In a recent interview with BuzzFeed, Jenna Ortega disclosed that she may have gone through auditions for the 2021 adaption of "Dune," wherein Zendaya ultimately won the role of Chani. The 21-year-old actress, who is presently appearing in the follow-up "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice," revealed this knowledge in a lighthearted interview with several dachshund pups in tow.
In the Monday-published interview, Ortega talked about how much she admired "Dune" director Denis Villeneuve and recalled how private the audition process had been when she was just fifteen. "I believe I tried out for 'Dune' when I was around fifteen," Ortega grinned. "I'm a big fan of the franchise and was really excited because Denis Villeneuve is one of my favorite filmmakers."
Although the specifics were not made public at the time, Ortega made hints that she and Zendaya may have been considered for the same job. "I believe Chani did it. They didn't mention it, but I believe it was Zendaya's. All of it was really private," she said. In the industry, it is common for performers to audition without fully understanding the character or movie they are trying out for.
The "Dune" story, which debuted in December 1984 in a David Lynch film, was resurrected in a 2021 version starring Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides and Zendaya as Chani. Additionally, the pair starred in "Dune: Part Two," the follow-up that debuted in March 2024 and has already brought in $711.8 million at the box office.
The popular actress from "You," Ortega, talked about her experience filming "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice," which is a sequel to Tim Burton's 1988 masterpiece "Beetlejuice." Ortega plays Lydia's daughter Astrid Deetz in the new movie; Winona Ryder portrays Astrid's mother.
When asked about her favorite scenes on set, Ortega talked about filming the climax third act, which took place in a chapel and required a three-week shoot with the whole ensemble. "It was a lot of fun to shoot, but also going to the underworld for the first time and understanding that we kinda had to walk on a tilt," she said.
An even more exhilarating, albeit nerve-racking, moment for Ortega was meeting Michael Keaton, who returned to his legendary role as Beetlejuice. "When I initially saw him, I strangely started to feel shy. But even just by observing him, I feel like I learnt so much about professionalism, nice nature, humor, and charm "added the woman. Keaton's shift into Beetlejuice really impressed Ortega, who called it a total disappearance into the role.
On September 6, 2024, "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" will hit theaters, bringing Ortega to the forefront of a new interpretation of the well-known tale.
When she considers her professional journey, from almost entering the sci-fi film "Dune" to playing a part in a surreal and whimsical Burton universe, Ortega never fails to impress viewers with her dynamic performances and wise casting decisions.
When she considers her professional journey, from almost entering the sci-fi film "Dune" to playing a part in a surreal and whimsical Burton universe, Ortega never fails to impress viewers with her dynamic performances and wise casting decisions.