During a panel discussion at the Contenders Los Angeles event, Dune: Part Two director Denis Villeneuve shared captivating insights into how the evolving friendship between Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya significantly influenced their portrayal of Paul Atreides and Chani on screen.
Villeneuve noted that the genuine connection between the two actors was evident from the beginning, recognising that their offscreen bond would be pivotal to the film's central romance, as reported by Deadline. While their interactions in the first film were brief, the actors grew close during its promotional tour, with their bond deepening as work on Part Two progressed.
“They met briefly in the first part, and a spontaneous friendship emerged,” Villeneuve recalled. “During the promotional tour, that friendship deepened. For me, this was a tremendous advantage because Jon [Spaihts, screenwriter] and I structured the entire narrative around their characters' developing relationship—the birth of their love, its struggles under political pressures, and its eventual challenges.”
He emphasised the significance of their chemistry, stating, “I placed all my bets on their connection. It was crucial to capture that on film and translate it effectively on screen.”
Villeneuve further revealed that during the early casting stages, he conducted tests with Chalamet and Zendaya to understand how their dynamic would translate on screen. He clarified that these tests weren't to assess Zendaya's acting abilities—already well-established—but to explore how their characters' relationship would unfold. “I had Timothée, and we had met Zendaya. We did some camera tests to see how we could build that chemistry together. It turned out to be a fantastic experience,” he shared.
The director also expressed admiration for Austin Butler, who plays the antagonist Feyd-Rautha. Villeneuve praised Butler's intense dedication, describing his portrayal as a unique blend of seductive charm and menacing psychopathy, akin to "a mix between Mick Jagger and a sociopathic killer."
Villeneuve explained that Butler's preparation involved extensive rehearsals focused on movement, almost like choreography, to embody the character's dangerous energy. “Austin fully embraced this sexy, psychotic persona,” Villeneuve said, “and we collaborated closely, experimenting with movement to find the essence of the character. It was like working in a lab with dance.”
Looking ahead, Villeneuve discussed the possibility of a third film in the Dune series, a prospect he initially had not planned. However, he now sees completing the story as a crucial opportunity to stay true to Frank Herbert's original themes, particularly the critique of hero worship and the "white savior" narrative.
“The third film would be a completely different entity,” Villeneuve stated. “While I don’t necessarily envision it as a trilogy, I believe it’s essential to conclude the story in a way that honors Herbert’s initial vision and intentions.”