Watching Zendaya steal the show in nearly every movie or TV show she stars in has become the norm.

Zendaya is a shining star, and there’s no other way to slice it. She’s been open about how connected she feels to different characters she plays on screen over the years.

What does she feel about the character she plays in the Dune franchise?

As a reminder, Zendaya portrays a Fremen warrior named Chani in the films alongside Timothee Chalamet.

Here’s what she’s admitted about her connectedness to the role.

Zendaya’s connection to Chani in Dune

Zendaya spoke about Chani’s part in the first movie with Empire Online referencing the movie director, Denis Villeneuve.

She said, “[Denis and I] had a little discussion about who Chani is and the strength she possesses. She’s a fighter, that’s what her people are. I only really had a few days with her, so I kind of scratched the surface but it was so much fun figuring her out. What does she walk like, what does she talk like? This is her planet, so how does she navigate this world? It was so fun.”

Since Chani’s part was so brief in the first movie, it isn’t surprising that Zendaya felt she only scratched the surface regarding her discovery of Chani on a deeper level.

Zendaya further discussed Chani with Games Radar after filming the second movie.

She said, “I think she’s one of the few people that is just human. She doesn’t have access to every resource in the world, she’s really in a defensive position and all she has is herself, and her love for the people around her, and her fierce protection of them.”

Zendaya didn’t note if she could resonate with that feeling or not, but based on the way Zendaya publicly treats her loved ones, it’s safe to assume she feels fiercely protective over the people she cares about most.

That includes her parents, her boyfriend Tom Holland, and even some of her famous Hollywood friends like Bella Thorne and Hunter Schafer.

What do you think of Zendaya’s connection to Chani in the Dune movies? let us know your thoughts in the comment section.