Austin Butler recently revealed in an interview that the kiss between his character, Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, and Stellan Skarsgård's character, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, in 'Dune: Part Two' was improvised on his part. The unexpected and somewhat creepy kiss between the nephew and uncle characters served to emphasize Feyd-Rautha's deep devotion to his uncle and his aspiration to emulate him.
Butler's commitment to his role extended to mimicking Skarsgård's speaking voice while developing his own accent for Feyd-Rautha. The actor expressed his enthusiasm for the improvised moment, highlighting Skarsgård's willingness to explore different aspects of their characters' relationship.
Skarsgård, in turn, found the experience of acting opposite Butler in 'Dune: Part Two' to be rather amusing, noting Butler's enjoyment of portraying the villainous Feyd-Rautha.
While Butler is known for his intense Method acting approach, as seen in his Oscar-nominated performance as Elvis Presley, he adopted a more balanced method for portraying Feyd-Rautha. Recognizing the potential toll on his personal life, Butler consciously set boundaries to ensure the well-being of his family and friends.
Director Denis Villeneuve commended Butler's ability to immerse himself in the role while maintaining a safe distance from the character's darker traits when the camera was not rolling. Villeneuve praised Butler's dedication to the role, ensuring a compelling performance without compromising the well-being of those around him.
'Dune: Part Two' is currently showing in theaters nationwide, offering audiences a glimpse into the intricate dynamics and performances that bring this epic story to life.