The recent years have been very good for Austin Butler’s career. The actor saw a boost in projects following his role in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis. Now, Dune 2 director Denis Villeneuve testifies to Butler’s acting prowess as seen in his portrayal of the villainous Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen.
Butler’s involvement in the famed science fiction franchise was not a happy accident. The director wanted someone who had a specific set of talents and traits, and as soon as he saw the young actor’s performance, he knew he was God-sent.
Dune 2 Director Denis Villeneuve On Casting Austin Butler
Denis Villeneuve spoke with Radio Times and revealed his casting process for the role of Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen. The Dune 2 director enumerated what specifically he was looking for in an actor.
“Someone that will be willing to go just close to, not too far, but just close to it. Someone that will not be judging himself; someone that will love to take risks. And someone that, of course, will have the necessary charisma – I needed an actor with a lot of s*x appeal.”
Austin Butler previously starred in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis movie. Villeneuve saw the actor’s potential based on his previous roles, but he also wanted someone who innately embodies a type of charm that Butler effortlessly exudes on the screen.
“I needed a playboy. I needed a rock star, and we’ve seen Austin has done that in his previous role. I needed someone that could have that magnetism, strong and magnetic, and Austin had all those qualities.”
Fans are certainly looking forward to seeing Butler’s rendition of Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in the upcoming Dune 2, with the sequel expected to break records at the box office.
Austin Butler On His Portrayal Of Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen
Austin Butler shared his own interpretation of Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen during his interview with Vanity Fair. He tried to understand where the character was coming from and his inner motivations as well.
“When I was reading the novel, there was the element of him being part of this genetic breeding program. There’s a feeling of being stronger and more vicious and more brutal and more intelligent than anybody else, even if that’s not necessarily true to other people. I think it’s true in Feyd’s mind.”
Denis Villeneuve said that casting Butler for the antagonist role was the best decision he made. The director was even more impressed that the actor brought further intensity to the character.
“When you cast, it’s always a gamble. When I started rolling the camera for the first time on Feyd-Rautha, it was like an explosion of joy in my heart to see that Austin was absolutely perfect. He brought even more animal qualities to him, like some kind of a lizard, the way he moved, the way he’d move his jaw. He was without fear. He’s a fearless actor.”
Even critics are comparing Butler to the likes of Heath Ledger, the late actor who portrayed Joker in The Dark Knight. Be sure to catch Dune: Part Two in cinemas this March 1, 2024.
