Elvis star Austin Butler is in negotiations to play the villainous Feyd-Rautha in Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi sequel Dune: Part 2, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Feyd-Rautha is described as the cunning nephew of the baron who leads the Harkonnen.
If a deal is made, Butler would be joining returning Dune cast members such as Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, and Javier Bardem. Florence Pugh is also in talks for the sequel.
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Once again directed by Villeneuve, the sequel will pick up where the first film left off, continuing the story based on Frank Herbert’s epic 1965 science fiction novel. The outlet notes that there are two other major parts currently being cast during the pre-production of the project: Emperor Shaddam IV, “the ruler who sent the Atreides family to Arrakis,” and Princess Irulen, the Emperor’s daughter. Pugh is reportedly being eyed to portray Princess Irulan.
Legendary Entertainment and Warner Bros. are hoping to begin filming this summer. Warner Bros. will release Dune: Part 2 on October 20, 2023.
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2021’s Oscar-nominated Dune is directed and executive produced by Villeneuve from a screenplay he co-wrote with Jon Spaihts and Eric Roth. It is produced by Cale Boyter, Joe Caracciolo Jr., and Mary Parent. Oscar-winning and multiple Oscar-nominated composer Hans Zimmer (Blade Runner 2049) is creating the score. The film earned over $400 million worldwide.
