Denis Villeneuve's Dune is the big-screen adaptation of Frank Herbert's 1965 sci-fi epic novel, that tells the story of a central conflict between Houses Atreides and Harkonnen through the perspective of a young Paul Atreides, who is portrayed by Timothée Chalamet. Alongside Chalamet, the actor was joined by a stellar cast that includes Oscar Isaac, Zendaya, Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista, and Rebecca Ferguson. Dune was one of 2021's biggest hits commercially and critically, which led to a sequel getting the green light from Warner Bros. a few days after the film's theatrical debut.
Villeneuve has been vocal about his work for Dune in the past months. While Dune mainly focused on Paul being made drawn into the conflict on Arrakis, mastering his Bene Gesserit skills, and assuming his rightful place as heir to House Atreides, Part Two, as the director pointed out, will showcase an in-depth look at the universe and delve even further into the Harkonnens.
The director also confirmed that filming for Dune: Part Two will begin in Summer 2022, while also admitting that the sequel will be "more challenging."
Now, a new update about the highly-anticipated sequel has arrived.
Florence Pugh Joins Zendaya & Timothee Chalamet for Dune 2
The Hollywood Reporter shared that Black Widow actress Florence Pugh is in talks to join Dune: Part 2 as Princess Irulan, the daughter of the Emperor. However, the outlet pointed out that several obstacles remain for a deal to happen since the script is still being written.
This means that Pugh is still waiting for the latest draft. Another issue that THR noted is a potential scheduling conflict with Pugh, who is in contention to star in the developing Madonna biopic, which could be in production as Dune: Part 2 begins shooting.
If a deal is made, Pugh will join a star-studded returning cast that includes Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, and Javier Bardem.
Irulan was previously portrayed on screen by Virginia Madsen in David Lynch's Dune, and she was also played by Julie Cox in the 2000 and 2003 Sci-Fi Channel adaptations.
Dune Gains Another Stellar Addition
If the scheduling conflict is resolved and talks go smoothly, Florence Pugh serves as an incredible addition to an already-stacked cast for Dune: Part Two.
In the novel, Princess Irulan is a key character. At the end of the first book, Irulan appears to marry Paul Atreides as a condition of the Emperor's surrender and to ensure his rule as the new leader is not threatened.
In 2021's Dune, Irulan didn't appear in person nor did the Emperor, but this new casting indicates that the Emperor's daughter will have a significant role moving forward. From action-focused roles in Black Widow to more introspective performances in Midsommar, Pugh certainly has the acting chops to bring Irulan to life.
While previous adaptations of the hit novel didn't do justice to Irulan's portrayal in the narrative, Denis Villeneuve will have the opportunity to fix the character's introduction to fit the sequel's narrative. Casting a notable actress like Pugh suggests that Part Two will be just as star-studded as the first installment, and puts the veteran director one step closer to achieving his vision of expanding the Dune universe.
Dune: Part Two is slated to premiere sometime in 2023.
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