Javier Bardem teases script for Dune sequel, saying he'll surprise people

Dune fans are excited - at least that's what Javier Bardem has to say.

At the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, the Spanish star experienced in a question-and-answer session with fans as part of the festival's 75th-anniversary celebrations. One of the topics Bardem discussed, 53, was director Deni Villeneuve's long-awaited Dune sequel.

"I've been reading the new draft," Bardem told viewers about the sequel's development. "And I guess they did a great job putting the pieces together in a way that would surprise people."

While Bardem acknowledged that fans of Frank Herbert's original book series wouldn't be surprised by what happened in the film, he said he was "surprised by how they put it together."

"I'm excited about it," he said of the script.

Bardem will reprise his role like Stilgar in Dune: Part Two also said he couldn't wait to return to the set. He called Vilenyuev "one of the greatest directors of all time." The Canadian director - known for films such as Arrival and Sicario - has been praised for his role in Herbert's epic and previously told the Los Angeles Times that he structured aspects of the first film around a possible sequel. The sci-fi story follows Paul Atrides, played by Timothy Shalane.

"There were some underdeveloped characters that I kept for the second film - that's how I found balance. We try to be as close to Paul's experience as possible in this film," Villeneuve said. "Then, for the second time, I had time to develop some characters who were a little behind. That's the theory. I hope it works."

Chalamet, Zendaya, and Rebecca Ferguson are back in the sequel along with Bardem. While some characters are positioned for more prominent roles in the second film, the sequel will also see new faces, such as Christopher Walken as Emperor Shadam IV and Florence Pew and Elvis stabbing Austin Butler.

Earlier this year, Dune received 10 Oscar nominations, winning six overall: Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Original Score, Best Visual Effects, Best Production Design, and Best Sound.