While many Jenna Ortega fans are eagerly waiting for her performance in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, she could have been a part of another tentpole franchise with Denis Villeneuve’s Dune. The actress who found her stardom playing the titular character in Netflix’s Wednesday hints that she could have played Chani as well, instead of Zendaya.
Jenna Ortega says she auditioned for Denis Villeneuve’s Dune
Both of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune movies have found critical and commercial success with their jaw-dropping visuals, all-star cast, and widely appreciated story. Among the actors, Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya shined as Paul Atreides and Chani, respectively. But, in a different universe, Ortega could have taken over Zendaya’s role.
During the BuzzFeed Celeb’s Puppy interview, she mentioned that she auditioned for Dune around six years ago. While she isn’t sure who the character was, she presumes that could have been Chani. The Scream VI actor states:
“I auditioned for Dune when I was about fifteen. I remember just being a big fan of that film and the franchise and everything like that, and being really excited for that interview, because Denis is one of my favorite filmmakers. I think it was Chani. I think it was Zendaya’s… but they weren’t saying that. Everything was very secret.”
While Ortega didn’t get to star in Dune or its sequel(s), she has been busy with several other franchise projects. In the distant future, fans will witness her performances in Wednesday Season 2, Klara and the Sun, Death of a Unicorn, and several other projects. But before them, she returns to the theaters in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice on September 6.
Directed by Tim Burton, Ortega stars alongside Michael Keaton, who makes his return as the titular character. Winona Ryder, Justin Theroux, Catherine O’Hara, Monica Bellucci, and Willem Dafoe will also play crucial roles in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
