Zendaya recently shared how filming Dune: Part Two in the desert posed unexpected challenges, including a mistake that caused heatstroke. The actress, best known for her role as Chaney, revealed the struggles of wearing the iconic Freeman stillsuit and dealing with the extreme conditions of Jordan.
The filming of Dune: Part Two required Zendaya to adapt to the harsh desert environment, often enduring extreme heat while wearing the Freeman stillsuit. The actress told W Magazine that the suit was difficult to handle when nature called.
“It was so hot, and I remember thinking, ‘Oh, man, the bathrooms are so far away,’ because we had to walk to places,” she said. “If you have to pee, you need at least 10 minutes to get out of the costume. I was like, ‘Hey, I don’t want to drink too much water.’
His decision to limit water intake had serious consequences. Zendaya explained that one day, she didn’t drink enough alcohol and got heatstroke. She said she remembers calling her mother on the bathroom floor and saying she felt terrible.
She said her mom asked if she drank water that day and Zendaya said no. The actress admitted that she thought she was being smart but she learned the hard way that hydration is essential.
Director Denis Villeneuve also commented on the taxing environment. He said that some settings, especially heat, are tiring and leave you tired very quickly. He also said that the wind is quite powerful and the heat can sometimes turn his brain into soup.
However, Zendaya found some solace in her physical preparation. Before starting Dune: Part Two she had completed filming the tennis drama Challengers, which helped her stay in shape.
“I’ve got some nice calf definition, activating the glutes,” he says. “I was already somewhat fit. So that helped.”
Zendaya’s experience is similar to that of other actors who take on challenging sci-fi roles. Doug Jones, best known for his role in The Shape of Water, recently discussed the difficulties of wearing complex costumes for long periods of time. Jones said you have to take care of your gut before pulling on that suit because he’ll be in it for at least 16-17 hours a day.
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