The cast of Dune could be adding another recognizable face to its ranks when cameras start rolling on the highly-anticipated sequel. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Florence Pugh is in talks to join Dune: Part Two.
If everything works out, Pugh would play Princess Irulan, a key supporting character in the Dune universe. In Frank Herbert’s original series, Irulan is the daughter of Emperor Shaddam IV who was trained in the ways of the Bene Gesserit. She is also a historian. Excerpts from texts she had written about Paul Atreides’ rise to power graced the beginning of every chapter in Dune.
Regardless, Pugh’s involvement isn’t a sure thing. Villeneuve is still working on Part Two’s screenplay and Pugh wants to see the latest draft before she signs on. Additionally, Pugh is currently in the running to star in a new Madonna biopic (directed and co-written by Madonna herself) and it’s unclear if the movies’ filming schedules would overlap. THR also notes that the ongoing war in Ukraine could impact Part Two’s production, especially if the cast and crew plan on returning to Hungary, where part of the first film was shot.
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The report also confirms that Part Two will introduce two other major characters from Herbert’s book. Naturally, Shaddam IV himself will make an appearance. The other is Feyd-Rautha, the nephew of Stellan Skarsgård’s Baron Harkonnen. Previously, Sting brought this character to life in David Lynch’s 1984 adaptation of Dune. Casting for both of these roles is also currently underway.
Most recently, Pugh reprised her Black Widow role as Yelena Belova in Marvel’s Hawkeye series on Disney+. She’s currently filming Oppenheimer for Christopher Nolan and will also appear in Olivia Wilde’s Don’t Worry Darling later this year.
Dune: Part Two will hit theaters on October 20, 2023.
Do you think Pugh is a good choice to play Princess Irulan in the sequel? Let us know in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: Dune (Penguin Galaxy)
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