Legendary actor Christopher Walken has joined the cast for the upcoming 'Dune Part Two', where he will play Shaddam IV, the Padishah Emperor of the Known Universe.
Walken's addition to the franchise is a major coup for the sequel to the successful 'Dune'. Florence Pugh and Austin Butler are also joining the main cast.
Pugh will play the Emperor’s daughter Princess Irulan. Butler is confirmed for the role of Feyd-Rautha, the Baron's nephew. Timothy Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Zendaya and Javier Bardem are also returning for the sequel.
Walken's character plays an important role in the books written by Frank Herbert. The Emperor is the main instigator of the first movie's plot, sending House Atreides on their doomed mission to Arrakis.
Shaddam also colludes with Atreides' enemies, House Harkonnen - led by Skarsgård's Baron - to destroy their house forever.
Extraordinarily, Walken's casting fulfils a 22 year prophesy that was put into motion by none other then Fatboy Slim. The 79-year-old actor starred in the 2000 music video for the DJ's 'Weapon of Choice'. The song featured the lyrics "Walk without rhythm, it won't attract the worm."
The inspiration for the lyrics comes from the sand dance in 'Dune' that the Arrakis-native Fremen do to avoid the giant sandworms that roam the plains.
'Dune' released in October 2021 and grossed nearly $400 million globally. It picked up 10 Oscar nominations, including nods for best picture and best adapted screenplay.
Director Denis Villeneuve recently said the sequel "will be more challenging. But we know where we are stepping, and the screenplay is written, so I feel confident."
Production for 'Dune Part Two' begins this summer and releases October 2023.
