Based on Frank Herbert’s acclaimed novel, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films have raked in commercial profits besides enamoring the viewers with a deft adaptation of a colossal source material. Previous efforts in getting the novel(s) brought to the big screen had rendered the premise largely unfilmable.
It’d be wrong to affirm, though, that all attempts to ‘film’ the saga fell short, as in 2000 and 2003, two three-part miniseries on the Sci-Fi Channel saw the triumphant adaptation of Herbert’s first three novels—a feat nothing short of remarkable.
At the core of the second series, Frank Herbert’s Children of Dune, was a young, pre-breakout James McAvoy, who played Paul’s son Leto II Atreides. Ahead of Villeneuve’s first Dune film, reflecting on his experience as a part of the on-screen Dune ethos, McAvoy gushed about the filmmaker’s interpretation of the material.
This enthusiasm makes one wonder: Could McAvoy have taken a spot in the cinematic space Villeneuve’s undertaking has created? And if so, which character could the actor nail to a tee?
Since his days of playing Son of Dune are long gone, this one controversial character missing from the recent adaptation could be what the Atonement star needs. We are, of course, talking about Count Hasimir Fenring.
James McAvoy Expressed Excitement About Denis Villeneuve’s Dune (2021)
Speaking to Slash Film in 2021, X-Men: First Class star James McAvoy discussed Denis Villeneuve‘s Dune. As a veteran of the world crafted by sci-fi author Frank Herbert, albeit on a scale that cable TV could permit, the 44-year-old wasn’t too keen on giving actor Timothée Chalamet advice on pursuing the role of Paul Atreides. He affirmed:
“…He’s [Timothée Chalamet] playing a character who ultimately becomes my father, in terms of the character dialogue. So, no. I’ve got no advice for him. And he doesn’t need any advice from me. He’s a cracking actor.”
Of the Oscar-nominated Québécois filmmaker and his take on Herbert’s momentous saga, McAvoy expressed genuine enthusiasm:
“It’s dead exciting … They’re crazy. As they get into their final two or three books … the level of bonkers is unparalleled,”
He continued,
“…And so I’m dead excited to see what he [Denis Villeneuve] does. He’s a brilliant filmmaker … of science fiction. And I do love my science fiction, as well as fantasy. So yeah, I’m whetting my lips.”
McAvoy’s zeal mirrored the many Dune fans who had long hoped for a big-screen adaptation that would do justice to the narrative epic. And though the Split star wasn’t a part of the ensemble who rendezvoused to make the recent films a cultural triumph, a few fans who saw him in Children of Dune (2003) wondered if James McAvoy could take on a role within Villeneuve’s ongoing saga.
Of course, he can’t be Leto II Atreides, but he could dabble into more controversial waters—through Count Hasimir Fenring.
Could James McAvoy Play The Controversial Count Hasimir Fenring?
Although not a popular fan-casting, those who yearn to see James McAvoy in the role of Count Hasimir Fenring have mentioned his deftness at portraying a character described in the books as ‘a killer with the manners of a rabbit…the most dangerous kind.’ Many believe McAvoy’s filmography boasts nuanced depictions of complex characters that evidence his talent.
With some movie magic, the Wanted alum could metamorphose into Count Hasimir Fenring and offer a formidable performance. It is known Villeneuve’s Dune films have notably omitted Fenring, although his wife, Margot Fenring (Léa Seydoux), is in it. However, this doesn’t eliminate the possibility of the character being featured in the third outing, even in passing.
There is speculation that Tim Blake Nelson, who filmed scenes in Dune: Part Two but was cut from the sequel, may have been the one cast in the role (via Collider). This is not unusual, as Villeneuve’s adaptation prioritizes the Bene Gesserit plotlines, of which Seydoux’s character becomes significant.
Nevertheless, the somewhat controversial Count Fenring is still integral to the Dune books. He is a close friend and advisor to Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV. Married to a Bene Gesserit Lady Margot, he was described in the first novel as a might-have-been Kwisatz Haderach and a genetic eunuch.
Since Fenring couldn’t father children, Margot Fenring seduces Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, securing the bloodline to produce a backup Kwisatz Haderach as part of the Bene Gesserit breeding program.
Count Fenring is also notable for having been summoned and ordered to kill Paul during the confrontation between the latter and the Emperor. However, Fenring refused. The Fenring family are later banished to Salusa Secundus into permanent exile.
Even though the character is conspicuously absent from Villeneuve’s flicks, there are ways to tease a future cameo. As for now, the character’s existence remains veiled in the recent adaptation.
Dune: Part Two (2024) is out in theatres.
