Austin Butler recently shared insights into the two actors who served as inspiration for his role in Dune: Part Two. The actor, portraying the character Feyd-Rautha in the sequel to the 2021 film Dune, revealed that he drew inspiration from the diverse career paths of Gary Oldman and Heath Ledger. Butler expressed admiration for Oldman's performances in films such as Léon: The Professional, True Romance, and The Fifth Element, citing him as a longstanding source of inspiration.
Regarding Ledger, Butler highlighted the late actor's ability to infuse a sense of playfulness into his roles, particularly referencing Ledger's iconic portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight. Butler emphasized that while he drew inspiration from specific aspects of these actors' work, his approach was more rooted in a general sense of motivation.
Dune: Part Two continues the narrative of Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet, as he joins forces with Chani, portrayed by Zendaya, and the Fremen in his quest for vengeance against those responsible for his family's downfall. In the film, Butler's character, Feyd-Rautha, serves as the menacing nephew and heir to Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, played by Stellan Skarsgård. Sporting a distinctive appearance with a bald head, black teeth, and no eyebrows, Butler found the transformation liberating, contrasting it with his previous role in Elvis where his hair played a significant part.
Butler expressed relief at shedding the hair-centric focus of his previous role, noting the freedom that came with his altered appearance in Dune: Part Two. The star shared his appreciation for the simplicity of the bald look, highlighting the departure from the intricate hairstyling required for his portrayal of Elvis.
Featuring a star-studded cast including Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Florence Pugh, and Dave Bautista, Dune: Part Two is currently captivating audiences in theaters with its epic science fiction tale. The film delves into themes of power, revenge, and alliances as the characters navigate a complex and treacherous world, captivating viewers with its visually stunning landscapes and compelling storytelling.
