationship. The dynamics of their bond are not as simple as they appear. While Paul may be in love with her already, Chani, on the other hand, may have a completely different perception of Paul. Initially, Chani does not fall in love with Paul easily, as she is not familiar with the concept of love. This scenario will surely make their love story intriguing and complicated.
Their relationship will get tested to the extreme in Dune 3. Upon deposing Emperor Shaddam IV, he was left with no other alternative except to marry the Emperor’s daughter, Princess Irulan. According to ancient traditions, he had to marry her to solidify his claim as the ruler. Being a husband to a royal princess also enabled Paul to have a concubine (Chani). In other words, Chani was Paul’s real wife, as the latter loved only Chani.
Starring Zendaya and Timothee Chalamet, Dune: Part Two will arrive in theatres on March 1, 2024. Stay tuned for more updates.