Who is Count Hasimir Fenring? | Dune Lore

Denis Villeneuve's first installment of a 2 part adaptation of Frank Herbert's Dune is on its way. There are many fascinating characters that make up this epic story and one casting that has yet to be announced is that of the Mentat Assassin Count Hasimir Fenring. In this video I break down who Count Fenring is, when he might appear in Denis Villeneuve's Dune 2020 and who I would like to see as my dream casting for the role.
*Note: Jeff Goldblum has not been cast as Count Fenring in Denis Villeneuve's Dune*
Twitter: @Nerd_Cookies
Music Credits -
Background Music: Marion - Daydreaming
Spotify spoti.fi/2WIOrmr Apple Music apple.co/2GiNbNp
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Twitter / vecerek_michal
Intro Track Name: "Watching The Clouds" Music By: LAKEY INSPIRED @ / lakeyinspired
Official "LAKEY INSPIRED" KZbin Channel HERE - / @lakeyinspired
License for commercial use: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported "Share Alike" (CC BY-SA 3.0) License.
Art Credits
(if I missed your credit or miscredited a photo please let me know via email at [e-mail])
A Long Road by Quentin Stipp
Dune - Bene Gesserit 1 by Simon Goinard
Information sources:
Frank Herbert’s Dune Novels
dune.fandom.com/wiki
en.wikipedia.org/wiki
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Use of any copyrighted material in this video qualifies as fair use.

[@readhistory2023]

It doesn't matter what the character's name is, Jeff Goldblum will play Jeff Goldblum.

[@stevenguevara2184]

Goldblum is no Mentat

[@jeffgrey2746]

He’s kinda like Keanu Reeves, in that way.

[@Ideo7Z]

Just like Jason Momoa. That's not Duncan. It's Momoa with a man bun.

[@cesaravegah3787]

Yup.....and is great at it.

[@michaelkopala3659]

To me that is a good thing.

[@BunkHarvestIII]

Um-m-m-m-ah-h-h-hm-m-m! Very mm-m nice ah-h-h nice video, Elaine.

[@agesflow6815]

Lol

[@murdoquedukeip298]

what a great impersonation - kudos!

[@thegoodwin]

I just read that in Jeff Goldblum's voice.

[@BunkHarvestIII]

@@thegoodwin Nice to meet you, ah-h-h Mr. hm-m-m Dude!

[@tmseh]

Yes.

[@carloscrecelius9597]

He was also the only one who was completely invisible to Paul's prescience, making him the only being able to kill Paul and destroy his plans. It's notable that , while Paul feared him, he also felt a sense of kinship and compassion, realizing that could have him in Fenring's position.

[@stephenconnell]

Well said and its significant that when the emperor told him he to kill Paul he refused and walked away not only from the situation but from his friendship with The Emperor virtually saying ,"Your finished bye" .

[@jerodswanson6379]

I hope they show his special language with his witch wife .

[@carloscrecelius9597]

@@jerodswanson6379 wow, I'd forgotten about that. It would be interesting to see how they would make all their hems and haws work as a secret code. I'd also like to see the Atreides battle language. The sci/fi series tried to show the Bene Gesserit secret code, but it fell flat,in my opinion.

[@jerodswanson6379]

@@carloscrecelius9597 yes I would love to see that in detail as well with the hand signs that t Leto and Paul gives to his men and in the book I love how gurney still spoke that language when he had run into Paul and the Fremen death cammandos to warn Paul of sauderkar in the ranks of spice smugglers

[@michaelfisher7170]

That sense was apparently mutual, as Fenring was described by Herbert as a "might have been" Kwisatz Hadrach. Hence his refusal to kill Paul when Shaddam ordered him to. His actions also speak to the deep well of loyalty the Sisterhood was able to instill into those it chose to do so.

[@lab483]

Fenring was the only man in the known universe who was so furtive his actions could not be predicted by prescience. I had not thought of Jeff Goldblum but Fenring's ''Ahems'' and ''ahhs'' when speaking fit him perfectly.

[@NerdCookies]

Such a wonderful example of how rich a story and characters can be when you put the time in. Bravo Frank Herbert

[@lab483]

@@NerdCookies Absolutely, Fenring although a small role it was one of my favourites.

