Zendaya Faces Safety Risk During Dune 2 Production

The barren world of Arrakis, as depicted in *Dune 2*, posed significant challenges for its inhabitants, who relied on advanced skintight bodysuits to survive in the harsh desert environment. Unfortunately, these high-tech suits presented difficulties for actress Zendaya, who portrayed the pivotal character Chani.

As one of the most crucial figures in the *Dune* franchise, Chani plays an even more significant role in the upcoming sequel, *Dune Messiah*. However, Zendaya faced unexpected trials while donning the Fremen warrior’s costume, leading to an alarming incident on set.

Zendaya Experiences Heatstroke During Filming

In a candid interview with W Magazine, Zendaya shared her harrowing experience. Filming took place in Jordan, where the climate was strikingly similar to Arrakis’s extreme temperatures. She recalled, “It was very hot, and I remember thinking, ‘Oh, man, the bathrooms are so far away,’ because we had to hike to the locations.”

Dune 2 movie image — Warner Bros. Pictures

The combination of scorching heat and cumbersome costumes proved challenging for Zendaya. She explained, “If you have to pee, you need at least 10 minutes to get out of the costumes.” This led to her making strategic decisions about hydration: “I was like, ‘Damn, I don’t want to drink too much water.’” However, this approach backfired, resulting in significant anxiety.

Zendaya candidly admitted, “I had such a fear of peeing myself or sh*tting myself, honestly, in the suit on set.” This fear became a reality when she suffered from heatstroke due to inadequate hydration. “One day, I didn’t drink enough and I felt so barfy. I remember calling my mom on the bathroom floor, saying, ‘I feel terrible.’ She was like, ‘Did you drink water today?’”

Her mother’s advice was spot on. “I said no. I thought I was being smart, but you can’t do that. So, lesson learned.” Although Zendaya’s experience highlighted the importance of maintaining proper hydration, it also underscored the challenges posed by the film’s costume designs and the demanding filming conditions.

With Chani expected to take center stage in *Dune Messiah*, it’s hoped that Zendaya’s experience serves as a crucial reminder for future productions. As fans anticipate more developments, be sure to catch up on all we know about *Dune 3*.

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