The world of cinema often teases us with tantalizing “what if” scenarios, where casting decisions could have taken films in entirely different directions. One such scenario involves the young and talented Jenna Ortega, who recently shared an intriguing revelation about her early career. Ortega, who has gained immense popularity through her role in Wednesday, disclosed that she once auditioned for a part in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune. Surprisingly, the role she was aiming for was none other than Chani, a character that would later be brought to life by Zendaya.
Jenna Ortega Almost Played Chani In Dune
Jenna Ortega. Image Credit: Zac Popik/Lionsgate
In a candid conversation with BuzzFeed, Jenna Ortega revealed that she had auditioned for a role in Dune at the tender age of 15. Reflecting on the experience, she mentioned, “I auditioned for Dune when I was about 15,” adding that she had been a fervent admirer of the film and its franchise. This enthusiasm was driven not just by the grandeur of the Dune universe but also by her deep respect for Denis Villeneuve, whom she described as “one of [her] favorite filmmakers.”
What makes this audition story particularly intriguing is the secrecy surrounding it. Ortega was not explicitly informed about the character she was auditioning for, yet she strongly believed it was for Chani, the role eventually played by Zendaya. “I think it was Chani. I think it was Zendaya’s. But they weren’t saying that. Everything was very secret,” she reflected, shedding light on the clandestine nature of such high-profile projects.
Zendaya’s portrayal of Chani, albeit brief in the first installment of Dune, left a lasting impression on audiences. However, one cannot help but wonder how different the film might have been with Ortega in the role. Given Ortega’s growing prominence, it’s fascinating to speculate on how her involvement in Dune might have shaped her career trajectory.
The filming process, which took place in the vast deserts of Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, was both intense and time-consuming. Had Ortega secured the role, it’s possible that her commitments to the film could have prevented her from taking on other significant projects, such as Wednesday or Scream.
The casting journey of Dune is a reflection of the complexities and uncertainties that often accompany major film productions. The original Dune film, released in 1984 and directed by David Lynch, featured a star-studded cast including Patrick Stewart and Sting, with actress Sean Young portraying Chani.
Decades later, the 2021 remake reintroduced audiences to the epic saga, with Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet leading the charge as Chani and Paul Atreides, respectively. Their chemistry was further explored in Dune: Part Two, which debuted in March 2024 and achieved a staggering $711.8 million at the box office.
Jenna Ortega Talks About Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Set Memories
Jenna Ortega. Image Credit: Warner bros. Pictures
While the role of Chani ultimately slipped through Ortega’s fingers, her career has continued to flourish. In the same BuzzFeed interview, she shared fond memories from the set of Beetlejuice 2, where she stars as Astrid Deetz, the daughter of Winona Ryder’s Lydia.
Ortega’s excitement was palpable as she recalled the experience of working on the film, particularly during the intense climax set in a church, which took three weeks to shoot. Meeting the legendary Michael Keaton, who reprised his role as Beetlejuice, was another highlight for Ortega.
Despite feeling a bit shy around Keaton initially, she was in awe of his transformation into the character, noting, “It was the first time I think I had ever really seen someone completely disappear. No bit of themselves involved, so that was pretty special.“
Ortega’s reflection on her near-miss with the role of Chani in Dune serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Hollywood. While she may not have become a part of the Dune universe, her journey in the film industry continues to be filled with exciting opportunities and unforgettable experiences. The story of Jenna Ortega’s audition for Dune may be one of “what could have been,” but her star continues to rise, lighting up screens in ways that are uniquely her own.
