The character had remained in the shadows in the first movie
Dune 2 continues to make the headlines with its cast announcements, and the latest person to join is Christopher Walken. The Denis Villeneuve-directed movie already has a stellar cast, and now has bigger names joining. The first part premiered in HBO Max and select theatres on October 2021, and ended in a cliffhanger. Frank Herbert’s classic sci-fi novel was big, and Villeneuve was going to give the complete experience across multiple movies. The second movie is in its casting process, with a release date set for October 2023.
Christopher Walken’s Character
Christopher Walken is set to star as the Emperor of the Universe. His full title is Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV of House Corrino. He may not have been present in the first film, but he did play a massive role. The Emperor is the one who sent Duke Leto (Oscar Isaac) to rule over the desert kingdom of Arrakis. He knew all along that this will further increase the bad blood between House Atreides and House Harkonnen. And sure enough, House Harkonnen’s Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård) instigated a siege that caused the death of Duke Leto, and his son Paul (Timothée Chalamet) going into hiding. Paul has now joined the local Fremen community to revolt against the Harkonnens.
Christopher Walken will be joined by Florence Pugh (Little Women) and Austin Butler (Elvis).
The Emperor’s Role
We are hoping that Villeneuve continues to faithfully adapt the novel. If he does, then the Emperor is truly a character to behold. He will arrive at Arrakis with Harkonnen and launch an attack on the Fremen and their new allies. Skarsgård has already proven himself menacing with his character, so Christopher Walken will have to be a step ahead.
Also read: Top Gun: Maverick – The Original Has Been Surpassed