Austin Butler Reveals Spontaneous Moment in Dune 2

Austin Butler, who stars in Dune: Part Two, shared that he came up with one of Feyd-Rautha's creepiest moments on the spot. The sequel, directed by Denis Villeneuve, follows Paul Atreides as he battles the Harkonnens on Arrakis. Butler plays the role of Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, a powerful adversary of Paul.

During a recent interview with Access Hollywood, Butler revealed that he improvised a scene in Dune: Part Two where Feyd-Rautha kisses Baron Harkonnen (played by Stellan Skarsgård).

The kiss in the film is unexpected because Feyd-Rautha and the Baron are actually nephew and uncle. It shows how much Feyd-Rautha admires the Harkonnen leader. Butler shared his thoughts on this spontaneous moment when asked about it.

Why Feyd-Rautha Was Such An Effective Villain In Dune: Part Two

Have you ever wondered why Feyd-Rautha was such an effective villain in Dune? Well, it turns out that his portrayal by Stellan Skarsgård played a significant role. Skarsgård's willingness to fully embody the character and his dedication to making an impact on the audience made him the perfect choice for the role. He brought a depth and intensity to Feyd-Rautha that truly resonated with viewers. As Skarsgård himself put it, "He’s game for anything. He’s the best…it’s always about how you’re trying to affect somebody else." These qualities made Feyd-Rautha a memorable and chilling antagonist in the Dune universe.

Austin Butler Was a Great Addition To The Sequel

Feyd Rautha embraces the Baron Harkonnen in Dune 2 - Austin Butler Was a Great Addition To The Sequel - Why Feyd-Rautha Was Such An Effective Villain In Dune: Part Two

Butler's Feyd-Rautha makes his first appearance in Dune: Part Two during the sequence on Giedi Prime. The Harkonnen antagonist is seen brutally murdering his servants and then entering the gladiator ring to defeat all his opponents. The Giedi Prime sequence stands out as it is mostly shown in black and white, unlike the rest of the movie. The intense violence and savagery portrayed in this scene establish Feyd-Rautha as a formidable and fearsome character.

To achieve the black-and-white look in Dune: Part Two, cinematographer Greig Fraser used an infrared camera.

Butler's appearance also plays a significant role in making his character memorable. Feyd-Rautha is depicted with no hair on his head, eyebrows, and glossy black teeth. Additionally, Butler's portrayal includes a distinctive gravelly voice that further ties his character to Skarsgård's Baron Harkonnen. Essentially, Feyd-Rautha is presented as a more agile, ruthless, unpredictable, and skilled version of the Baron.

A hero is made more interesting when faced with strong opposition, and Butler's Feyd-Rautha in Dune: Part Two adds to Paul's heroism. The talented cast, including Chalamet, Butler, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, and others, brings depth to Villeneuve's interpretation of Frank Herbert's sci-fi universe.

Editor's P/S:

This article provides an intriguing glimpse into the behind-the-scenes creation of Dune: Part Two, particularly the character of Feyd-Rautha. Austin Butler's improvisational kiss with Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Harkonnen adds a layer of complexity to their relationship, underscoring Feyd-Rautha's admiration for his uncle.

Butler's portrayal of Feyd-Rautha as a formidable and menacing adversary is further enhanced by his physical appearance and gravelly voice, mirroring Skarsgård's Baron Harkonnen. The Giedi Prime sequence, shot in black and white, effectively establishes Feyd-Rautha as a ruthless and savage character. Butler's performance, along with the stellar cast, contributes to the depth and impact of Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of Frank Herbert's iconic sci-fi novel.