Timothee Chalamet reflects on his ‘special’ friendship with Zendaya while filming ‘Dune’

Zendaya reflected on how she and Timothee Chalamet had grown since the first film, recalling their eagerness to prove themselves
Timothee Chalamet reflected on his close friendship with Zendaya and how they grew together through the 'Dune' films (Monica Schipper/Getty Images, Monica Schipper/Getty Images)
Timothee Chalamet reflected on his close friendship with Zendaya and how they grew together through the 'Dune' films (Monica Schipper/Getty Images, Monica Schipper/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Timothee Chalamet has opened up about the special bond he shares with his 'Dune' co-star Zendaya.

The actors first worked together on the 2021 sci-fi film and have since watched each other grow through different stages of their lives and careers.

Looking back on their journey together, Chalamet reflected on how their friendship became an important part of the experience.

Their bond also highlights the natural chemistry they share both on and off screen.

Timothee Chalamet is seen on May 30, 2025 in New York City (Getty Photos | XNY/Star Max)

Timothee Chalamet reflects on friendship with Zendaya

In a recent interview with The New York Times, Chalamet spoke about how working on the 'Dune' films allowed him and Zendaya to experience a significant period of change together.

He pointed out that their friendship began as they transitioned from youth to adulthood.

“I was thinking about it with Z, usually you grow up with people over your childhood or your adolescence, and it was special with Z to kind of begin working with each other at the end of youth, and at the beginning of adulthood,” he said.

Zendaya also reflected on how much they had changed since the first film. "If I look back at the version of us then, it is like a child to me now," she said.

The actress recalled how they were both eager to prove themselves and wanted to do a good job.

Zendaya and Chalamet discuss 'Dune: Part Three' filming

The interview also touched on the demanding experience of filming the upcoming third instalment of the franchise.

Zendaya spoke about the challenges of shooting under the desert sun, explaining that the bright light sometimes made it difficult for her to control her facial expressions.

“There’s scenes where the sun is so bright that I am trying to give another facial expression other than [Zendaya scrunches up her face as if in pain] and I physically can’t,” she said.

Robert Pattinson, who joins the franchise as Scytale in 'Dune: Part Three', also shared his experience of filming an elaborate spaceship sequence, according to Yardbarker.

Zendaya during the German Fan Event for 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' at Uber Platz on June 22, 2026 in Berlin, Germany (Getty Photos | Tristar Media)

Speaking about the third instalment of the franchise, the film will bring Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi saga to its next chapter.

Based on Frank Herbert’s novel 'Dune Messiah', the film follows Paul Atreides as he deals with the challenges and consequences of his rise to power.

Chalamet returns as Atreides alongside Zendaya, Jason Momoa, Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, Anya Taylor-Joy and Pattinson. Directed by Villeneuve, the film is set to hit theaters on December 18.

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