Zendaya could compete for an Oscar in a different acting category for Dune: Part Three. The actress is reportedly preparing to campaign for consideration as lead actress, a move that may reflect Chani’s expanded role in Denis Villeneuve’s upcoming film.
According to Variety, multiple sources say Zendaya is expected to campaign in the lead actress category. In contrast, for the first two films, she submitted for consideration in the supporting actress category. Warner Bros. and her representatives refused to comment on the reported change.
Set nearly two decades after Paul Atreides takes control of the Imperium, the film follows his reign as emperor. As threats and betrayal emerge, Chani becomes central to the conspiracy surrounding his rule.
Who else is starring in Dune: Part Three alongside Zendaya?
Timothée Chalamet returns as Paul Atreides, while Zendaya reprises her role as Chani. The cast includes returning stars Jason Momoa, Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, and Anya Taylor-Joy, as well as newcomer Robert Pattinson.
Denis Villeneuve returns to direct the third installment, which adapts Frank Herbert’s novel Dune Messiah. The story explores the consequences of Paul’s rule as he faces threats to his empire and fears about its future. He previously directed Dune: Part Two, which was released in the United States on March 1, 2024. The film turned out to be a major box-office success, grossing $715 million worldwide on a reported production budget of $190 million.
The reported campaign would be a new step in Zendaya’s Oscar strategy. She has won two Emmy Awards for playing Rue in HBO’s Euphoria and received a Golden Globe for the role in 2023. She has yet to receive an Oscar nomination, making the reported lead-actress campaign a major development in her career.
Dune: Part Three is scheduled to open in theaters and IMAX on December 18, 2026.
Originally reported on SuperHeroHype.
