Austin Butler’s portrayal in “Dune: Part Two” comes as a surprise to many as he adopts a voice distinctly different from his past roles, including the one he used to portray Elvis Presley. Rather than his natural voice, Butler channels a new persona for the character of Feyd-Rautha. His compelling voice modification can be attributed to a deliberate choice made during production. He stated in his conversation with Entertainment Weekly that he changed his tactic after realizing his original voice sounded too modern for the context.
“I felt that because he grew up with the Baron, the Baron would be a big influence on him in many ways. So then I started thinking about the way that he speaks, and that being linked to the person that you see with the most power from the time that you’re a child, who you do end up emulating in some way.”
Attempting to mimic the tone of Stellan Skarsgård, who plays the Baron, Butler embraced a gruffer voice influenced by Skarsgård’s deep, villainous sound matched with the character’s authoritative presence. His interpretation is notably younger and swifter, adding a layer of menace to his role as a Harkonnen.
The inspiration for this voice transformation remained a secret until Butler finally shared scenes with Skarsgård. Recounting to ComicBook.com about Skarsgård’s curiosity in his accurate imitation, Butler credits his meticulous study of Skarsgård and the assistance of his dialect coach, Tim Monich.
Skarsgård’s response to hearing his vocal tones replicated? A laughter of approval.
FAQ Section
- Who does Austin Butler play in “Dune: Part Two”?
Austin Butler plays the character Feyd-Rautha in “Dune: Part Two.”
- How did Austin Butler prepare for his role’s voice in “Dune: Part Two”?
Butler prepared by listening extensively to Stellan Skarsgård’s speaking manner and worked with dialect coach Tim Monich to emulate the Baron’s influential voice.
- What inspired Austin Butler’s voice for his character?
Butler was inspired by the idea that his character grew up under the influence of the Baron, played by Stellan Skarsgård, and therefore, would naturally emulate his powerful and impactful voice.
- Did Stellan Skarsgård know about Butler’s voice transformation during filming?
No, Skarsgård was not aware of the mimicry until he observed the transformation during their shared scenes.
- What was Stellan Skarsgård’s reaction to Austin Butler’s performance?
Skarsgård laughed upon witnessing Butler’s accurate imitation of his voice, seeming to express enjoyment and approval of the homage.
Conclusion
Austin Butler’s meticulous approach to voice adaptation in “Dune: Part Two” highlights the actor’s dedication to his craft. By drawing inspiration from his co-star Stellan Skarsgård and employing the expertise of a dialect coach, Butler has shaped a character that is not only authentic to the “Dune” universe but also a testament to his transformative abilities as an actor. His performance promises to add depth and intensity to the anticipated sequel, and the approval from Skarsgård himself suggests that audience members are in for a riveting experience.