Dune: Part Twowill give Christopher Nolan’sOppenheimera run for its money when it comes to stacked casts, as new reports indicateBlack Widowstar Florence Pugh is in talks to join Denis Villeneuve’s highly anticipated sci-fi epic.
Based onthe acclaimed 1965 novel by Frank Herbertof the same name, Denis Villeneuve’s dream project,Dune, follows the Atreides family accepting the stewardship of the dangerous desert planet Arrakis (also referred to as Dune), which contains the most valuable substance in the universe known as the “spice.“Dunewas a critical and box office success (especially during a pandemic era), as the sequel film was officially greenlit only a week after the film’s theatrical release.
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Deadline now reports that Pugh is in negotiations to joinDune: Part Two. While not confirmed, reports indicate that Pugh will play Princess Irulan Corrino, the eldest daughter to Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV. TheDunesequel is set to begin shooting this summer, with pre-production already underway. Legendary reportedly had no comment on news of Pugh’s casting.
With the sequel set to cover the second half of the novel, the film will heavily focus on Paul’s relationship with the Fremen group and his journey to becoming the fabled Kwisatz Haderach, as he seeks to lead the rebellion against the Emperor. While Pugh is the first big new addition to the sequel, there has been speculation that Barry Keoghancould fill the role of Harkonnen Feyd-Rautha, the younger nephew and heir of Baron Vladimir Harkonnen and Paul’s main foe.
In addition to the greater exploration of Paul’s journey, Villeneuve has confirmedDune: Part Twowill be a much more fun film, as he has now laid the groundwork for many of the characters and their arcs. Fans can of course expect more story details and casting news for the sequel to surface online, but until then, they can get lost in the world of Arrakis all over again whenDunereturns to HBO Maxon March 10th.
As for Pugh, she is cementing herself as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. First starring in the indie filmLady Macbeth, Pugh would find her breakout role with A24’sMidsommarbefore going on to star in other acclaimed works such asLittle Women(in which she worked withDunelead Timothée Chalamet), and Disney Plus’Hawkeye.She is also set to star alongside Harry Styles in Olivia Wilde’s sophomore directing effort,Don’t Worry Darling, as well as inNolan’s biographical thriller titledOppenheimer.
Dune: Part Twois set to release in theaters on August 09, 2025.
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