[@JerseyMiller]

If they cast Jeff Goldbloom I will demand that they take my 💰

[@stevekelley5635]

I would love to see Goldblum in that role, he's just tall

[@wiinterflowers4277]

@@stevekelley5635 I literally was picturing Goldblum when I read the second part of the first book!

[@edpistemic]

Kyle Mclaughlin for the 'almost Kwizatch Hazerak' would be genius meta casting if this became the successful franchise the 1980s version didn't become!

[@JohnnyZenith]

Please no. No cameos.

[@UndrState]

I think it is a great idea - it can work , just look at Richard Hatch's contribution to the BSG reboot .

[@MexieMex]

Kyle Mclaughlin was one of the biggest problems with the first film, do you really want to add that to the already existing problems of the new one?

[@bidenistechnicallyadictato738]

@Mexie Mex Kyle MacLachlan was one of the biggest problems? How so?

[@JohnnyZenith]

@@bidenistechnicallyadictato738 Do we want to listen to someone saying Biden is technically a Dictator, especially after the last few days? No. And no i'm not American.

[@MiroslavHundak]

Fenring is one of my favourite characters from Dune. He was an "almost Kwisatz Haderach" and had a very important duties, like governing Arrakis during transition period and then later taking over the governing of Caladan in absence of the duke. However, the most noteworthy act of Count Fenring was when at the end of the battle for Arrakis he refuses for the first time a direct order from the emperor to kill Paul. It is unclear why he chose that, because he was quite capable of besting Paul in combat at that time. Maybe he just wanted to protect the emperor, but maybe also because he felt a kinship with Paul as one "almost" Kwisatz Haderach to another. I will be dissapointed if House Fenring gets omitted from 2nd part... If it ever gets made.

[@Kitzishot]

I think there was uncertainty on Fenring being able to best Paul. Fenring comes across as one who will only do something when he is sure of the result. I took it as him looking at Paul as his equal in every way possible and in others excelled beyond Fenring's capabilities. I love the scene though. "Kill him." "Ahh nope. Not doing it. You are on your own buddy. Peace.... And I'm outta here."

[@EnjoySackLunch]

Remember the scene at the end of The Running Man, where Richard Dawson orders Sven Thomson to step up and finish off Arnold for good? And Sven is like lol nah, dude you’re on your own. One part “I’m done w this guys games” w a dash of “I’m not sure I can best this guy anyways, it’s not worth it”. That’s what I think of when I imagined that almost-showdown at the end of Dune.

[@gargoyles9999]

If Fenring knew what Paul was he would know that Paul would never have just stood in a room full of his enemies unless he already knew what the outcome would be. Essentially he didn’t try to kill Paul because he knew that Paul knew he wouldn’t die

[@MiroslavHundak]

@@gargoyles9999 If you read the Dune Messiah, it describes in more detail the limits of Paul's prescient abilities. For instance, a guild navigator was able to hide himself and others who joined in a plot to kill Paul. To simplify, two people with prescient abilities have difficulty seeing each other in their visions and the same was true for Fenring. Paul never saw Fenring in his visions and he was definitely not sure that he wouldn't die, which is obvious from the book quote I posted in this thread.

[@sethgaston8347]

Fenring and Paul both felt a kinship with one another, Fenring not being able to see Paul in his visions, and likewise Paul being blind to Fenring. Fenring had no selfish desires and didn’t refuse out of fear but rather couldn’t bring himself to slay the only other man who had any idea of how it felt to be bred for purpose beyond his own reach.

[@KaironQD]

I hope we see Fenring! Though probably not until the sequel. And for some reason Andy Serkis just popped into my mind as an actor who might be able to give something to the role.

[@NerdCookies]

Great suggestion!

[@alexhulea2735]

I hope we see fenring even a little. The guy is hinted at so much in the first half of dune, and in the House trilogy he's a POV character amd quite the ballsy killer. The things he does...... 🥴🥴

[@realneighborhoodP]

@@alexhulea2735 those prequels of course are not canon

[@johnbigboote8900]

@@realneighborhoodP Hear, hear!

[@andrewforte3852]

Andy Serkis is one of the great character actors of our generation. He would crush it.

