Zendaya Reveals the Lengths She Took to Avoid “Peeing Myself or S—ting Myself” While Filming Dune: Part Two
Zendaya, the epitome of onscreen grace and professionalism, recently shared a behind-the-scenes look at one of her toughest acting challenges while filming Dune: Part Two. The actress candidly revealed the extreme efforts she went through during production to maintain her composure during the film’s high-pressure, physically demanding scenes. What started out as a humorous anecdote about human frailty ended up highlighting Zendaya’s commitment to her craft and the immense challenges of filming this epic sci-fi film.
The World of Dune: Part Two
In Denis Villeneuve’s sequel to Dune (2021), Zendaya’s role as Chani Kynes is significantly expanded. As a member of the Fremen, a desert-dwelling community on the harsh planet of Arrakis, Zendaya becomes a key figure in the journey of Paul Atreides (played by Timothée Chalamet). With the sequel delving deeper into the politics, action, and drama of Frank Herbert’s iconic tale, the production required not only emotional depth but also physical endurance from the cast.
For Zendaya, this meant long hours on set in harsh desert environments while wearing full Fremen gear, including the iconic still suit—a fictional device designed to recycle body moisture in the arid climate of Arrakis. However, the authenticity of the costumes came with an unexpected challenge: managing basic human needs during lengthy shoots.
Zendaya as Chani in ‘Dune: Part Two.’
The Struggle of the Still Suit
The still suit, while visually stunning and a key part of Dune’s world-building, was a logistical nightmare for Zendaya and her co-stars. The suit was designed to be form-fitting and functional, but it didn’t leave much room for comfort. Zendaya described wearing it for hours at a time as a test of endurance.
“Once you zip it up, that’s it,” she shared in a recent interview. “There’s no quick escape. You can’t just say, ‘Wait, I need to go to the bathroom.’ It’s a process.”
The long filming days, combined with the hot desert climate, created a particular dilemma for Zendaya. “I had to carefully plan every sip of water and every meal,” she shared. “I was constantly doing mental math, thinking, ‘Okay, if I drink this now, when do I have to pee?’”
A New Level of Discipline
To keep her body in check while filming, Zendaya developed a disciplined routine. She limited her water intake throughout the day and meticulously timed her bathroom trips. “It wasn’t ideal, but it was the only way to avoid interruptions during filming,” she explains.
However, the actress also admits that this took a toll on her mentally and physically. “You’re trying to focus on giving an intense performance, but part of your brain is like, ‘Don’t pee. Don’t pee,’” she jokes.
During one particularly difficult scene, Zendaya admits that she felt the pressure—literally. “We were shooting this intense action scene, and all I could think was, ‘This would be the worst time to lose control.’”
Despite the challenges, Zendaya’s sense of humor helped her overcome her discomfort. “There were definitely moments where I was like, ‘This is something they don’t tell you about being an actor,’” she laughs. “You see the glamorous red carpet photos, but no one talks about the times when you’re praying you don’t pee yourself in your still life.”
Her co-stars also contributed to the lightness of the set. Timothée Chalamet, who plays Paul Atreides, reportedly teased Zendaya about her meticulous planning. “Timothée would joke, ‘Are you drinking responsibly, Zendaya?’” she recalls. “He was struggling with the same struggles, so we all went through it together.”
The Physical Demands of Dune: Part Two
In addition to the struggles of being in a static suit, Zendaya highlighted the physical challenges of filming in the desert. The sweltering heat, combined with the physically demanding action scenes, pushed her to her limits. “There were days when I felt like I couldn’t move another inch,” she said. “But then I thought about how amazing the final product was going to be, and that kept me going.”
One of the most grueling scenes involved Zendaya running through sand dunes over multiple takes. “The sand is so unpredictable,” she explained. “Sometimes your feet sink in, and sometimes you trip over your own feet. By the end of the scene, I was covered in sweat and sand.”
The physical demands of the role also helped Zendaya connect with her character on a deeper level. “Chani is a survivor,” she said. “She’s strong, she’s resourceful, and she doesn’t let anything stop her. Going through those challenges on set made me feel closer to her.”
Zendaya also credited director Denis Villeneuve with creating an environment of trust and collaboration. “Denis understood the balance between pushing us and making sure we were okay,” she said. “He was so passionate about the story, and that passion was contagious.”
Fans applaud Zendaya’s dedication
After Zendaya revealed her efforts during filming, fans took to social media to express their admiration. Many praised her dedication and willingness to endure discomfort for her craft.
“She’s not just an incredible actress; she’s a fighter,” one fan tweeted. “The fact that she can laugh about it makes her more relatable.”
Others pointed out the irony of her situation. “The still-life suits in Dune are supposed to recycle bodily fluids, but in real life they just make you pray for a bathroom break,” another fan joked.
Zendaya’s candor about her struggles on set serves as a reminder that even the most glamorous professions have their own challenges. “It’s easy to watch a movie like Dune and think it’s all CGI and green screen,” she said. “But there’s a lot of sweat, work, and even planning for bathrooms, which is part of that.”
For Zendaya, the experience was ultimately a testament to her resilience. “It hasn’t always been easy, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” she said. “Every challenge has made me stronger, and I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished.”
Looking Ahead
With Dune: Part 2 hitting theaters soon, Zendaya hopes audiences will appreciate the hard work and dedication that went into bringing this epic story to life. “We poured our hearts and souls into this movie,” she said. “I can’t wait for people to see it.”
As for her still-suit struggles? Zendaya laughs, “Let’s just say I’ll add ‘strategic water expert’ to my resume.”
