Following the recent news that Black Widow star Florence Pugh is close to signing on to play Princess Irulan, THR reports that Austin Butler in in talks for the key role of Feyd-Rautha in Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part 2.
Butler, who will take on the title role in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic this summer, is said to be in negotiations for the part. If the deal closes, he'll bring life to the cunning and ruthless nephew of Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, who develops an intense rivalry with Paul Atreides in the novel. There was speculation that Barry Keoghan (The Batman, Eternals) might be in line to play Feyd after the actor sent out a cryptic Tweet last year.
Casting is also underway for Irulan's father, the Emperor of the known universe Shaddam IV, but no shortlist has been revealed.
The sci-fi sequel is set to begin shooting this summer, with Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin and the rest of the principal cast expected to return. The story will pick up where the first film left off, with Paul Atreides (Chalamet) and his mother Jessica (Ferguson) joining the Fremen in their fight to free Arrakis from the grip of the ruthless Harkonnen occupiers.
Dune: Part 2 is set to hit theaters on Oct. 20, 2023.