Oscar nominee Florence Pugh (Little Women, Black Widow, Midsommar) is in talks to join Oscar-nominated filmmaker Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi sequel Dune: Part 2, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Pugh would be joining Dune returning cast members such as Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, and Javier Bardem if a deal is reached.
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Once again directed by Villeneuve, the sequel will pick up where the first film left off, continuing the story based on Frank Herbert’s epic 1965 science fiction novel. The outlet notes that there are three major parts currently being cast during the pre-production of the project: Emperor Shaddam IV, “the ruler who sent the Atreides family to Arrakis,” Feyd- Rautha, “the cunning nephew of the baron who leads the Harkonnen,” and Princess Irulen, the Emperor’s daughter. Pugh is reportedly being eyed to portray Princess Irulan.
The screenplay for Dune: Part 2 is still being written, and according to the outlet, Pugh is waiting on the latest draft. Scheduling could also pose a problem as Legendary Entertainment and Warner Bros. are hoping to begin filming this summer. Pugh is currently in the running to potentially play Madonna in the upcoming biopic, and was also recently announced to be starring in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer.
Warner Bros. will release Dune: Part 2 on October 20, 2023.
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2021’s Oscar-nominated Dune is directed and executive produced by Villeneuve from a screenplay he co-wrote with Jon Spaihts and Eric Roth. It is produced by Cale Boyter, Joe Caracciolo Jr., and Mary Parent. Oscar-winning and multiple Oscar-nominated composer Hans Zimmer (Blade Runner 2049) is creating the score. The film earned over $400 million worldwide.
