Why Austin Butler Feels the Weight of Feyd-Rautha
You thought Elvis was a big leap for Austin Butler? Well, try jumping into the sci-fi landscape of Arrakis. With a recent Oscar nomination for his role in Elvis, Austin Butler is making waves in Hollywood. However, taking on the role of the menacing Feyd-Rautha in Denis Villeneuve’s upcoming Dune: Part Two hasn’t been all sand dunes and spaceships for the actor.
In a candid chat with Interview Magazine, Butler laid bare the anxiety and “incredible pressure” he feels about the role.
“I’m always nervous. I always feel an incredible pressure,” Austin shared. “With Dune, it was interesting because… I started to feel the terror of the challenge. That’s what I’m guided by now: What really scares me?”
Let’s delve into why Butler’s portrayal of Feyd-Rautha is so critical for Dune: Part Two, and what it could mean for the future of the franchise.
The Heavy Mantle of Feyd-Rautha
Feyd-Rautha is not a name unfamiliar to Dune aficionados. Previously portrayed by Sting in the David Lynch adaptation and Matt Keeslar in the 2000 miniseries, the character is the younger nephew of Stellan Skarsgård’s Baron Harkonnen and the heir apparent to the family empire.
In Frank Herbert’s seminal novel, Feyd serves as a counterpoint to Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides, the story’s protagonist. While Paul is painted with strokes of empathy and compassion, Feyd is cut from a different, darker cloth—power-hungry and ruthless.
Given the past portrayals of the character that didn’t necessarily meet universal acclaim, the role poses a unique challenge for Butler.
The Yin to Paul Atreides’ Yang
Feyd-Rautha is more than just another villain in the Dune universe. His complex nature serves as a dark reflection of Paul Atreides, allowing audiences to explore what Timothée Chalamet‘s character could become if he strays from his values.
Villeneuve’s first film primarily focused on Paul’s noble qualities. Still, Dune: Part Two aims to add more layers to this, exploring Paul’s internal struggle between seeking revenge against House Harkonnen and regaining control of Arrakis for the Fremen.
A Glimpse Into the Abyss
Much of the pre-release hype for Dune: Part Two centers on Butler’s role. Early glimpses of the film show a climactic knight fight between Paul and Feyd, offering a cinematic spectacle and emotional intensity that could set this sequel apart.
According to Austin Butler, his preparation for the role has been anything but half-hearted.
“I set myself up to hopefully affect some people. It means I’m now able to see that terror as a separate thing, and not let it rule me,” Butler said, explaining how his fear becomes a catalyst for better performance.
The Road Ahead
With Denis Villeneuve and his team committed to staying true to Frank Herbert’s vision, all eyes are on Austin Butler to deliver a Feyd-Rautha that not only meets but exceeds expectations. His thoughts?
“I see you. I hear you. I’m not going to let you cripple me,” says Butler, referring to his own fear and pressure. “And then it becomes this jet fuel that makes you wake up at four in the morning… let’s get to work.”
Anticipation is sky-high, and it’s safe to say that Butler’s Feyd-Rautha could be the character that steals the show when Dune: Part Two finally hits theaters. One thing is clear: Austin Butler is up for the challenge, fears and all.
