Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of the classic Frank Herbert sci-fi novel Dune has only just begun. The 2021 film, which introduced Timothée Chalamet as space messiah Paul Atreides, was Part One of the saga, and as the director told A.frame, "Part Two is where the fun begins."
Dune: Part One followed Paul to the desert planet of Arrakis, known as "Dune," with his father, Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac), and mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson). House Atreides was tasked with taking over the planet and its spice trade. But when the family is betrayed by the galactic Emperor and Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård), Paul and Lady Jessica are forced to flee into the sandworm-infested deserts. Part One ends with the mother and son they are taken in by a group of Fremen — natives of Arrakis.
The film earned 10 nominations at the 94th Oscars, including Best Picture, and ultimately won six: Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Production Design, Best Sound and Best Visual Effects.
Much of the cast and crew have returned for Part Two, which will continue the journey of Paul Atreides on Arrakis. Production officially began in July, with Dune's official social media account posting a photo of the movie's production slate upon which a tagline reads, "Long live the fighters!"
The sequel won't hit theaters until late 2023, but in the meantime, here is everything you need to know about Dune: Part Two.
What is 'Dune: Part Two' about?
"This follow-up film will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee."
Dune: Part Two is expected to pick up where Dune: Part One left off — with Paul joining the Fremen. Assuming the movie doesn't stray far from Herbert's novel, Part Two will see Paul form close relationships with the Fremen, most notably Stilgar (Javier Bardem), the leader, and Chani (Zendaya), while preparing to take on the Harkonnen family. Part Two should also explore more about Paul's gifts of foresight as he embrace his destiny as the Kwisatz Haderach.
"The second part of the story is definitely more cinematic, so there's numbers of scenes that I can't wait to attack," Villeneuve told A.frame. "That's my favorite part of the book, so it's going to be a lot of fun — and I'm deeply inspired."
When does the movie come out?
Dune: Part Two will open in theaters on November 17, 2023. (The movie was originally scheduled for release on October 20, 2023, however Warner Bros. and Legendary announced in June that the sequel had been delayed by a month.)
What cast members are returning from 'Dune: Part One'?
Much of the original cast will return, including Chalamet as Paul Atreides, Zendaya as Chani, Ferguson as Lady Jessica, Bardem as Stilgar and Skarsgård as Baron Harkonnen. Likewise, Josh Brolin will reprise his role as Gurney Hallek, Dave Bautista as Count Glossu Rabban Harkonnen, Charlotte Rampling as Bene Gesserit Reverend Mother Mohiam, and . Stephen McKinley Henderson as Thufir Hawat.
Villeneuve promised that Part Two feature significantly more Zendaya than Part One. "I had so much fun working with her [on Part One] that I decided to add more days and started to improvise things with her," he told A.frame. "I think she's really a mesmerizing and really magnetic presence on camera.”
What actors are joining the cast for 'Part Two'?
Austin Butler, who recently earned raves playing Elvis in the Baz Lurhmann biopic, has officially been announced as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, the nephew of Baron Vladimir Harkonnen and heir to the Harkonnen empire, and thus an antagonist to Chalamet's Paul. The role was previously played by Sting in David Lynch's 1984 Dune.
Butler is hardly the only noteworthy star joining the franchise, which includes:
Christopher Walken as Emperor Shaddam IV: The Oscar winner (The Deer Hunter) will plays the Emperor of the Known Universe who sent House Atreides to Arrakis in order to cause their downfall.
Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan Corrino: The Oscar nominee (Little Women) stars as the eldest daughter of the emperor and a love interested for Paul.
Léa Seydoux as Lady Margot: The actress joins the ensemble as a member of the Bene Gesserit, whose loyalties are tested as she finds herself living amongst the royal families.
Souheila Yacoub as Shishakli: The Swiss actress, who broke out in Gaspar Noé's Climax, will play a Freman squad leader who, in the book, assists Paul in learning to ride the sandworms.
Who's working behind the scenes on 'Dune: Part Two'?
Villeneuve will return to direct Dune: Part Two, which he once again co-wrote with Jon Spaihts. (The duo, with Eric Roth, earned a Best Adapted Screenplay nomination for their work on Part One.) "I’m working mostly with the same crew, so it is going back to revisit old friends," the filmmaker told A.frame.
Those friends include cinematographer Greig Fraser, composer Hans Zimmer, film editor Joe Walker, production designer Patrice Vermette, and special effects supervisor Paul Lambert, — all of whom won Oscars for their work on Part One.
Is there a trailer for 'Dune: Part 2'?
Not yet, as the movie only just began filming in Budapest and will continue in Abu Dhabi, Jordan and Italy. But A.frame will keep you updated when a trailer is released.
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