Austin Butler, fresh off his role in Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis,” recently shared his experience filming Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two,” revealing extreme conditions on set that tested both physical endurance and camaraderie.
Joining the renowned sci-fi franchise as Feyd-Rautha, the ruthless nephew of Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, Butler recounted the challenging environment during his initial days of shooting. Sweltering temperatures reaching 110 degrees Fahrenheit plagued the set, exacerbated by the confines of sand-filled soundstages that resembled “gray boxes” and intensified the heat like a “microwave.”
“It became like a microwave. There were people passing out from heat stroke. And that was just my first week,” Butler disclosed to Entertainment Weekly, reflecting on the arduous conditions that afflicted several members of the crew.
Yet, amidst the adversity, Butler noted a unifying effect among the cast and crew, emphasizing the humbling experience of enduring discomfort together. “It really bonds the entire crew,” he remarked, underscoring the solidarity forged in confronting such extreme circumstances.
For Butler, his first scene involved a pivotal gladiator match on the Harkonnen’s home planet, a sequence laden with both physical and emotional demands. In preparation, he closely studied Stellan Skarsgård’s portrayal in the original “Dune” film, recognizing the influence of the Baron on Feyd-Rautha’s demeanor and vocal delivery.
“I felt that because he grew up with the Baron, the Baron would be a big influence on him in many ways,” Butler explained, elucidating his approach to embodying the character’s essence. “So then I started thinking about the way that he speaks, and that being linked to the person that you see with the most power from the time that you’re a child, who you do end up emulating in some way.”
Villeneuve, the director, expressed gratitude for the respite between filming the two installments of “Dune,” acknowledging the physical toll exacted by the harsh desert conditions. He admitted considering shooting the films back-to-back but ultimately appreciated the opportunity to recharge between productions.
“Both movies were made in very harsh conditions, and it’s very physically taxing, so to have a break in between them was a blessing,” Villeneuve admitted, reflecting on the rigorous process. “My first thought was to shoot both movies back to back together, but now I think I would have died.”
“Dune: Part Two” is slated to hit theaters on March 1, offering audiences another immersive journey into Villeneuve’s expansive sci-fi universe.
