Austin Butler talks playing an ugly and bald villain in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two

Dune: Part One created shockwaves by providing viewers with a unique cinematic experience based on Frank Herbert’s book series of the same name. The much-awaited sequel to the Timothée Chalamet-led sci-fi film is slated to release soon with Austin Butler in a pivotal role. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the sequel will feature Butler as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen.
Austin Butler in Dune: Part Two
In the film, Butler plays a brutally violent antagonistic force who challenges Chalamet’s Paul Atreides in several ways. Given the character’s dark and grotesque nature and scary appearance in the source material, the role is unlike any Butler has attempted before. In a recent interview, Butler spoke about the inspirations for his performance as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in Dune: Part Two, and here is everything he revealed.

Austin Butler gained critical acclaim for his performance as Elvis Presley in the musical biopic Elvis. The actor recently appeared on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast to discuss his role in the Apple TV+ war drama miniseries Masters of the Air, a companion piece to the acclaimed series Band of Brothers and The Pacific.

Austin Butler in Masters of the Air
During the conversation, Butler was also asked about his role in the upcoming sci-fi epic Dune: Part Two. While speaking with Horowitz, Butler revealed an uncanny inspiration for his role in the film. The Academy Award-nominated actor stated that he drew inspiration from animals for essaying the character. He said:
“Yeah um animals you know like a snake and a shark.”
In the film, Butler portrays Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, the successor of House Harkonnen. Feyd has a penchant for violence and is defined by his scary bald appearance, like most of the House Harkonnen. As a result, Butler also described his role in the upcoming film as ugly.

Austin Butler Studied History As Preparation For Villain Role

Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler) face off in Dune: Part Two
During the same podcast, Butler shed some more light on his preparation for the role. The actor stated that he also sought inspiration from the history of certain cultures that were rooted in violence.
“Looking back at certain cultures through time that have been bred in brutality.”
Butler made the above statement explaining how his character’s violent streaks led him to seek inspiration from different cultures and their histories with violence. At the same time, Butler stated that he did not want to play Feyd as a caricaturish villain. He added:
“I didn’t want to play a caricature of him, but what does somebody become when they’re born in brutality? And they must act with violence in order to survive. Who does that person become?”

Butler will star in Dune: Part Two, which also sees the return of Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Dave Bautista, and Stellan Skarsgård from the original. At the same time, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, and Léa Seydoux joined the cast for the sequel alongside Butler. The film is set to release on March 1, 2024.

Masters of the Air is available on AppleTV+ and Dune: Part One is streaming on Max.