As production on Dune: Part 2 continues, Zendaya shares a photo from the set of a beautiful Arrakis sunset. Based on the best-selling science-fiction novels by author Frank Herbert, Denis Villeneuve's Dune was released last year, telling the story of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) as he travels to the desert planet of Arrakis to secure the most valuable resource in the galaxy. The film earned high praise from audiences and critics alike and Warner Bros. announced shortly after its release that a sequel was in development. Dune: Part 2 is expected to feature a much more prominent role for Zendaya's Chani and has added a number of new actors to the cast, including Florence Pugh, Austin Butler, Christopher Walken, and Léa Seydoux.

In a recent Instagram story, Zendaya shares a stunning photo from the Arrakis set of Dune: Part 2. Although she doesn't specify the filming location, the first Dune movie shot many of its Fremen scenes in Abu Dhabi, and Dune: Part 2's production was previously confirmed to be returning to the country. In addition to the beautiful sunset, Zendaya speaks out regarding her relative silence on social media of late, promising that she's working hard behind the scenes. Check out a screenshot of Zendaya's story below:

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Screenshot of Zendaya's Dune 2 Instagram story, which features a desert sunset.Chani's Future In Dune 2 Explained

Chani and Paul Atreides stranding side-by-side in Dune.

The official synopsis for Dune: Part 2 has already teased a much bigger role for Zendaya's Chani this time around, with the character's relationship with Paul set to be more fully explored as he sets out for revenge against those who wiped out his family. Some fans were left feeling disappointed by Zendaya's relatively small role in the first Dune, with the character appearing mostly in dream sequences until the very end. Dune's final scenes depict Paul and Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) walking off into the desert with Chani and the tribe of Fremen, suggesting they will be joining forces in the upcoming second installment.

In addition to the movie's official synopsis, of course, Herbert's novel also provides some interesting hints about what might be to come for Chani in Dune: Part 2. While there's no guarantee that Villeneuve's film will precisely follow Herbert's writing, the books feature Paul and Chani entering into a romantic relationship and later having children. There was little sense of romance between Paul and Chani in the first Dune, but Dune: Part 2 could see major developments in this regard. One particular storyline that may be incorporated into the sequel even involves the death of one of Paul and Chani’s children, which could make for some intense drama to come.

Many questions remain about how Chani will be further explored in Dune: Part 2, but fans of the actor will evidently be happy to learn that her role will be drastically increased. Herbert's Dune books were largely considered unadaptable by many, making Villeneuve's first Dune a relative surprise. While fans still have a long time to wait before the sequel hits theaters, Dune: Part 2 is already shaping up to be an exciting follow-up entry in the franchise.

More: The Fremen's Desert Power Explains Why They Don't Use Shields In Dune

Source: Zendaya

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