K.T Simpson
Filming has started in Budapest on “Dune: Part Two” – and with that, the official cast has been announced. In addition to previously-announced cast members Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet (“Wonka,” “Call Me by Your Name”), Zendaya (“Spider-Man: No Way Home,” “Malcolm & Marie,” “Euphoria”), Rebecca Ferguson (“Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning”), Oscar winner Javier Bardem (“No Country for Old Men,” “Being the Ricardos”), Oscar nominee Josh Brolin (“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” “Army of the Dead”), Stellan Skarsgård (the “Mamma Mia!” films, “Avengers: Age of Ultron”), Dave Bautista (the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, “Thor: Love and Thunder”), Oscar nominee Charlotte Rampling (“45 Years,” “Assassin’s Creed”), and Stephen McKinley Henderson (“Fences,” “Lady Bird”). Also joining the returning cast are Austin Butler (“Elvis,” “Once Upon A Time…In Hollywood”) as the notorious Feyd Rautha and screen legend Christopher Walken (“The Deer Hunter,” “Hairspray”) as the Emperor. Florence Pugh (“Black Widow,” “Little Women”), Léa Seydoux (the “James Bond” franchise and “Crimes of the Future”), and Souheila Yacoub (the “No Man’s Land” series, “Climax”) round out the cast.
This follow-up film will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.
Denis Villeneuve is directing “Dune: Part Two” from a screenplay he co-wrote with Jon Spaihts based on Herbert’s novel. The film is being produced by Denis Villeneuve, Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Tanya Lapointe and Patrick McCormick. The executive producers are Josh Grode, Herbert W. Gains, Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt, Kim Herbert, Thomas Tull, Jon Spaihts, Richard P. Rubinstein and John Harrison, with Kevin J. Anderson serving as creative consultant.
Meanwhile, Deadline reports that “Game of Thrones” alum Peter Dinklage has joined Lionsgate’s ”Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes”.
Dinklage will play Casca Highbottom, dean of the Academy.
“Dean Highbottom is one of the most powerful people in Snow’s life,” director Francis Lawrence said. “As the austere and vindictive face of the games, he sets the rules that will determine every aspect of Coriolanus’ fate. I’m thrilled that Peter will be bringing him to life.”
Years before he would become the tyrannical President of Panem, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow is the last hope for his fading lineage, a once-proud family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol. With the 10th annual Hunger Games fast approaching, the young Snow is alarmed when he is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird, the girl tribute from impoverished District 12. But, after Lucy Gray commands all of Panem’s attention by defiantly singing during the reaping ceremony, Snow thinks he might be able to turn the odds in their favor. Uniting their instincts for showmanship and newfound political savvy, Snow and Lucy’s race against time to survive will ultimately reveal who is a songbird, and who is a snake.
“With production underway, we couldn’t be more excited about the way this cast has come together and thrilled to be welcoming Peter Dinklage to Panem,” said Nathan Kahane, President of Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group. “Peter is not just a fan favorite actor who brings a commanding presence to every part he plays. He is one of the best actors alive. He will bring a formidable, charismatic authority to the important role of the dean of the Academy.”
