Zendaya has shared her alarming experiences on the set of Dune: Part Two, detailing how the extreme conditions during filming caused her serious health issues. The popular actress revealed to W Magazine how her fear of needing to leave the set due to bathroom access led her to severe dehydration and heatstroke.
Filming for Dune: Part Two took place primarily in the sweltering desert of Jordan, where temperatures soared, adding another layer of horror to the arduous shooting schedule. "It was very hot, and I remembered thinking, ‘Oh, man, the bathrooms are so far away,’ because we had to hike to the locations. If you have to pee, you need at least 10 minutes to get out of the costumes," Zendaya explained, offering insight to the unfiltered realities of set life.
Her experiences mirror broader actors' insights who sometimes face tough shooting conditions, but Zendaya's story stood out as she found herself literally sweating it out for hours. She admitted, "I was like, Damn, I don’t want to drink too much water. I had such a fear of peeing myself or shitting myself, honestly, in the suit on set." This candid remark highlights the often-overlooked challenges actors encounter, sometimes choosing discomfort over needed breaks.
Unfortunately, her calculated decisions caught up with her. One fateful day, Zendaya pushed her limits, leading her to dehydration-induced heatstroke. "One day, I didn’t drink enough and I had heatstroke. I felt so barfy. I called my mom on the bathroom floor, saying, ‘I feel terrible.’ She was like, ‘Did you drink water today?’ I said no. I thought I was being smart, but you can’t do it. So, lesson learned,” she recounted, underlining the importance of health over productivity.
The Dune franchise has already proven itself successful, with the first film raking in six Oscars and over $1.12 billion at the global box office, setting high expectations for the sequel. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, who has crafted the visual and thematic successes, the Dune films are heavily anticipated. Villeneuve has even hinted at beginning production on the third installment, which would be based on Frank Herbert’s novel, Dune Messiah, as early as late 2025 or early 2026.
Zendaya's realization came at great personal cost, reminding all actors of the need to prioritize their well-being during long hours on set. Regardless of the pressures, her story will resonate with both her fans and peers, allowing them to reflect on their health decisions during demanding work schedules.
Despite the intensity of such filming experiences, Zendaya remains one of Hollywood's brightest young stars. Her ability to draw attention, build on the powerful legacy of the Dune story, and capture audience interest speaks volumes of her talent. Though unexpected challenges arose on set, Zendaya handled them with grace, embodying the resilience of modern actors.
This intensity coupled with her bright persona led Zendaya to stardom, from being introduced as Disney's sweetheart on shows like Shake It Up to her mature role as Rue on HBO's Euphoria. These successes transcend merely her on-screen work; her struggles and triumphs present her as relatable to countless viewers.
Zendaya's experiences on the Dune set serve as both a warning and inspiration. While the public cheer her successes, her candid revelations shed light on the demanding reality of her work environment. She remains grounded, promising to continue learning and advocating health—perhaps both on and off set—moving forward.
With significant upcoming projects on her plate, including expected releases from Dune: Part Two and her formidable role in Challengers, Zendaya is continuing to make commanding strides as both actress and role model. Despite the challenges she faced, her story is as engaging as the characters she plays, making her truly one of the most impressive figures of her generation.