Dune: Part Two: 6 lesser-known facts about the sci-fi blockbuster

Dune: Part Two, the sequel to Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi space epic is releasing in theatres this week amidst much hype and excitement. Featuring a star-studded ensemble, led by Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, the film has garnered significant praise after its World Premiere in London a fortnight ago. Some critics have likened the adaptation of Frank Herbert’s acclaimed novel to a masterpiece – one that could rival iconic sequels such as Lord of the Rings: The Towers and The Empire Strikes Back. Today’s Now You Know podcast brings you six lesser-known facts about Dune: Part Two.

1. Denis Villeneuve confessed his reluctance to release deleted scenes from his films. He believes that if a scene is cut, it should remain omitted. He likened the process of editing to a samurai gutting him with a katana but claims that it is a necessary task for the overall cohesion of the film.
2. Villeneuve described the character Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, played by Austin Butler, as an amalgamation of a psychopathic killer, an Olympian swords master, a snake, and Rolling Stones lead singer Mick Jagger. But did you also know that Jagger was initially attached to play the character in Alejandro Jodorowsky’s cancelled Dune film adaptation?
3. There were several notable actors considered for the role Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen before Elvis Masters of the Air star Austin Butler was cast. Some of the other potential candidates included Tye Sheridan, Harry Styles, Bill Skarsgård and Barry Keoghan.
4. Hollywood veteran Christopher Walken plays the role of Emperor Shaddam IV in Dune: Part Two. Coincidentally Walken shares an interesting connection to the Dune franchise. Walken stars in Fatboy Slim’s 2001 music video "Weapon of Choice”, which features direct references to Dune. The line from the song “Don't be shocked by the tone of my voice", is a nod to the mind-controlling ability of the Bene Gesserit called the Voice. Whereas, the line, "Walk without rhythm and you won't attract the worm", is an obvious nod to the Fremen sandwalk – a method of walking on the sand without rhythm so that the giant sandworms of the planet Arrakis are not attracted.
5. Veteran actor Stellan Skarsgård plays the role of the villainous Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, leader of House Harkonnen. Baron Harkonnen is described by Frank Herbert as an immensely overweight man who requires anti-gravity devices to support his weight. To slip into this role Skarsgård had to undergo a body makeup routine that lasted for up to 8 hours to apply and 2 hours to remove, every day. In fact,  Skarsgård consumed Imodium pills to avoid bathroom breaks.
6. The most surprising casting announcement of Dune: Part Two was that of Queen’s Gambit star Anya Taylor-Joy. She was confirmed to be part of the sequel during the film’s World Premiere in London on February 15th, 2024. There is speculation that she might play the role of Alia Atreides, the sister of Timothée Chalamet’s lead character Paul Atreides.

Well that's all for this episode, until the next one it's your host Nikhil signing out.

Aaj kya dekhoge OTTplay se poocho

• Written by Ryan Gomez

Listen to more OTTplay Now You Know podcasts on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.