Denis Villeneuve delivered a masterpiece with his latest film, Dune 2. Accolades have been pouring in for the director since adapting Frank Herbert’s novel was not an easy task. And yet, Villeneuve did it so well, which is a testament to his genius as a filmmaker.
Notwithstanding his innate talents for storytelling, Villeneuve has slowly and carefully built up his skills behind the lens. He has been directing for years now, and it puts him in a unique position to spot an individual with a keen interest in learning the ropes of the craft. He noticed it in Zendaya, who was as spectacular in front of the camera as she was interested in knowing her way around behind it.
Denis Villeneuve is all praise for Zendaya, the star of Dune 2
The Dune series, starring Timothée Chalamet as the protagonist Paul Atreides, was Denis Villeneuve‘s love letter to Frank Herbert’s novel. The plot revolves around House Atreides being handed the role of fief holder of Arrakis, the desert planet where the sand is laced with spice. Orchestrated by the Emperor, House Harkonnen, and the Bene Gesserit, the circumstances set Paul on the path to becoming the Maud’dib.
Both films have been well-received by fans and critics alike, and accolades have poured in for Villeneuve, and how he built the world. From cinematography to sound, the films are awe-inspiring, to say the least. His attention to detail was immaculate, and he brought to life one of the most intriguing aspects of the book.
Zendaya played Chani, a fremen who falls in love with Paul. By the end of the second film, Chani and Paul find themselves at odds. The actress has won praise for her performance, but Villeneuve also saw her potential behind the camera.
The Canadian director recently appeared on an episode of The Director’s Cut – A DGA Podcast, alongside Steven Spielberg. Both filmmakers spoke on a variety of subjects, but Villeneuve highlighted Zendaya and her proactiveness on set, believing that she can direct a film in the future.
“There’s someone that spent a lot of time behind the camera, Zendaya, listening, listening. She’s so clever. She is brilliant … she was always on set. Even when she wasn’t shooting scenes … just sitting between Greig Fraser and I and listening,” he said.
Denis Villeneuve thinks Zendaya will direct a film someday 🎬
"She is brilliant … she was always on set. Even when she wasn't shooting scenes … just sitting between Greig Fraser and I and listening" pic.twitter.com/RkiPTRwRrF
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) March 27, 2024
Villeneuve got to work with some of the most talented young actors in the industry. They repaid his faith in kind.
Denis Villeneuve opens up about working with the future stars
Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and Florence Pugh, among others, are the future stars of Hollywood. These actors have always managed to capture the attention of the audience with their skills, and Villeneuve has faith in them.
The director got a chance to work with all three of them in the Dune series. Understandably, the actors left a lasting impression on him. During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he spoke of how these young artists inspire the audience, and they bring so much to the table as actors.
“These actors bring out a lot of passion in teenagers and young adults, and I love the fact that they are bringing young people to the theaters. So they are the movie stars of the future, and they will talk to the new generation. This is the future of cinema,” he said.
All the aforementioned actors have very promising projects lined up in their respective careers. However, given the success of their latest collaboration, fans will hope to see them on screen together to continue the story of Maud’dib.
