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A war begins in the new trailer for Dune: Part Two

By splitting Frank Herbert’s classic sci-fi novel Dune into two parts, director Denis Villeneuve delayed the introduction of the story’s primary villain: The Emperor of the Universe, Shaddam IV (Christopher Walken). But in the newly released trailer for Dune: Part Two, viewers finally get their first glimpse at the man who plotted the downfall of House Atreides. House Harkonnen may have struck the blow against their rival house, but Shaddam IV allowed it because he feared that the late Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac) would unseat him. But the Emperor has badly miscalculated, because Leto’s son, Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), is now poised to make Shaddam IV’s fears into a reality.

Dune: Part Two | Official Trailer 2

But before Paul can start a war and unseat a tyrant, he has to win the trust of his new companions in the Fremen of Arrakis. In the first film, Paul was haunted by visions of the Fremen, and by Chani (Zendaya) in particular. Now that Paul and his mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), live among them, he has to live up to the Fremen’s belief that he could lead their people to freedom. To do that, Paul is going to have to learn how to ride a giant sandworm.

Timothée Chalamet in Dune: Part Two.
Warner Bros. Pictures / Warner Bros. Pictures

The trailer also introduces Florence Pugh’s Princess Irulan, the daughter of Shaddam IV. But Irulan isn’t the only major player in this unfolding conflict. As seen in the trailer, Paul will also have to face his opposite number from House Harkonnen: Feyd-Rautha (as played by Elvis star Austin Butler).

Josh Brolin also stars in the film as Gurney Halleck, with Dave Bautista as Glossu Rabban, Stephen McKinley Henderson as Thufir Hawat, Léa Seydoux as Lady Margot, Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, Charlotte Rampling as Gaius Helen Mohiam, and Javier Bardem as Stilgar.

In addition to directing the film, Villeneuve co-wrote the script with Jon Spaihts. Warner Bros. and Legendary will release Dune: Part Two on Friday, November 3.

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Blair Marnell
Blair Marnell has been an entertainment journalist for over 15 years. His bylines have appeared in Wizard Magazine, Geek…
Christopher Walken will play the Emperor in Dune: Part Two
Christopher Walken in The Outlaws.

Because director Denis Villeneuve decided to split Frank Herbert's Dune into two movies, audiences have yet to meet Shaddam IV, Padishah Emperor of the Known Universe, and the man who betrayed House Atreides to their greatest enemies, House Harkonnen. In David Lynch's 1984 adaptation of Dune, the Emperor was portrayed by José Ferrer. Now, Deadline is reporting that veteran actor Christopher Walken will play Emperor Shaddam IV in Dune: Part Two.

Walken's career in Hollywood spans more than five decades and includes roles in Annie Hall, The Deer Hunter, The Dead Zone, A View To a Kill, True Romance, Pulp Fiction, and many more. Walken has also recently starred in two streaming shows: The Outlaws and Severance.

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Elvis star Austin Butler may portray Feyd-Rautha in Dune 2
Austin Butler as Elvis.

Austin Butler is already poised to have a breakout year thanks to his leading role in the upcoming Elvis Presley biopic. But if Butler closes his latest deal, he may have a big role waiting for him in 2023 as well. Variety is reporting that Butler is in negotiations to portray Feyd-Rautha, one of the primary villains in Dune: Part Two.

In Frank Herbert's seminal sci-fi novel Dune, Feyd-Rautha is the heir to House Harkonnen's empire. He is noted for his sadistic streak, as well as his ruthless approach when dealing with his enemies. Feyd-Rautha is also the nephew of Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, the leader of House Harkonnen who wants to put Feyd in a position where he could become the next emperor of the galaxy. Sting memorably portrayed the character in David Lynch's 1984 adaptation of Dune, which saw The Police front man step out of a steam bath in nothing but a futuristic G-string.

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Florence Pugh may have a major role in Dune: Part Two
Florence Pugh in one of her movies.

The sequel to Dune is expected to begin filming later this year, and the cast may include another big name. Via The Hollywood Reporter, Florence Pugh is in negotiations to play Princess Irulan in Dune: Part Two. However, there may be some roadblocks in the way.

According to the report, Pugh wants to see the latest script before she signs on for the role, and it's still in progress at the moment. Additionally, Pugh is in contention to play Madonna in a biopic directed by the Material Girl herself. If Pugh lands that role, it may conflict with director Denis Villeneuve’s plans to begin filming the Dune sequel this summer. There is also the matter of the war between Ukraine and Russia, which may be too close to Hungary for Warner Bros. and Legendary to film there. Villeneuve shot part of the first movie in that country.

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