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- Some Major Stars Are Joining the Cast of “Dune: Part II”
Some Major Stars Are Joining the Cast of “Dune: Part II”
Denis Villeneuve’s 2021 remake of “Dune” garnered widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences for its cinematography, musical score, and strong cast of actors. The film, based on the book series of the same name by Frank Herbert, centres around Paul Atreides and members of the Atreides House as they fight alongside rival houses for ownership of a desert planet that holds a valuable resource: Spice, or Melange, a drug that is the most powerful influence in the Dune universe.
Despite its release amid the height of the coronavirus pandemic, “Dune” performed well at the box office and on streaming services, grossing $400 million globally, according to Forbes. With the second instalment of the film series in the works and set to release in October 2023, here are all the faces you can expect to see in “Dune: Part II.”
Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides
Timothée Chalamet is returning to “Dune” as Paul Atreides, the lead character. Chalamet is known for his roles in several critically acclaimed films, ranging from “Lady Bird” and “Little Women” to “Call Me By Your Name,” for which he was nominated for an Oscar in 2018. His film, “Wonka,” based on the beloved children’s book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” is set to release in 2023.
Zendaya as Chani
Opposite of Chalamet’s character Paul is Chani, played by the incredible Zendaya. The actor has come a long way since her days on Disney Channel, and is now recognised for her work on HBO’s popular series “Euphoria” as Rue Bennett in addition to her many film roles. Most recently, Zendaya appeared in “Spider-Man: No Way Home” as MJ and is set to star in the upcoming Luca Guadagnino film “Challengers.”
Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica
Esteemed actor Rebecca Ferguson stars alongside Chalamet in “Dune: Part II” as Lady Jessica, Paul’s mother. Ferguson has an extensive acting career, with credits spanning multiple “Mission Impossible” films, as well as “The Greatest Showman” and “Doctor Sleep.” She recently wrapped up production for a new “Mission Impossible” film, and is currently filming another.
Javier Bardem as Stilgar
Oscar-winning actor Javier Bardem will reprise his role as Freman tribe leader Stilgar in “Dune: Part II.” Bardem is most known for his vast acting range over the years, appearing in “No Country for Old Men” and “Vicky Cristina Barcelona.” Most recently, he appeared in “Being the Ricardos” alongside Nicole Kidman, which is an Amazon Prime series based on the relationship between Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.
Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck
Josh Brolin is reprising his role as weapons master and mentor Gurney Halleck in the upcoming movie. The actor had his big break when he appeared in “The Goonies” in 1985 and has since carved out an acting career that’s earned him widespread acclaim and several award nominations. From “The Avengers” film series to dramas like “Milk” and “American Gangster,” Brolin has a stacked resume.
Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan
In “Dune: Part II,” Florence Pugh will star as Princess Irulan. Though her career is relatively short, Pugh has appeared in several notable films, including “Midsommar” and “Little Women.” Outside of the second installment of the “Dune” film series, the actor’s most recent work is in the upcoming “Don’t Worry Darling,” directed by Olivia Wilde and co-starring Harry Styles.
Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha
Every story needs a villain, or at least a young one. Austin Butler is starring as Feyd-Rautha in the upcoming “Dune” sequel, a rival of the House of Atreides, to which Paul (Chalamet) belongs. Butler got his start in the acting world in the early 2000s, appearing in several fan-favorite shows like “Zoey 101” and “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide.” In recent years, the actor has taken on more serious roles, which included Quentin Tarantino‘s “Once Upon a Time In Hollywood.” He is front and center in Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming biopic “Elvis,” which centres around the life of the late “King of Rock and Roll.”
Stellan Skarsgård as Vladimir Harkonnen
Stellan Skargård is bringing back depth and intensity to his character, Vladimir Harkonnen, in the “Dune” sequel. The character is the leader of the House Harkonnen, which is the ultimate enemy of the House Atreides. With an acting career that reaches back to the 1970s, Skargård has established himself as one of the industry’s greatest. Among his many acting credits, he is known for his roles in “The Hunt for Red October” and “Good Will Hunting.”
Christopher Walken as Emperor Shaddam IV
Veteran actor Christopher Walken will play Emperor Shaddam IV, controller of the universe and ruler of the House Atreides and House Harkonnen. Walken’s career in the film industry spans decades, and he is generally recognised as one of the greats of the 20th century. His notable appearances include “The Deer Hunter” alongside Robert DeNiro, “Pulp Fiction,” and even the 2007 musical film, “Hairspray.”