Denis Villeneuve’s epic adaptation of the classic science fiction novel "Dune" continues with "Dune: Part Two," in theaters Friday. If you can't wait, check your local theaters as some are screening it Thursday, too.

The initial 2021 film "Dune," set millenniums in our future, introduced us to Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), his family and the arid desert planet of Arrakis.

Now, the action truly starts between the Atreides' rival House Harkonnen and the Fremen, the planet's tribalistic inhabitants who took in Paul and his mother Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) at the end of the first chapter.

Paul's growth as a desert dweller means he must hook and ride a massive sandworm. Villeneuve thinks moviegoers will be wowed by the scene, a glimpse of which is scene in the movie trailer.

“Every time I see the scene, I’m sincerely moved because it has exactly the visual qualities I was looking for," Villeneuve told Entertainment Weekly. "I wanted it to feel so real, so edgy, and so dangerous.”

'A dream come true':Anya Taylor-Joy confirms secret role in 'Dune: Part Two'

Then, there's the impending duel between Paul and Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen (Austin Butler). Watching the actors pull it off “was impressive,” said Josh Brolin, whose character Gurney Halleck helped trained Paul in combat.

“(These were guys that) really rehearsed that were truly going at it, that were hurting themselves, that were falling. ... You’re like ‘yes, this is old school’,” Brolin told The Associated Press.

Here's what you need to know about most of the cast of "Dune: Part Two" and who they are portraying.

Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides

Timothée Chalamet ("Wonka"), who became the youngest best actor Oscar nominee since 1939 for his rule in 2017's "Call Me By Your Name," returns as the heir to one of the galaxy's most powerful but embattled families, House Atreides.

Aligned with Fremen after the death of his father, Paul finds himself in the midst of a growing intergalactic struggle and dealing with visions of a treacherous future.

'Dune 2' review:Timothee Chalamet sci-fi epic gets it right the second time around

Zendaya as Chani

Also known for her role as MJ in the Spider-Man movies – she and star Tom Holland are a couple – Zendaya, at 26, became the youngest two-time Emmy acting winner for her role in the HBO drama series "Euphoria" at the 2022 Primetime Emmy Awards.

In "Dune: Part Two," Chani, who is a Fremen warrior, continues to assist Paul in her people's ways and learns more about him along the way.

Rebecca Ferguson as Jessica

Ferguson is perhaps best known for her role as an MI6 agent in "Mission: Impossible" movies. She and Zendaya also appeared in "The Greatest Showman."

Her role as Paul's mother, The Lady Jessica, becomes more central to the story in this second film. A member of the powerful religious order, the Bene Gesserit, she has her own heroic journey within the Fremen.

'Dune: Part Two':Release date, trailer

Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen

Skarsgård is a familiar face to followers of the Marvel films, having appeared in several Avengers and Thor films, and more recently playing a Rebel Alliance leader in the Disney+ "Star Wars" series "Andor."

The Baron, weakened from a assassination attempt in the previous film, weighs which of his nephews should take control of House Harkonnen: the older Beast Rabban (Dave Bautista) or the younger, but more cunning Feyd-Rautha.

Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen

Butler earned a best actor nomination for his role as the King of Rock 'n' Roll in 2022's "Elvis," and is seen currently on the Apple TV+ series "Masters of the Air."

In Butler's hands, the character of Feyd-Rautha is, "a kind of psychotic killer that is a cross between a sword master and Mick Jagger," the film's director Villeneuve says in production notes.

Dave Bautista as Beast Rabban Harkonnen

A former pro wrestler, Bautista has compiled an impressive acting career including "My Spy," "Knock at the Cabin," and the Guardians of the Galaxy films.

Describing his character to USA TODAY's Brian Truitt, Bautista called Rabban Harkonnen “just a nightmare. … There’s a lot more layers to Rabban, and none of them are good.” 

Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck

Josh Brolin is another "Dune" actor who's a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, having portrayed Thanos in "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Avengers: Endgame," and the villain Cable in "Deadpool 2."

He's had more down-to-earth roles in "No Country for Old Men" and "Milk," for which he earned a best supporting actor Oscar nomination in 2009. And his western thriller TV series "Outer Range," has Season 2 coming in a few months.

When we last saw Gurney Halleck, one of Paul's teachers and the family's war master, he was lost in the fog of war in the Harkonnens' deadly attack on the Atreides.

Javier Bardem as Stilgar

Since winning the best supporting actor Oscar for "No Country For Old Men," Bardem earned a best actor nomination for his role as Dezi Arnaz in 2021's "Being the Ricardos."

A Fremen leader, Stilgar helps Paul learn how to survive in the desert while watching for signs that the boy could possibly fulfill long-held prophecies.

Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan

An Oscar nominee for best supporting actress in 2019's "Little Women," Pugh is also well-known for playing the sister of Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) in "Black Widow" and a key role in "Oppenheimer," as the Communist Party USA member and lover of the scientist.

The daughter of the emperor, Irulan is also a member of the mystical Bene Gesserit order and has a unique part to play in the space saga.

Léa Seydoux as Lady Margot Fenring

The actress and model has a varied resume, with appearances including two Bond films – "Spectre" and "No Time to Die" – as well as two Wes Anderson films "The Grand Budapest Hotel" and "The French Dispatch."

Her character, the mysterious Lady Fenring looks to side with Feyd-Rautha as she looks to continue the plans of her Bene Gesserit order.

Other cast members: Anya Taylor-Joy, Christopher Walken

Christopher Walken plays an aging Emperor in the film, said USA TODAY's Brian Truitt, who gave the film three and a half stars out of four, saying the sci-fi epic has "plenty of staggering visuals, all the gigantic sandworms you’d ever want, plus a deeper thematic exploration of power, colonialism and religion."

And Anya Taylor-Joy, who will be in the upcoming "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga," plays an important, but as-of-yet unannounced character in "Dune: Part Two." However, if you've read the book, you can probably guess her role.

Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider.

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