Dune 2: From Austin Butler to Anya Taylor-Joy – Who’s Playing Who in Upcoming Sequel?

Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part One was a massive hit, and a portion of its triumphant success goes to the star-studded cast. To make sure the sequel is even better and thrilling, new actors have joined Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya on the upcoming desert adventure.

While the previous cast members are reprising their roles, newcomers include rising star Florence Pugh, Hollywood’s one of the most charming actors Austin Butler, Christopher Walken, Souheila Yacoub, Léa Seydoux, and how can we forget the most secret casting of Anya Taylor-Joy.

Every New Actor Who Has Joined Denis Villeneuve’s Dune 2 

Dune 2 is a few hours away, and fans will finally be able to watch the highly anticipated sequel on the silver screen. Timothée Chalamet is reprsing his role as Paul Atreides, along with Zendaya‘s Chani by his side. Other cast members who are returning from the first film include Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, Oscar Isaac as Duke Leto Atreides, wrestler-turned-actor Dave Bautista as Glossu Rabban, Aquaman star Jason Momoa, Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck, and other stars.

However, this star-studded cast has expanded with newcomers, who are as intriguing as the old cast members. Dune 2 will continue to showcase the events mentioned in Frank Herbert’s sci-fi novel of the same name, and since it’s the continuation of the desert adventure, the sequel wouldn’t be possible without featuring other prominent figures in the story. So, here’s every new actor who has joined Dune 2:

Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan Corrino

Florence Pugh initiated her acting career in 2014 with the drama film The Falling, and this year the actress marks a decade in the industry. Within a short period, Pugh has been a part of highly acclaimed projects like Marvel’s Black Widow, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, and other notable films.

Florence Pugh will now be seen as Princess Irulan, the eldest daughter of Emperor Shaddam IV. Her character was absent in the first film, similar to the novel which briefly introduces the Princess in the end. But in Dune 2, Pugh is playing a supporting and significant role. She’s a historian and her work is extremely important to understand the happening of the Dune universe. Pugh told THR that it was a “really beautiful experience” to work with the Dune 2 cast members.

Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen

Here comes another acclaimed actor, Austin Butler playing the leading foe Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in Dune 2. From playing Elvis to landing another intriguing character in Chalamet’s film, fans are super excited to watch Butler as a key character in this sequel. Feyd is the heir to House Harkonnen and nephew of Stellan Skarsgård’s character Baron Vladimir Harkonnen.

Pugh’s Irulan will be seen forming a connection with Butler’s Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen as it’s a part of her plan Bene Gesserit scheme. The actor told Variety that Dune 2 was unique, and after he watched the first film, the actor knew the distinct tone of the Dune universe. He added, “It provided a lot of latitude for me to play and find my own version”. Austin Butler is an Oscar-nominated actor for his role in the 2022 biopic Elvis.

Anya Taylor-Joy in a Secret Role

The most secret role until now is being played by Anya Taylor-Joy, whose casting was successfully speculated by fans after some rumors began to surface. The Queen’s Gambit star stunned fans with her appearance on the red carpet during the London world premiere of Dune 2. Denis Villeneuve, the director behind this incredible film told THR:

“I think that Hollywood is the most gossipy town on earth and I wanted, as an experiment, to see how long we could keep a secret.”

And as Villeneuve said, the whole Dune 2 team succeded in keeping Anya Taylor-Joy’s casting a secret. Her role remains undisclosed until tomorrow when fans and viewers will finally witness her on the desert adventure. The filmmaker also revealed shooting the actress’ scene in Africa to maintain privacy and keep fans excited about her character.

Christopher Walken as Emperor Shaddam IV

Talented actor Christopher Walken has also joined the newcomers with the role of Emperor Shaddam IV, the father of Florence Pugh’s Princess Irulan. Among the most villainous characters in Dune 2 is Walken’s Emperor, who strategically plots against House Atreides to bring it down in the end. The actor told Variety that:

“I kind of grew up with it. But this version of ‘Dune’ is something else.”

Christopher Walken is a renowned figure in the industry with a career spanning almost six decades. The actor’s notable films include Catch Me If You Can which came oy in 2002, Hairspray (2007), and his upcoming role is in Severance season 2

Souheila Yacoub as Shishakli

Actress Souheila Yacoub has secured the role of Shishakli in Dune 2, who is a Fremen from Sietch Tabr in Herbert’s books. Shishakli is a member of Fremen and will be seen interacting with Chalamet’s Paul during the Sandrider trial. Yacoub can be seen in the new poster of Dune: Part Two which indicates that the actress is having a significant screen time. While talking about being in the sequel, Souheila Yacoub said (via Hollywood Insider):

“I’m super super super excited and proud! … My character is Shishakli, and I play Chani’s best friend. I am like a Fremen, and a very bad a*s fire, and funny, honest, and loyal friend. And loyal to the tribe.”

Souheila Yacoub also talked bout making memories with the cast members and working with them for six months. Since she’s present in the latest poster of the upcoming film, Shishakli is likely playing another important figure in the story of Paul.

Léa Seydoux as Lady Margot Fenring

Léa Seydoux, known for her role in James Bond films and Mission: Impossible 4 is playing Lady Margot Fenring in Dune 2. Deadline confirmed the actress’ casting, who will be seen in a small yet intriguing role. Despite being an incredibly successful and experienced star, Seydoux has secured Lady Margot, the wife of Count Hasimir Fenring. There has been speculation about who will play Lady Margot’s husband, and according to rumors, if the director has included the character from the original novel, it will be played by Tim Blake Nelson.

Dune 2 comes out on March 1, 2024.