“Dune: Part II” Added Even More Big-Name Actors to Its Cast

3 years ago

“Dune” was one of the biggest films of 2021, and it’s remained just as successful into 2022. In February, Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of the 1965 book of the same name soared past $400 million in global sales, according to Deadline. The critical acclaim and widespread popularity of the film allowed for a second “Dune” to be greenlit back in October 2021, just days after its theatrical release.

Fans of the film are eager to see where the sequel, titled “Dune: Part II,” continues the story from its predecessor (which leaves the story on a cliffhanger). You can expect it to be over a year before we get to see the next “Dune,” but here’s everything we know about the upcoming film, from the cast to a release date, so far!

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What Is "Dune 2" About?

The first “Dune” introduces Paul Atreides and his noble family, House Atreides, as they travel to Arrakis, a dry, desert-like planet, to obtain a treasured commodity called “spice,” which is only available on the planet. The spice is known to have incredible benefits and is especially sought after due to its effects, which include longevity of life and increased thoughtful awareness. It also facilitates space travel. But shortly after House Atreides arrives on the planet, they’re attacked by a rival planet, the Harkonnens, who take siege of Arrakis.

“Dune” leaves off with Paul escaping the Harkonnens with his mother, Lady Jessica, and, after proving himself to Arrakis’s native people, the Fremen, he joins with them to bring peace to Arrakis. “Dune: Part II” will follow Paul’s journey and his rise to power among the Freman tribe.

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"Dune 2"'s Cast

Most of the cast from the first “Dune” will be returning to the sequel. In “Dune: Part II,” Timothée Chalamet will return as lead character Paul Atreides. Along with Chalamet, the cast includes Zendaya as Chani, Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, Javier Bardem as Stilgar, Stellan Skarsgård as Vladimir Harkonnen, and Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck. “Dune: Part II” will also feature a handful of new faces, with Florence Pugh starring as Princess Irulan, Austin Butler playing Feyd-Rautha, and veteran actor Christopher Walken taking on the role of Emperor Shaddam IV.

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"Dune 2"'s Release Date

“Dune: Part II” is set to release on Oct. 20, 2023. Film director Villeneuve told Empire in February that production for the sequel would start in the summer. “We are supposed to shoot by the end of the summer,” he said. “I will say it is mostly designed. The thing that helps us right now is that it’s the first time I’ve revisited a universe. So I’m working with the same crew, everybody knows what to do, we know what it will look like. The movie will be more challenging, but we know where we are stepping. And the screenplay is written. So I feel confident. Frankly, the only big unknown for me right now is the pandemic.”

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Will "Dune 2" Be Available to Stream on HBO Max?

“Dune” initially hit streaming giant HBO Max on Oct. 21, 2021, one day before the theatrical release. The second film isn’t set to follow in its predecessor’s footsteps, however. “Dune: Part II” will not be available to stream right away and will instead have an exclusive theatrical release. Though it’s unknown when the film could have streaming availability, movies usually have a 30-to-45-day window between their theatrical run and hitting streaming platforms.