“What Denis has done so beautifully is show the distinction between the older and younger generations,” Zendaya said. “The Fremen have had years and years of propaganda pushed upon them: the ‘one’ will come and save them. Many of them believe this. We’re dealing with that generational division nowadays with the new generation of people see things through a completely different lens and with a completely different set of rules. Chani is part of the generation that’s fighting back against what she perceives as archaic ideas. She believes this is what has been oppressing her people. So, her entire journey is one of sincerity, an honestness to learn and grow from Paul. She’s falling in love with him, but at the same time hating what he represents, and that’s really difficult for her because she cares about her people and wants the best for her community. Paul throws a wrench in that situation and it’s really difficult for her to grapple with that, and she wants to believe that he’s on her side. It takes him time to win her over and to crack her shell and for her to be trusting of him. Their love story is really earned.”

I agree with the other comment that this is a great article. Lots of actual behind the scenes info about what goes on to make such a huge film.

As for the quote I pasted above, this is an interesting take and I understand what they were going for. I know a lot of fans who are familiar with the source material have been criticizing this change of character with Zendaya’s Chani. My only worry is how part 3 will play out with those changes. As Denis is giving Chani a bigger role in the story, it will definitely cause some changes with how events happen in Messiah.

That was a great article.

For the movie discussion, have a look at the pinned post