Austin Butler Discloses Improvisation of Dune Kiss with Onscreen Uncle Stellan Skarsgård: ‘He’s Open to Anything’

Austin Butler sheds light on the origin of the unexpected kiss scene with his onscreen uncle, Stellan Skarsgård, in Dune: Part Two.

In a pivotal moment of the sci-fi sequel, Butler’s character, the villainous Feyd-Rautha, shares a kiss with his uncle, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (portrayed by Skarsgård), amidst a jubilant audience.

When asked about the impromptu smooch by Access Hollywood, Butler, 32, praised Skarsgård’s willingness to experiment on set, stating, “Oh, yeah. He’s game for anything. He’s the best. … It’s always about how you’re trying to affect somebody else.”

Butler revealed to ScreenRant that he underwent vocal training to emulate Skarsgård’s distinct voice for his role in Dune: Part Two.

“It dawned on me that he would’ve grown up with the Baron, and the Baron being the one who has the most power and how we end up soaking in through osmosis those traits of people that we grow up with, but particularly those that we admire in some way,” Butler explained.

Working closely with dialect coach Tim Monich, Butler meticulously honed Skarsgård’s voice and mannerisms to deliver an authentic portrayal.

Reflecting on Feyd-Rautha’s character arc, Butler delved into the psychological implications of growing up amidst brutality, emphasizing the impact of childhood experiences on shaping one’s psyche.

In another revealing moment, Butler discussed the intricate dynamics between his character and Dave Bautista’s portrayal of Rabban, Feyd-Rautha’s brother. Discussing a scene where Feyd-Rautha asserts dominance over Rabban, Butler and Bautista acknowledged the complexity of their characters’ relationship and the nuanced performances required to convey their roles effectively.

Dune: Part Two, featuring Butler’s compelling performance, is currently playing in theaters.