“Dune” is currently vying for ten Oscar statues later this month and yet the studio is already ramping up the casting process for the sequel “Dune: Part Two.” Director Denis Villeneuve is itching to get cameras rolling later this year and it sounds like the filmmaker may have found an actress for one of the new parts that will have an impact on not just this sequel, but other films if Legendary purses them.
Three new roles are being filled for the sequel with The Hollywood Reporter revealing that British actress Florence Pugh (“Black Widow,” “Midsommar”) is being courted by the studio to play the role of Princess Irulan. Oddly enough, she’s exactly the actress I pictured for the role and her addition would certainly help get asses in seats after co-starring in Marvel’s “Black Widow.”
The Princess is the daughter of Emperor Shaddam IV, the yet to be revealed architect of Baron Harkonnen’s aggression on Arrakis as the Emperor feared that Paul’s father, Duke Leto, would rival his own power one day. In the books, Paul and Irulan’s future together becomes very important without spoiling what the sequels have in store for audiences. Pugh could also be required to appear in multiple films beyond this upcoming one.
Of course, Pugh and star Timothee Chalamet previously worked together on Greta Gerwig’s “Little Women,” making this a reunion for the two actors. The next two roles to be filled will be The Emperor and Feyd Rautha, the Baron’s nephew; however, it’s unclear if the studio is eyeing specific actors at this time. Feyd was played by musician Sting in the original 1984 film by director David Lynch.
Production on the first pic took place in Budapest, Hungary, but given the conflict in Ukraine, they might consider filming elsewhere or may decide to delay the shoot entirely.
“Dune: Part Two” will see the return of Chalmaet, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, Stellan Skarsgard, Javier Bardem, and Dave Bautista on October 20, 2023.