Chalamet, Zendaya describe honorable journey of ‘Dune: Part Two’
Director Denis Villeneuve, alongside actors Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler, and Stellan Skarsgård, kicked off the promotional tour for the upcoming action film “Dune: Part Two” with a press conference in Seoul on Wednesday.
During the event, actors expressed their gratitude and shared insights into their experiences of being part of the fictional universe originating from Frank Herbert’s iconic novel.
“I didn’t necessarily grow up with the books but I feel like I’ve been introduced to them through director Denis Villeneuve and had the privilege of getting to know the material through him. And knowing that his love and care for the books, how that has translated into everything you’ve seen and are going to see is so special,” Zendaya said at Conrad Seoul in Yeouido, Seoul.
“When you get to unlock this whole world, then you see it everywhere. I didn’t realize my whole life I was living in Dune references I just didn’t know it. And that’s been really, really special for me is seeing how impactful it’s been … (I) just feel a tremendous honor but also responsibility because you want people to feel like you’re honoring something that they’ve held so dearly to them for so long as well.”
Based on the 1965 novel of the same name, the blockbuster action film series follows the journey of Paul Atreides (played by Timothée Chalamet), the heir of House Atreides, to the planet Arrakis. Here, chaos ensues as various factions vie for control of melange, a precious resource.
“Part Two,” set to premiere in Korea on Feb. 28, will pick up on the story of Paul and his mother settling into the Fremen, a sub-culture of humans descended from the Zensunni Wanderers. He unites with Chani (Zendaya) and seeks revenge against those who destroyed his family, facing choices between his life and the fate of the universe.
Villeneuve described the film as a cautionary tale following the story of a young man.
“I tried to be as faithful as possible to Frank Herbert’s initial desires; that he wanted to make a book about a warning, about charismatic figures and a cautionary tale,” he said.
“Dune is a story of a young man trying to find his path; if he will be able to get rid of his genetic heritage and find through his education and finally find freedom. In the second installment, we see him struggling with those big questions.”
Chalamet, who has already captured the hearts of Korean audiences earlier this year with “Wonka,” expressed his hope that Korean moviegoers would embrace his transition from the enchanting chocolatier to a hero entangled in complex dilemmas.
The 28-year-old actor also provided a glimpse of the highly anticipated film, hinting that his character is not simply a heroic protagonist, but rather possesses deeper layers and complexities.
“Frank Herbert was perhaps dismayed that Paul was seen as a hero when people first read the book. He felt it was more complicated than that. While at times, he’s a moral center of the story,” he said. “He nonetheless is caught between wanting to be confirmed in how he sees himself with Chani but ultimately a bigger destiny; one that’s quite dark, quite violent and also about death and destruction.”
Chalamet noted that he felt a profound connection with his character as he delved into studying and portraying Paul’s journey and dilemmas.
“For me, I feel a certain closeness and gratitude for this role as Paul and the mental discipline that it requires; all sorts of ideas and things that when I read the book. I was close to being more discovered through my exploration of Paul in this world,” he said.
The director and cast members will hold a red carpet event, followed by a Q&A session to meet the fans, today.