Zendaya, widely known for her role as Chani, recently shared her experience of filming Dune: Part Two in the desert, highlighting the challenges she faced and a dangerous mistake that led to heatstroke.
The Harsh Desert Environment
Filming in Jordan’s intense desert conditions while wearing the iconic Fremen stillsuit posed significant challenges for Zendaya. The actress admitted that managing the suit during long shoots made even simple tasks, like accessing bathrooms, a struggle. “It was very hot,” she explained, “and I remember thinking, ‘The bathrooms are so far away.’ It takes at least 10 minutes to get out of the costume, so I thought, ‘I won’t drink too much water.’”
The Consequences of Dehydration
Zendaya’s decision to limit water intake had serious repercussions. She suffered heatstroke one day, recalling how she ended up on the bathroom floor calling her mother. “My mom asked if I drank water, and I said no. I thought I was being smart, but I learned the hard way that hydration is crucial,” she admitted.
Physical Preparation Helped
Despite the challenges, Zendaya credited her physical preparation for helping her endure the demanding shoot. She had just completed filming the tennis drama Challengers, which kept her in good shape. “I had some good calf definition and glute strength, which really helped,” she shared.
Director’s Perspective
Director Denis Villeneuve also commented on the taxing environment, stating that the heat and wind were exhausting and often made the cast feel drained.
Zendaya’s experience reflects the dedication and resilience actors show when taking on challenging sci-fi roles, further highlighting the incredible effort behind such epic productions.
