Stellan Skarsgård, known for his role as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen in the “Dune” films, expressed his admiration for the practical effects and enormous sets in the upcoming sequel, “Dune: Part Two.”
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Skarsgård drew a comparison between the production of “Dune” and the “Star Wars” Disney+ series “Andor,” highlighting the physicality and impact of working with real sets.
Skarsgård shared his satisfaction with being immersed in the world of practical effects, contrasting it with the common use of green screens in many films. He emphasized how the physical presence of the sets affects the actors and their performances, noting the enormity of the sets in “Dune” and the difference it made in their movements and interactions.
Describing the production of “Andor,” Skarsgård revealed the excitement of witnessing an entire outdoor city built for the series, similar to the scale of practical effects seen in “Dune.” He expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We had all of Ferrix built up as this city. It’s very exciting.”
“Dune: Part One” and “Dune: Part Two” were both shot at ORIGO Studios Hungary, providing the backdrop for the visually stunning world of Arrakis. The exceptional production design team, which included Hungarian Academy Award-winning production designer Zsuzsanna Sipos, played a crucial role in bringing the intricate and immersive universe of “Dune” to life.
With “Dune: Part Two” scheduled to hit theaters on November 3, the lead star, Timothée Chalamet, admitted to being taken aback by the grand scale of the first film. Director Denis Villeneuve teased that the sequel, shot entirely in IMAX, will be the main course of the epic sci-fi saga, promising more action and an epic war movie experience.
Skarsgård‘s portrayal of Baron Vladimir Harkonnen required extensive time in the makeup chair, transforming him into the character’s sinister, ink-black appearance. Joining Skarsgård in the cast for “Dune: Part Two” are Christopher Walken, Florence Pugh, Austin Butler, and the returning ensemble from “Dune: Part One.”
The remarkable production design of “Dune: Part One” earned the film an Academy Award, setting high expectations for the visual spectacle that awaits audiences in the highly anticipated sequel.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
