Dune 2 actor left “heartbroken” after scene deleted from final movie cut

Simon Kelly

“I had a great time over there shooting it.”

Dune: Part 2 released in cinemas last week and has since been taking the world by storm.

However, clocking in at nearly three hours in length, the long-awaited sequel to Denis Villeneuve’s 2021 sci-fi epic was sure to have some scenes cut in the final edit.

Unfortunately, that means that a number of actors that were set to feature in Part 2 were cut, with one “heartbroken” about the decision.

Dune 2 actor left “heartbroken” after scene deleted from final movie cut

Speaking to Collider, Villeneuve said he is a strong believer that “when it’s not in the movie, it’s dead.”

He added that it feels “painful” to cut anything out of a film, but he “cannot go back” to any thrown away scenes.

“When it’s dead, it’s dead, and it’s dead for a reason. But yes, it is a painful project, but it is my job. The movie prevails.

“I’m very severe in the editing room. I’m not thinking about my ego, I’m thinking about the movie. I kill darlings, and it’s painful for me.”

Unfortunately for Tim Blake Nelson, his character was cut entirely from the movie’s final edit.

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs star was cast in Part 2 in an undisclosed role, told Movieweb, “I don’t think I’m at liberty to say what the scene was. I’d leave that to Denis if he wants to talk about it.

“I had a great time over there shooting it. And then he had to cut it because he thought the movie was too long. And I am heartbroken over that, but there’s no hard feelings.

“I loved it, and I can’t wait to do something else with him and we certainly plan to do that.”

Some internet rumours suggest that Blake Nelson was cast as Count Hasimir Fenring, the Emporor’s advisor who is married to Lady Fenring (Léa Seydoux).

Also cut for Part 2 was Stephen McKinley Henderson, who played House Atreides Mentat Thufir Hawat in the 2021 film.

Denis Villeneuve says cutting Stephen McKinley Henderson’s Thurif from ‘DUNE 2’ was one of the most painful choices when making the film.

(Source: https://t.co/Ev1AFBpAlw) pic.twitter.com/UyfBo5IQlg
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) March 3, 2024

Although announced in the cast list for the sequel, Villeneuve told Entertainment Weekly that it was one of the most “painful” decisions he had to make but “I decided right at the beginning that I was making a Bene Gesserit adaptation.

“That meant that Mentats are not as present as they should be, but it’s the nature of the adaptation.”

With Dune: Part 2 making a whopping $182.5 million globally in its first weekend of release, it’s near certain that Dune: Messiah will be greenlit by Warner Bros.

So, maybe for Tim Blake Nelson and Stephen McKinley Henderson, we might see a return in the third flick – here’s hoping.

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