The world premiere of sci-fi epic Dune: Part Two took place in London last night, with its stars grabbing attention in their fashion-forward looks.
Denis Villeneuve’s highly-anticipated sequel sees US actress Zendaya return to her role as Chani alongside Timothée Chalamet’s character Paul Atreides, as he takes revenge on those who conspired to destroy his family.
Zendaya, 27, wore a silver cyborg suit designed by Thierry Mugler for his autumn/winter 1995 collection, which featured metal plating with cut-outs in the chest, waist and thighs.
She also wore a second outfit later in the evening, a classic black gown.
Her co-star Chalamet opted for statement trousers, which featured a silver metallic design, paired with a black jumper with a metallic trim over a white shirt.
British actress Florence Pugh, 28, makes her debut in the franchise as Princess Irulan, daughter of the supreme ruler of the galaxy.
She told red carpet reporters that the film explores themes which she feels society is “constantly battling against”.
Based on Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel of the same name and set in the distant future, the story delves into ideas including groups battling for control, humanity’s relationship with nature and the survival of society.
Asked how topical she feels the themes of the film are to a modern audience, she told the PA news agency: “There’s a reason why we’re retelling this story now. There’s a reason why it’s lasted this long already. There’s a reason why the books tell the future thousands of years into the future,” she stated.
“It’s themes that we are constantly battling against and it’s something that clearly people are drawn to the story being retold.”
Don’t Worry Darling star Pugh, who wore a sequinned chocolate brown gown with a plunging neckline and hood for the premiere, said joining the cast for the sequel film was “an actual gift”.
“I had the privilege of being able to watch the movie as the rest of the world did,” she said.
“The first movie I fell in love with. I watched (it) as an audience member, I got to meet the characters, the world, the sets, the director’s vision. I fell in love with it, like everybody did.
“And then I asked my team if I could be in the second and perchance it happened.
“And so I feel like I got to then walk into this unbelievable world and I got to basically work with all these actors that I’ve admired for such a long time. It truly was an actual gift, it landed on my lap.”
US star Anya Taylor-Joy also made a surprise appearance at the premiere, confirming speculation that she has joined the franchise.
The Queen’s Gambit actress wore an ethereal white gown which featured a sheer white veil fitted around her head and draped down over her dress.
Elvis actor Austin Butler joins the cast as the bald and eyebrow-less villain, Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen.
For the world premiere he chose a smart-casual look in a black suit with a white vest.
French actress Léa Seydoux also joins the cast, playing Lady Margot, a member of the powerful Bene Gesserit, with immense influence and abilities.
The sequel also sees the return of Swedish stars Rebecca Ferguson and Stellan Skarsgard.
Director Denis Villeneuve encouraged fans to watch the sequel in cinemas because he feels it is “an experience that is unmatched”.
“As humans, we are not meant to be alone in our bubble, we are meant to share things together, to be together,” he added.
“There’s nothing more beautiful than to experience emotions in a group of humans together, that’s part of our humanity to share.”
Dune: Part One was released in 2021 and was nominated for ten Academy Awards. It won six, including for original score, visual effects, cinematography and editing.
Dune: Part Two will arrive in cinemas on 1 March.
