Denis Villeneuve not only dazzles sci-fi moviegoers with his broad storytelling and intricate attention to special effects, but he has also captured the professional attention of his latest star. In a cast interview with Fandango, Zendaya confirmed that whenever the Academy Award-winning director is ready to round out the Dune trilogy, she is in.

After the first Dune celebrated $402 million at the box office and six Oscar wins, Villeneuve went to work straight away on a sequel. And a much-anticipated sequel it is, given that Chani (played by Zendaya) is finally able to shine as a cornerstone of the franchise. With Dune: Part 2 slated for release on March 1st, a third iteration of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi universe, touted as Dune Messiah, is already in development.

Much of Zendaya’s enthusiasm towards reprising her role is echoed by her director’s passion for Dune: Part 2. In last year’s press conference in South Korea, Villeneuve stated that the upcoming sequel is “much better” than its 2021 predecessor. It benefits from the world-building and expositional stages of the original and builds upon the sweeping story. Villeneuve asserts that there is “an intensity and a quality of emotions that I didn’t reach with Part One and that I did reach with Part Two.” 

At a glance, the largest difference between the two films is the increased screen time for Zendaya, starring alongside Timothée Chalamet, with Chani being referred to as a “co-protagonist”.