THR reports that Warner Bros. and director Denis Villeneuve have cast the final major role in Dune: Part 2, with the legendary Christopher Walken set to play The Emperor of the Known Universe (Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV of House Corrino to give him his full title)
The shady ruler is the one who sent Paul Atreides and his family to Arrakis in the first movie, all he while plotting their downfall with Baron Harkonnen. In the follow-up, it's said that Shaddam will "terrorize the populace and must contend with the rebellion" that ensues.
A recently released synopsis reads “Part Two will focus on Paul assembling a massive army of Fremen to combat the ruthless Harkonnen, as he essentially becomes a mythical messiah figure to the inhabitants of Arrakis.”
The studio recently confirmed that Florence Pugh (Black Widow) is locked in as the Emperor's daughter Princess Irulan, with Austin Butler (Elvis) set to play the evil Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen. They join returning cast members Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, and Dave Bautista.
Dune: Part 2 is set to hit theaters on Oct. 20, 2023, with production scheduled to commence in Budapest on July 18.