‘Everything Was Very Secret’: Jenna Ortega Reflects On Possibly Auditioning for Zendaya’s Role In Dune

As a dedicated follower who appreciates the journey and growth of young talents, I must say that Jenna Ortega is truly an actress to watch out for. Her determination, starting her career at such a young age, and her resilience are commendable. If she had been given the chance to play Chani in Dune, I believe she would have brought a unique charm and depth to the character.


Who do you believe might have delivered a more convincing performance as Chani compared to Zendaya? Just in case you’re not aware, it’s worth mentioning that Jenna Ortega may have also tried out for the part.

Jenna Ortega might have tried out for Zendaya’s part in Dune when she was 15 years old. 

In a recent interview with Buzzfeed, the actress from Scream mentioned that around six years ago, she had a feeling about trying out for a role in Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Dune. During this time, she shared her excitement about meeting the well-known director when the project was still being developed.

At the age of 21 now, Ortega recalls that she probably read Dune when she was about 15 years old. The film and its series had been a favorite of hers, and she was thrilled at the prospect of meeting Villeneuve, as he’s one of her admired directors.

Additionally, she felt that the role she tried out for, which ultimately went to Zendaya, was that of Chani.

Back then, I found myself caught up in a whirlwind of speculation, just like any other ardent fan. Ortega hinted that the intricate details of the roles were being tightly guarded secrets, never to be confirmed during the casting process. She cryptically suggested, “I sensed it was Chani’s role. I had a feeling it was Zendaya’s. Yet, they remained tight-lipped about it all. Everything was shrouded in mystery.”

It’s possible that months prior to Zendaya, aged 27, joining the Dune cast in January 2019, director Denis Villeneuve may have been holding auditions for potential actors such as 21-year-old Tamara Ortega.

Previously, Ortega had attempted to secure roles at 15 – it wasn’t the first time. In fact, she’s been part of the entertainment industry ever since her childhood years. In a recent interview with The New York Times, Ortega reflected on her early career, expressing that there were times when she wished she hadn’t started so young, but ultimately, she harbors no regrets and wouldn’t alter her past experiences.

On a recent Wednesday, The Sensation joined forces with Sabrina Carpenter, the popular Espresso artist, for her Taste music video. This collaboration hints at elements from Death Becomes Her and Scream films. This surprising team-up is featured on Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet album and has quickly amassed nearly 30 million views.

As I excitedly step into the spotlight, I’m thrilled to announce my latest venture: bringing Astrid Deetz to life in the much-anticipated sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 classic, Beetlejuice! This is another fantastic collaboration with the visionary director, following our successful partnership on Netflix’s Wednesday. Catch us on the big screen starting September 6th.

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2024-08-27 08:52