Dune: Part Two has Found Its Emperor with Christopher Walken

With the Dune sequel incoming, fans are expecting a new batch of faces from the books, and it looks like the film has found someone to play the Emperor of the Known Universe.

Though a lot of fans were hoping that original Paul Atreides Kyle MacLachlan would play the part of the Emperor, it has been revealed by THR that Christopher Walken (Click, Seven Psycopaths) has been cast as Emperor Shaddam IV in Dune: Part Two.

Besides Walken, new cast members include Florence Pugh (Princess Irulan) and Austin Butler (Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen). The three will be joining a cast that includes Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Javier Bardem, and Rebecca Ferguson.

Going back to Walken though, while he is best known for his comedic roles, he does take some more serious parts now and again; just recently, he was praised for his work on Apple’s Severance series. Imagine what kind of work he can do with director Denis Villeneuve; I bet Walken barely even has to talk and he would still manage to give off the vibe of an all-powerful space monarch.

I’ll admit, I am bummed that Kyle Machlachlan didn’t get a part, but it would be neat if they got him to play someone like grandpa Atreides in some kind of flashback.

Here’s the official synopsis for Dune: Part Two:

Duke Paul Atreides joins the Fremen and begins a spiritual and martial journey to become Muad’dib, while trying to prevent the terrible future he’s witnessed: a Holy War in his name, spreading throughout the known universe.

Dune: Part Two is set to come to theaters on Oct. 20, 2023.