Stephen McKinley Henderson, known for his role as Thufir Hawat in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune, won’t be reprising his character in the sequel, but he harbors no regrets.
While some actors, like Tim Blake Nelson, expressed disappointment over their scenes being cut, Henderson takes a different stance. Although Villeneuve admitted that omitting Henderson was a difficult decision, the seasoned actor maintains a positive outlook.
Having enjoyed his time on set with Villeneuve and co-star Austin Butler, Henderson cherishes the experience. Even sharing a meal with Christopher Walken was a highlight. Despite not making it to the sequel, Henderson acknowledges that such decisions are part of the filmmaking process.
Aware of his exclusion from the sequel months ago, Henderson remained pragmatic. “I got Civil War,” he remarked, indicating other projects to look forward to.
Villeneuve’s stance on deleted footage remains firm. He believes that once a scene is cut, it’s best left untouched. While fans may lament the absence of certain characters, Villeneuve stands by his decisions.
As Dune Part 2 graces theaters, Henderson’s gracious response to his omission exemplifies professionalism in the face of disappointment.
