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Even before its theatrical release,Dune: Part Twohas taken the world by storm as critics cannot seem to stop gushing over the film. The sequel introduces Austin Butler’s antagonist, Feyd-Rautha, who happens to be Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård)’s youngest nephew. Austin Butler’s character is described as a fierce warrior who just wants to prove his worth to his family.
Now, it goes without saying thatDune: Part Twohas many elements that set the film apart from its fellow Sci-Fi projects. However, it looks like Austin Butler’s villainous role has managed to steal all the limelight as critics applaud the actor for his performance. In fact, Austin Butler’s co-star, Stellan Skarsgård’s first impression of the actor in his Feyd-Rautha get-up proves why he was made to bring the villain to life.
“There’s a will of purity”: Denis Villeneuve Made a Major Change from the Books for Austin Butler’s Scary Look in Dune 2 for a Compelling Reason
Stellan Skarsgård’s Epic Reaction to Austin Butler’s Villain
Speaking withVariety,Stellan Skarsgårdrecalled his very first impression ofAustin Butlerplaying Feyd-Rautha. Anyone who looks at the character in action will agree that he is downright terrifying! However, when Skarsgård first saw Butler’s performance as the villain he couldn’t help himself from laughing. The last thing an actor wants is for someone to laugh at their portrayal of villainous characters.
But worry not, as Skarsgård’s intent was not to make fun of Butler; he was simply in awe of how much the latter was enjoying himself.
Speaking with Variety on the premiere ofDune: Part Twoin New York City, Skarsgård opened up about his reaction to Butler’s Feyd-Rautha. TheGood Will Huntingactor stated,“I laughed so much because it was so obvious that he really enjoyed being evil.”
“That’s the moment that changed my career”: Dune 2 Star Austin Butler Had to Work in 1 TV Show Almost Immediately After His Mom’s Death
Considering the fact that this was the first time Butler was responsible for bringing a character like Feyd-Rautha to life, the actor has seriously knocked the socks off critics and fans who are mesmerized by his performance. In fact, Butler’s performance inDune: Part Twois actually being compared toHeath Ledger’s Joker inThe Dark Knight.Take a look at what the viewers have to say about this:
Austin Butler continues to give me Heath Ledger/Joker vibes.
Epic villain role ? Check.Epic deglam ? Check.Middle film in franchise trilogy ? Check.Auteur director ? Check.One recent Oscar nod in lead ? Check.
He could be perfectly positioned for a win in supporting.https://t.co/fmyavcqAECpic.twitter.com/jHlAythVLu
— Phantom (@effoff1988)July 26, 2025
one day, in the next 12 years, Austin Butler will play the Joker. he will. and everyone will be so mad until the movie comes out. but when it does, he will shockingly slay it. this is my prophecy.
— Ｆａｙｅ (@segsi_)June 08, 2025
Timothee Chalamet I always knew you had that dawg in you, but this was an ALPHA DAWG level performance. Austin Butler brought a Heath Ledger Joker performance as Feyd. Can Zendaya get a feature film as a lead??? No more love interest roles for her. Florence Pugh was flawless!
— RJ Martinez (@RjMartinez_84)June 10, 2025
From a cultural perspective, there is no greater compliment than to be mentioned in the same sentence/category as Heath Ledger’s Joker. Neither winning awards nor smashing the box office can top this!👏🏾#AustinButlerhttps://t.co/xKzWZ0oiHg
— M i a — 🐎🤠 (@unaskedopinions)August 13, 2025
hearing austin’s performance being compared to heath ledger is so incredible, like wowww my baby’s work is being compared to heath ledger’s joker?? that is a wonderful compliment and i know austin would be so touched at that. but remember, austin butler is austin butler only.<3
— jaydee ☮ (@groovybutler)August 03, 2025
All im hearing is Austin Butler stole the show in DUNE 2 by playing Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen.
He’s an extremely complex character in the books, and is a complete socio-path. His performance is being lightly compared to Bardem’s Anton Chigurh, and Ledgers Joker, both Oscar winners.pic.twitter.com/OHp4tZsHfc
— courtland gentry (@Mike_Ryan80)August 01, 2025
The Golden Globe winner has successfully managed to steal the show from lead actorsTimothée ChalametandZendaya. Butler outshining everyone and making his own mark in the film is a huge deal considering the fact that the cast ofDune: Part Twoincludes some of the finest actors of today.
Austin Butler Was Inspired By Heath Ledger’s Joker
During an interview withTime Out, Butler was asked what is the one thing that“makes a great movie villain.”While answering the question, the actor revealed that Ledger’s Joker is actually one of his favorite fictional villains. Butler stated,
“The element that sticks out for me is when you’re not judging them as bad; when you see someone doing something evil and they think they’re doing the right thing. One of my favorites is Heath Ledger in ‘The Dark Knight,’ and the amount of play that he has, toying with people like a cat with a plaything.”
No wonder Butler is being compared to Ledger’s Joker, one of the film industry’s greatest villains of all time.
“He NAILS it”: Forget About Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, Austin Butler is Becoming the True MVP of Dune: Part Two
TheElvisactor also stated that while he didn’t have a specific inspiration for Feyd-Rautha,Gary Oldman’s roles inLéon, True Romance,andThe Fifth Elementhave always been influential for him. On the other hand, Butler also studied the movements and eyes of predators in the Animal Kingdom like sharks, snakes, and panthers. Talk about giving your hundred percent to the role!
Dune: Part Twowill be released in theatres on March 01.
Mishkaat Khan
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2256
A connoisseur of all things horror, fantasy, and the occasional chick flick, Mishkaat has been penning pieces for FandomWire since 2022. She started off as an intern and has worked her way up to a Senior Writer with over 2000 articles to her name.Outside of entertainment, she has also written well-researched medical content as a freelance writer and has experience in social media management.When not writing, you can find her relaxing with a romance novel and a tall glass of iced coffee in her hand or watching re-runs of ‘Supernatural’ and ‘The Office.’
