Zendaya's Stunning Dune 2 Premiere Look Is Drawing Star Wars Comparisons

Zendaya's "Dune: Part Two" look is giving major "Star Wars" vibes. After years of anticipation, Denis Villeneuve's highly-anticipated sequel is set to grace cinemas. The second outing continues Paul Atreides' (Timothée Chalamet) journey to liberate Arrakis from its imperial shackles. One of the most awaited blockbusters in recent memory, "Dune 2" is already a hit with critics who praised the picture on social media. But the final product isn't the only thing leaving fans stunned. 

The film officially premiered in London on February 15 and all anyone can talk about is Zendaya's stunning, sci-fi-influenced chrome outfit, which makes the "Spider-Man" actor look like a really specific robot (err, cyborg). Fans can't help but compare her already-iconic look to the "Star Wars" character C-3PO, who appears in all nine mainline films.

Zendaya looks like the concept art for C3PO. #Dune2 pic.twitter.com/TmkaYjWRTu

— Clare BK (@Clare_BK) February 15, 2024

"Sweet of Zendaya to attend the Dune Part Two [premiere] dressed as C3PO," wrote X (formerly known as Twitter) user @ThomasEvansAdur. "Star Wars" fans will have us note that C-3PO boasts a golden color, while Zendaya's outfit is silver/chromatic. But thanks to the lighting at the venue, Zendaya's outfit glistens and shines like the fan-favorite droid. "Showing up to Dune as C3PO is incredible," said user @FeiKhal. "Please put her in a 'Star Wars' movie lmaoooo." 

Overall, fans are just impressed with Zendaya's latest look, which gives off a rich sci-fi vibe that perfectly matches the tone of "Dune 2." "[I] know shes only in her 20's but zendaya is an ICON on so many levels like are you srs ???" wrote user @aliyahInterlude. A ton of fans even pointed out how the actor was the only one slaying, with one fan writing, "Zendaya I am so sorry [your] co-stars are always lacking on the red carpet..." 

Yes, Zendaya's "Dune 2" fit is definitely giving off "Star Wars" vibes, but she's not explicitly taking cues from C-3PO. The "Dune 2" star's outfit is more in line with German film director Fritz Lang's "Metropolis," which features a cyborg/machine-like character known as Maria (Brigitte Helm). Known as the Maschinenmensch in the 1927 sci-fi film, the character's design has inspired several sci-fi projects, including "Star Wars."

It's giving Metropolis. I love it! #Mugler #Zendaya #Dune https://t.co/C15pWjz4YE pic.twitter.com/zYdZR45Wgm

— All Up In Your Mind (@ParisianVixen) February 15, 2024

X user @sitcomznfilmz unpacked all the connections Zendaya's outfit has to the world of sci-fi, showcasing just how deep the fashion rabbit hole goes. "Me when her outfit is mugler which is inspired by gold robot in metropolis silent German movie which also was inspiration for C3PO in star wars which is low-key based on dune," they commented.

Okay, so we know what Zendaya's look is inspired by, so what exactly is she wearing? The "Euphoria" star's outfit comes from the mind of fashion designer Thierry Mugler's 1995 couture collection, and was explicitly inspired by the visual design of "Metropolis." According to W Magazine, the outfit took over six months to design and was made in collaboration with artist Jean-Jacques Urcun. But here's the kicker: Zendaya was wearing the actual fit that debuted in 1995 — not a recreation. 

For fashion fans, Zendaya's daring look is one for the history books, with @saintdoII writing, "zendaya in thee thierry mugler fall 1995 haute couture robot suit, this is literally a piece of fashion history and the fact that it's not a remake but directly from manfred's archives!! UGHH IM SO GAGGED." 

"Dune 2" lands in cinemas on March 1, 2024.