Javier Bardem is currently making headlines for his role of Stilgar in Dune: Part Two. The Denis Villeneuve directorial has been getting rave reviews with 94% on the Tomatometer. And one of the positives on the movie is how Bardem plays the fanatic leader of the Fremen, mentoring Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides. But with as menacing and zealous his character is in the movie, he is quite the opposite in real life.
Bardem broke into the silver screen early on when he was only six years old. Coming from a family that has long been part of the movie industry in Spain, and being the son of the popular Spanish actress, Pilar Bardem, the Skyfall actor initially did not want to become an actor. It wasn’t until his lead role Bigas Luna’s 1992 directorial film, Jamón Jamón, that he started taking acting more seriously.
Javier Bardem Talks About Nepo-Babies
The controversy surrounding Nepo-babies in Hollywood has been going on for quite a while now. From Hailey Bieber (remember the nepo t-shirt? after the NYP article) to Dakota Johnson to Lily-Rose Depp, the debate is never-ending. And unknown to many, Javier Bardem, too, is a part of the nepo-baby group.
Talking to Wired, the Dune actor gets honest about his heritage and its advantages. He admits on his own about being a nepo-baby in a way, further adding,
“My mother was very recognized when I started as an actor. And also, my uncle was a legendary director in Spain and Europe. So, I had that, and that gave me the chance to meet people.”
But does he want his children to follow in his footsteps?
Xavier Bardem On His Children Joining The Movie Industry
Having Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz for parents is definitely a privilege both their children have. But does Bardem want his children to become actors? The answer is – he is confused. During the same Wired interview, the actor said:
“They are very creative. And no wonder. I mean, Mom and Dad doing what they do. They are really open to artistic stimulus. Painting, music, dancing, acting, and sports, as well. It’s in our DNA. It’s not just something that they do for fun. It’s something that it’s part of them. At the same time, if you ask me, ‘Would I like them to be actors?’ I’m conflicted.”
He further added:
“Is it going to be easy for my kids to meet people and to have some chances? Maybe, maybe. More than other ordinary people from the street, sure. But then, the exam they’re going to go through is going to be very thorough.”
Whether his children end up becoming a part of Hollywood is a question for another day. For now, let’s enjoy Javier Bardem’s artistry in the recently released Dune: Part Two, in theaters worldwide.
