Dune 2: Four Actors Rumored To Play Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen Before Austin Butler

While speaking with The New York Times, months after production on “Dune: Part Two” had already started, Barry Keoghan candidly opened up about not joining the franchise. “Ah, yeah, I really enjoyed that process. Look, I’m a big fan of ‘Dune,’ and it would have been nice to be part of it,” Keoghan said, alluding to the rumors that he was in contention for the Feyd-Rautha role. “I’m a big fan of Timothée [Chalamet, the star of the franchise] as well. But it wasn’t for me. You have to accept that sometimes. Sometimes it’s not for you.”

It’s unclear why Keoghan didn’t get the part, or how far along into the casting process he was. Ultimately, however, Keoghan’s 2023 (when “Dune 2” was initially supposed to be released) was a success thanks to his performance in “Saltburn.” As for Austin Butler, he’s received nothing but kudos for his performance in the sci-fi epic. Butler trained so hard for the part that he threw up, which shows how much he put into the role. In his review of the film, Looper critic Reuben Baron was particularly impressed with the star, saying that he made the strongest impression of all the new cast members. 

From his early roles on Nickelodeon to “Dune: Part Two,” Butler has proven himself as one of the most capable actors working today. Coming off of an Oscar-nominated performance in “Elvis” and his striking turn as the bald and diabolical Feyd-Rautha, it’ll be interesting to see where the rising star’s career goes next.