Zendaya’s Heatstroke on the Set of *Dune: Part Two* Highlights On-Set Bathroom Challenges
Zendaya recently revealed that she suffered from heatstroke on the set of *Dune: Part Two* due to dehydration. Her reluctance to drink water stemmed from a fear of needing to use the restroom while wearing her elaborate Fremen warrior costume. The long distances to the nearest bathrooms on the scorching Jordan desert set made the prospect of frequent bathroom breaks daunting.
“I had such a fear of peeing myself or shitting myself, honestly, in the suit on set,” Zendaya explained to *W Magazine*. The cumbersome costume, combined with the inconvenient bathroom locations requiring a ten-minute removal process, led her to severely restrict her water intake. This ultimately resulted in heatstroke and a subsequent bout of illness. She recalled calling her mother from the bathroom floor, feeling intensely unwell, only to be reminded of her self-imposed dehydration. The experience served as a harsh but valuable lesson in prioritizing hydration.
Zendaya’s experience highlights a significant concern for actors working in demanding conditions. The discomfort and inconvenience of managing bathroom needs in elaborate costumes, especially in remote filming locations, can pose serious health risks. This raises questions about the responsibility of productions to provide adequate facilities and support to ensure the well-being of their cast and crew. Improved on-set bathroom access and perhaps even costume designs that better accommodate bathroom breaks could prevent similar incidents in the future. While Zendaya’s case serves as a cautionary tale, it also underscores the need for a more comprehensive approach to on-set safety and comfort.