You can add Josh Brolin to the list of Dune actors who were impressed by Austin Butler's performance as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in the highly-anticipated sequel. Brolin spoke with Butler for Interview Magazine, and they discussed a variety of issues before getting into their work on Dune: Part Two.
Brolin complimented Butler on the fact that he had the same panache and charisma in person that he had on screen.
Said Brolin, "I haven’t seen the whole movie, but I’ve seen enough to know that your work was not for nothing. There’s really great actors that don’t seem so great when you see them in person. They’re doing shit, and you’re like, “I don’t get it.” And then you see them on film, and you’re like, “Wow.” Not to reveal too much, but you were always off doing your thing, practicing, focusing. And not in a narcissistic, self-absorbed way. It was like, “I’m here to work. Why would I not be working?” I’m the guy on set who’s talking to everybody."
When Brolin followed up by asking if Butler was nervous working on the project, Butler stated, "I’m always nervous. I always feel an incredible pressure. I felt that when I was 12 years old. Even if the material doesn’t really require it, I feel I need to do the best that I possibly can. That sets a bar, and then I’m always afraid that I’m going to miss something. With Dune it was interesting, because I met with Denis [Villeneuve], and we got along very well, and started talking about the character. At that point, we didn’t even have a script, but as we started talking about Feyd, my imagination started running, and I started to feel the terror of the challenge. That’s what I’m guided by now: What really scares me?"
In addition to Brolin, actor Stephen McKinley Henderson (who portrays Thufir Hawat in the sequel) also had strong praise for Butler, calling his performance chilling.
Dune: Part Two is currently set to be released on March 15, 2024. The film was originally set for release on November 3, 2023 but was pushed back due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA Hollywood strike.
While the WGA and AMPTP have come to an agreement, the AMPTP and SAG still appear to be far apart. The delay was attributed to the fact that SAG strike rules prohibit actors from promoting any upcoming projects and Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures believe they have an awards-worthy sequel on their hands.
Dune: Part Two will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.
Denis Villeneuve directed from a screenplay he co-wrote with Jon Spaihts based on Herbert’s novel.