[@chrisf2615]

He is one of those hidden gem characters that truly goes so much deeper in the books.... Paul is who he could have been were it not for the fickleness of fate. He is a renowned and feared killer to the point that the arrogant Feyd actually thinks he is beating him by cuckolding him when in reality the baby conceived from Lady Fenring and Feyd's union is the failsafe they intended to preserve the Harkonnen Bloodline. He is also the source of Paul's death Paul sees in combat with his Spice Visions knowing that to fight Fenring will be to welcome his death which ironically it is the kinship the two share that united them and forced the Count to deny his best friend and Emperor's command.

[@JerseyMiller]

The politics in the dune universe were gritty and realistic with great subtext. It's what makes them so great to read multiple times. George Martin is carrying that torch now for my money. May he live to be 120 and good health!

[@JackMyersPhotography]

It’s been years since I last re-read Dune, but his character fascinated me.

[@paulcooper8818]

The Count and Countess' visit to Giedi Prime has remained a memorable part of Dune for me. The Barron's internal annoyance with their speech pattern is a humorous touch in what otherwise is an uncomfortable dog and pony show for both the presenter and presentee. Well done character summary as usual.

[@marknovak6498]

He was the master of arched conversation. Telling people what was needed without saying it directly.

[@hucklebuck411]

Once again you've come through with an excellent summation of two of the Dune characters. Even though the characters will not appear in the first film I wonder if the film will make mention of Lady Fenring leaving the encoded Bene Gesserit message in the water conservatory within the Arrakeen palace for Lady Jessica to find. I like your suggestions for the actors to play Count Fenring.

[@MatthewSmith001]

After reading the book, I always wanted to know more about the eunuch duke. The brief pondering on his character really fascinated me. I really wanted to know more about him and his relationship with his wife, who (I may be wrong about this) he seemed to love fiercely.

[@AVibeSupreme]

Your voice on Christmas morning is truly a gift! Merry Christmas 🎄

[@Marshmellow3971]

When I read the chapter of Dune with Fenring’s first appearance I always pictured Charles Dance or Christopher Lee. The fact that he at several points made the Baron visibly sweat during their conversation made me think the Count had a very dominating presence.

[@Jared_Wignall]

I always enjoy the Dune videos you make Elaine, keep up the great work!

[@baraka99]

I'm in love with your channel. I am learning so much from Dune's lore.

[@nickfederico]

Excellent video as always! Merry Christmas to you!

[@lsporter88]

Fascinating character study. We may see more of him in this new version. Great video.

[@lsporter88]

Jeff Goldblum is too tall.😁

[@alanblack5398]

You're doing a Great Job on these Videos and I hope your Channel Grows. Ive read Dune as well. but it's nice to catch up with these Characters before the New Movie. I really hope it does well and Covid doesn"t Ruin the Chance for the Sequel

[@RudeAlert]

Jeff Goldblum for Count Fenring would really be awesome.

[@Keythecomedian]

Perfect thing to wake up to, thanks NC. MERRY CHRISTMAS FRIEND.

[@mizarcubed]

It would be interesting to give them more depth, Dani seems to be giving more detail to the movie from the books I hope we see them in part 2. While I like Kyle, Jeff not only seems better suited he looks a bit better the part looking forward to seeing what Dani does!

[@paulh2468]

Great reporting, as always, Elaine. Thank you for filling in details I did not know. I was not aware that Fenring took over Calidan, after the Atraides left for Dune.

[@VoodooV1]

Hardest working youtuber. Nerdy Christmas, Elaine! Fenring was definitely a badass character in the books. Glad he finally got some love in the SyFy miniseries, even though it was pretty understated. Would have been nice to see Margo Fenring though.

[@marctemura2017]

Count Fenring is such fan favorites from the books. We have to see if he will be in part 2, here hoping Nerd Cookies.🙏⭐😊

[@aritovi]

Great work. Excelent picks for the role.

[@manuelwatts1864]

Always wondered what a verbal exchange between Piter DeVries & Count Fenring would have been like. "Ahhhhhmmaaahh - quite - ahmm - interesting really - hmmmm?? "...

[@cosmobane6995]

Goldblum is someone who can actually be a Mentat in real life.

[@raysmith1630]

Ahhh, I love that aroma! Fresh baked Nerd Cookies, yummy. For me personally, Fenring was a pivotal character in the storyline. Even though he was a sleazy underhanded villain, in my opinion, he was very influential in some very important events. When you first suggested Kyle McLaughlin I was all about it. Then...you came up with Jeff Goldblum and it hit me like a lightning bolt. He would be absolutely perfect. Great content as always Elaine. Cheers and fair winds.

