Hold on, who does Austin Butler actually play in Dune: Part Two?

We are counting down the days until Dune: Part Two arrives in cinemas (bookmark 1 March btw), and thanks to Zendaya, and the rest of the cast’s iconic looks served on the sand carpet, we’ve been temporarily distracted from the actual movie. So it’s probably time we do a deep dive into what we can actually expect in the two and a half hour long film.

Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two is the long awaited sequel that will see Paul Atreides (played by Timothée Chalamet) continue his journey with Chani (Zendaya) and the Fremen to seek revenge on those who destroyed his family.

As well as reuniting Timothée and Zendaya on screen, Dune: Part Two also sees the arrival of a number of brand new A-List cast members including Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, and Lea Seydoux.

All we’ve seen so far of Austin Butler’s role is a rather intense bald head look he sports in the trailer, so what actually is Austin’s role in Dune: Part Two? Here’s all the dets you need to know.

Who does Austin Butler play in Dune: Part Two?

Austin Butler will officially appear on our screens in Dune: Part Two as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen.

In the original Dune novel, written by Frank Herbet, the character of Feyd-Rautha is the nephew of Baron Harkonnen (played by Stellan Skarsgard) and is the next successor in House Harkonnen. He’s been chosen by his family to lead Arrakis once they’ve taken over the planet.

Austin, is that you?

Feyd-Rautha is said to be a fierce warrior and likely to be a strong competitor against Paul. And in some ways many people see the two as mirrors of each other, as they are both under heavy pressure to protect their families’ legacy and ensure its success.

Austin Butler was announced to be taking on the role of Feyd-Rautha in 2022 and was given the role by director Denis Villeneuve over coffee, without having to audition.

As we know by now, Butler is extremely dedicated to preparing for his roles and while being interviewed last year, he revealed he trained for four months for Feyd-Rautha, so that he could have a physically imposing presence during filming.

And as for that bald head and no eyebrows look? Well, while appearing on The Graham Norton Show on 16 February, Austin revealed the bald cap took three hours to put on everyday for filming.

Ok, it has to be said, this man has serious commitment to his roles.

Dune: Part Two is released in cinemas on 1st March 2024