Sure, Dave Bautista is probably best known for his role as Drax in the various Marvel Cinematic Universe films including the two “Guardians of the Galaxy” entries. And yes, he’s even got his own action-comedy film coming out this weekend, called “Stuber.” Later this year, Bautista will also star in a children’s comedy film called “My Spy.” He’s a busy guy, all things considered. But let’s be real, those roles are all well and good, but for many film fans, all that matters is how well he’ll do in Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” adaptation.
And thanks to the man, himself, we get confirmation that not only will Bautista have a role in the sci-fi epic, but will actually play a fairly meaty part.
On Instagram, Bautista shared a behind-the-scenes picture of himself on the set of “Dune,” which is clearly filming now ahead of its 2020 release. And while the picture doesn’t show any elaborate sets, costumes, or makeup (all of which will be incredible, no doubt), he does pose next to a chair that reveals the name Rabban Harkonnen.
The post simply said, “What an honor.”
For those not steeped in the immense lore of “Dune,” Rabban Harkonnen is the nephew of Baron Vladimir Harkonnen. The Harkonnen family is a group of folks that are aiming to take down the Atreides family and its young, but important, member, Paul. In Villeneuve’s film, the role of Paul Atreides will be played by Timothée Chalamet.
The role of Rabban isn’t massive, but since Villeneuve has already announced that plans are for at least one sequel to “Dune,” Bautista’s role could become more prominent in the subsequent film. In the David Lynch adaptation of “Dune” from 1984, the role was portrayed by British actor Paul Smith.
Bautista and Villeneuve previously teamed up for “Blade Runner 2049.” That film also featured the actor in a minor, but important, role. And while it was a small part, Bautista might have given one of his best performances outside of the MCU in that scene.
Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” will arrive in theaters on November 20, 2020.
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