[@davidlewis3072]

hopefully the role of fenring will be much like the book...and your two choices for the part are awesome...waiting for October and part one!!!

[@kennethmory1803]

I think its odd that no one, in the several videos I've seen on Fenring, refers to his failed Kwisatz Haderach status... I would LOVE to see Jennifer Connelly play Margot...

[@MayerTheYouTubeSlayer]

Just discovered your channel and this video aged interestingly! Sounds like we were meant to see the Count, but only a select few …hundred actually saw the Count in D2024

[@williamcrabb8481]

In the book, Fenring has this habit of doing a lot of "hmmms" and "mmmms" when he speaks. Goldblum can definitely do that.

[@kennethfharkin]

Christopher Walken because nobody does odd speech like Walken.

[@muadibe7511]

Absolutely the right choice.

[@simsandsurgery1]

I may or may not have read your entire comment in his voice unintentionally 😂

[@paddy7812]

Walken WOULD have been a great choice years ago, now sadly I think he's too old.

[@MyMarsham]

He’d do it. Dennis just had to ask. Walken never turns down a role.

[@technounionrepresentative4274]

This comment is funny in retrospect

[@b_g_c3281]

This is a wonderful video The casting suggestions you offer Elaine, are 99.9% purest gold: Between Kyle MacLachlan and Jeff Goldbloom...Honestly? I'm at a loss in my trying to declare who would be the best fit for the role of the enigmatic and quite deadly Count! [[ ??Casting panelists _PLEASE_ take note?? ]]

[@amandag5023]

I love the ideas people have had for actors to play this character.

[@B0uff0s]

what great ideas for casting!!

[@StayBlessed69]

Great 👍 casting ideas!!!

[@JohnFourtyTwo]

Merry Christmas Elaine!🎄🎁 Every day is like Christmas when you give us a video gift and I always look forward to the next one. As for Dune, my knowledge is that of the movie and miniseries only. I've always wanted to read the books but have had to put them off because I didn't have the time to sit down and read through without interruption due to work schedule. I'm going to get the books soon but don't know whether I should read them immediately or watch the new movie first. It's been so long since I've seen either the old movie or miniseries, it will all be new to me again. Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated since I have plenty of time on my hands these days. I noticed in this video it looks like one of the major characters (the emperor in your video 2:41, I can't remember the name but he's the big guy who was flying around the room in the movie) is reprising his role from either the old movie or miniseries, like I said, it's all new to me again. If I'm mistaking your supreme video editing skills then I congratulate you for a job well done, because had I attempted anything like this it would look more like South Park animation than a polished profession piece of work. I look forward to your videos to come and thank you for this year of keeping the dream alive. Again Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

[@wiinterflowers4277]

Jeff Goldblum would fit this part like a glove! I read the first book and when Fenring popped up, every time he said "ahh" or "hmmm," I was like "they gotta cast Jeff Goldblum!" Also, I love your choice of music for these Dune videos!

[@monkeyaxis]

I love the idea of Kyle as the count. Well done!

[@TruckDrivinGamer]

Good morning and Merry Christmas, Elaine! Thank you for uploading this video so late, were you trying to sneak a peek at Santa? 😆 I always enjoyed the dinner table scene from the book with Count Fenring, among others, and for some reason the face of Martin Freeman popped into my head...I don't know, maybe he's too handsome for the role but he is short and I think he could master the stilted speech code that the Count and his wife use. Just a thought, but anyway, again thank you for this video and you have a wonderful day! 🎄

[@jsyvret472]

I'm on book 4 and am thoroughly enjoying it! Lost my way slightly through 2 and 3 but it was worth it for 4. I've heard it gets better again for the final 2. But the first book feels like a golden age to me with Paul and his companions. Paul atreides is up there for me with aragorn, who before dune was my number one favourite character in all fiction! Can't wait for this film!

