The Dune sequel is gearing up to start shooting this summer, and we can presume Zendaya will be spending a lot of time on set. Director Denis Villeneuve has confirmed his intentions to feature the Emmy-winning Euphoria star in a much more “prominent part” for Dune: Part Two, putting her in one of the two central roles alongside co-star Timothée Chalamet. The filmmaker said as much in a recent interview with Variety, teasing significantly more screen time for Zendaya in the sequel.
Villeneuve also addressed the recent reports of Black Widow star Florence Pugh having talks to join the cast of Dune: Part Two. He cannot officially confirm Pugh’s casting, as Villeneuve says that “things are not solidified” with the negotiations. Nevertheless, Villeneuve says he is “a big fan of Florence” and is hopeful that the casting will work out. It’s another sign that the director wants to have a very strong ensemble cast for the sequel, as was the case with Dune: Part One. This wasn’t touched on by Villeneuve in the Variety chat, but Elvis star Austin Butler is also reportedly in talks to join the film.
There is not much else Villeneuve can say about Dune: Part Two, but he has teased a major sequence that will be featured in the sequel. The only hint he can provide is that it involves sandworms, and from the sounds of it, the scene will be among the most memorable of both of these Dune movies.
Dune: Part Two Will Also Feature More of Javier Bardem
Previously, Denis Villeneuve had also teased more of Javier Bardem in the second Dune film. This was divulged by the actor in a separate interview with Vanity Fair where he spoke about his Dune casting. Bardem says he was told from the start he’d come into the series with a smaller role in the first movie with plans to have an expanded part in Dune: Part Two.
“Denis Villeneuve called me and said, ‘I want to sit down with you,’ and when Denis Villeneuve wants to sit down with you, you go there and sit down, and listen," Bardem said. “And he said, ‘I have a small role, if there is such a thing as the second part of the book the role will be bigger [in Dune: Part Two]. And I would love you to do it if you want to.’ And I said, ‘Of course I want to. I don’t care if there’s a second movie or not. I don’t care about how big or small the role [is]. I love what you do as a director.’ And then it happens, as it usually happens, really, that those great directors are also great people.”
Dune: Part Two is scheduled to be released in movie theaters on Oct. 20, 2023.
