TheDunefranchise has truly become a force to be reckoned with. After years of development, bothDuneandDune: Part Twohave become bonafidebox office goldand have set the stage forFrank Herbert’s iconic novels to finally receivefurther adaptation. Under directorDenis Villeneuve, the stories have truly transcended generational tastes and have broughtnew nuance and excitement to Herbert’s characters. WhileTimothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides is certainly an intriguing lead, it’s Lady Jessica’s complexities that have truly made the film a standout among the genre, in no small way thanks toRebecca Ferguson’s masterful portrayal. Ferguson makes the already intricate role even more fascinating, butone of her most pivotal scenes awoke a lifelong phobia for the actress. Luckily, it only resulted in one of the franchise’s best sequences, one that has a greater influence on Jessica and Paul’s arc than most realize.
Filming ‘Dune’s Pivotal Scene Triggered Claustrophobia for Ferguson
Rebecca Ferguson has long beenan accomplished actress. From theMission Impossiblefilms toThe Greatest Showman,Ferguson has transcended genres and shown off an impressive skill set. TheDunemovies have really allowed her to show off an impressive set of skills—from manipulation to matronly. WhileDune: Part Oneserves largely as a setup forthe epic battles ofDune: Part Two, one pivotal scene for the actress in the inaugural entry ended up being quite harrowing. According toVariety,the sequence in which Paul and Jessica are taken by Harkonnen guardsand transported on an ornithopter was difficult for Ferguson.
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A self-described “big fan” of Lynch, Villeneuve also opens up about his disappointment in having never met his fellow ‘Dune’ director.
The actress has saidshe has long suffered from claustrophobia,and the tight dynamics of the set mixed with her being bound was quite triggering.“I can’t be locked in,” said the actress.“On every set, I always have to verify that if they lock me into something, there needs to be an out.” For Ferguson, the proper dynamics to keep her fear at bay were not present. “In the ornithopter,there was a moment when I panicked,and I literally took my foot and just kicked the door out. I needed to know I could get out,” she continued. While Ferguson’s actions were certainly a reflection of her fear, the scene, of course, continued;a reflection on Ferguson’s professionalism.And, in being able to get through it, she single-handedly set up the depth and excitement to come for both Paul andLady Jessica.
Rebecca Ferguson’s Work Beautifully Sets Up ‘Dune: Part Two’
In some ways,Dune isn’t as grandasDune: Part Two, as it serves mainly as exposition and set-up. Thus, it may be easy for many to favor sequences like Paullearning to ride the sandwormin the sequel. However, it should be noted thatthe thrills of the sequel owe their existence to the scene that terrified Ferguson and her masterful acting. The sequence is truly a turning point for both characters, and it’s the firstrealtime we get a glimpse at how powerful and commanding Jessica can be. It solidifies both her actions and those of Paul inDune: Part Twoand serves as the catalyst for what will transpire.Had Ferguson’s fear overtaken her work, the experience ofDune: Part Twocould have been completely different and, frankly, might have felt unearned.Yet, Ferguson’s ability to conquer her fear and perform the scenewith so much mastery and depth beautifullypaves the way for the rest of the trilogy.
Facing a lifelongfear while workingcan truly be intense. While Ferguson’sinitial reaction to her pivotal scene inDunewas something that got the better of her, she truly showed just how skilled she is. Not only did she make it one of the picture’s best sequences, but she also masterfully set up the adventures to come. Not bad for a star who kicked out a door due to fear!
