Zendaya and Florence Pugh Tease DUNE: PART TWO's Heartbreaking Ending and How It Sets Up Third Film
Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Two will conclude the adaptation of Frank Herbert's first Dune novel, but it won’t be the end of the saga as there’s one more movie with Villeneuve also adapting Herbert’s Dune Messiah. If you’ve read the books, then you know how Dune ends, but during a recent interview Zendaya and Florence Pugh, who play Chani and Princess Irulan in the sequel, talk about the film’s heartbreaking ending and tease how it sets up the third movie.
Zendaya says of the Dune: Part Two ending: "I feel like it's heartbreak. You know, there's heartbreak. There's betrayal. There's loss and confusion, and, I feel like, it's a quite painful ending. It doesn't end like, 'someone won,' it's not that. Broken dreams and hearts."
Purgh went on to say: "I think, for me, when I read that final few pages, it made me suddenly go, like, 'Oh, she's far more knowledgeable than I thought she was,' from Princess Irulan's perspective. I think it's truly a moment where she realizes her power and her position going forward. And keeping her namesake and also realizing this is purely transactional and it's a business decision, and I love that for her. After watching for an entire movie of her just listening and watching and taking things in, she's as much a part of this decision as he is."
She continued, saying: "And then there's that moment between them at the end, which is just so heartbreaking, and I truly believe she clocks that. I think she understands what this means, and through [Chani's] very beautiful, sad face does she understand that this was not part of the plan, which means that, realistically, she's needed in this deal as much as she needs them. So there's a lot going on underneath everything. You're right. It doesn't feel good, which surely makes you ready for what's going to happen next, which is very, very exciting."
Dune is a mythic and emotionally charged hero’s journey, and tells the story of Paul Atreides, “a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet’s exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence—a commodity capable of unlocking humanity’s greatest potential—only those who can conquer their fear will survive.”
This next chapter of the story will explore the “mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.”
Dune: Messiah takes place several years after the events of the first book and follows Paul Atreides, now Emperor of the Known Universe. Paul's rule is marked by political intrigue, religious fervor, and the consequences of his prescient visions. As he navigates the complexities of his position, Paul faces challenges from various factions, including the powerful Bene Gesserit Sisterhood, who seek to control his bloodline. Amidst this turmoil, Paul's relationship with his wife, Chani, and his young children adds a personal dimension to his struggles.
Dune: Part Two opens in theaters on March 1st.
Source: CB