Major news for fans of the sci-fi blockbuster Dune, Christopher Walken is reportedly set to play the mysterious tyrant, Emperor Shaddam IV. Although he is not seen in the first film, his presence is made known throughout the film by his many emissaries and the Sardaukar forces. He is set to be a big part narratively in the second installment. Along with Baron Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård), the Emperor is set to go toe-to-toe with Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) as the Emperor’s forces move to terrorize the people of the world of Dune. Reportedly, Paul’s story is set to pick up where it left off at the end of the first film, with Paul helping the endangered populace of the native Fremen tribes against the forces of Emperor Shaddam IV.

Florence Pugh and Austin Butler are set to play the princess of the empire and the cunning nephew. A star-studded cast is right behind the new cast members returning from the first film. Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Zendaya, and Rebecca Ferguson are all set to reprise their parts.

These new acquisitions are promising to the film, as the director and studio seem to be doubling down on the critical and box office success of the first film.