Actor Austin Butler is in talks to play a pivotal, negative role in the upcoming sequel of director Denis Villeneuve's Dune.

Butler is in talks to play Feyd-Rautha, the cunning nephew of Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, who was played by Stellan Skarsgard in the first part.

The first part, which was released in October 2021, followed the story of Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet), a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people.

The news comes just days after it was announced that actor Florence Pugh is in talks to play Princess Irulan Corrino, the daughter of Padishah Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV.

The second part of Dune is expected to begin production later this year and is currently slated for a release on October 20, 2023. The sequel will bring back original cast members, including Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgard, Dave Bautista, Zendaya and Javier Bardem.

Butler is best known for starring in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The actor is currently awaiting the release of Baz Luhrmann's Elvis, in which he plays the titular iconic musician.