[@sorokahdeen]

I really like your inclusion of Count Fenring in your examination of what may happen in the Dune Movie. His diminution in the SyFy channel version and the donation of his wife's actions to the Princess Irulan saved the writers a lot of exposition and screen time but Fenring/Lady Fenring really are iconic characters whose roles do much to show both the complexity of the lives of important characters ("genetic eunuch" sounds good but does it really mean what I think it does??) and the lengths that those characters are willing to go to gain advantage for themselves or for those to whom they are loyal. With respect to the potential casting of the character, your speculations are at the same time intriguing and disturbing if not actually horrifying. The bad taste in my mouth left by Kyle MacLachlan's performance in Lynch's Dune and other movies that aren't Blue Velvet, is twice as old as it would have to be for it to legally be able to vote and drink. I would be willing to add a dollar to my post-covid theater ticket price to be guaranteed a movie that did *not* feature Kyle M. On the other hand, Jeff Goldblum is a choice that is both surprising and astute. Goldblum is far too good looking for a purist's version of the role, but it would be absolutely fascinating to see him do a full-blown Yoda on an assailant to or group of assailants to establish his bona fides as one of the most dangerous known fighters before returning to his disarmingly mild persona. Considering that the last role that Goldblum had where he was even mildly threatening was that horrible remake of The Fly, it would be great to see him break out of the run of movie roles where he basically plays himself over and over. Nice video. Happy holidays.

[@JamesLaserpimpWalsh]

Steve Buscemi I reckon for the count. Cheers for the upload. Happy Christmas.

[@zabaleta66]

He's a bit......different, and has boogie eyes, smallish build too!

[@JamesLaserpimpWalsh]

@@zabaleta66 My point is that a role played well, will have to be charismatic in their own way. I stand by that actually in retrospect.

[@willythepeachfacelovebird]

Received my set of the first release of the McFarlane figures. The Baron is huge. Weird having them now, without a film to accompany them.

[@brianrunyon266]

Well done. He may appear in part two of this latest Dune adaptation.

[@shanenolan8252]

Thanks elaine this is a pleasant surprise

[@michaelkrinsky3582]

Ooooooh.... Two very interesting choices to play Hasimir Fenring.

[@Davepool-hs7vr]

Another video that knocks it out of the park

[@seth5639]

Another nice video Nerd Cookies. I agree, two excellent actor choices for Count Fenring... How strange would it be if Kyle MacLachlan were to be in this that he would portray Feyd Rautha on the big screen? I would think that Kyle would be too old to actually be age convincible in Denis Villeneuve's . But how ironic.

[@cauldronofhumanmisery1239]

It's exciting! Dune will be here soon!

[@heathertoribio5824]

Thumbs up for Thor Ragnarok Jeff Goldboom in the thumbnail as your Count Fenring analog.

[@agesflow6815]

Another great vid. I agree w/ Tim Menke's comment regarding Margot. Considering her and the Count's relationship, and the importance of the Bene Gesserrit to the story, it seems her character should be fleshed out more in the film. Edit: which actress should we cast as Margot?

[@michaelkopala3659]

Both of your choices are very good and I hope the ever dangerous count shows up in a second movie, if it ever gets made.

[@grahamcann1761]

As always, thank you so very much for the video, and Seasons Greetings! I think Kyle Mclaughlin is a great choice. Alas, every time I now hear about a second movie, I worry about WB (AT&T) messing things up so much we don't get one, or perhaps worse one that the executives have "fixed."

[@shanenolan8252]

Great video. Yes goldblum is naturally fenring. I hope he and lady Margot are included. They add interesting element to the story and both are important to the ending in a way

[@TheMrSlyxx]

Ever since I saw The Fly in 1986, Jeff Goldblum has been one of my favorites. It will be a treat to see him in Dune 2.

[@bradleynoneofyourbizz5341]

I've watched the SciFi version at least three times. This is the first I've noticed Feyd is wearing a S&M leather harness! @7:58

[@biscuitninja]

Both actors are wonderful options!

[@danwinger1865]

Elaine you have given two great choices for the Count. I wanted to throw out a third choice. Actor Michael Ironside. He always plays a great bad guy!

[@matthewsermons7247]

I love the Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson novels and their excellent weaving of the Dune Universe's history, the rich worlds as they are.

[@lollo863]

Wonderful thumbnail!

[@kimsikoryak3830]

OK Elaine, you have my attention At first, I thought you were just another fan kid dabbling in Dream Team casting. But I see you are a really thoughtful explorer of ideas. I agree with you that Lynch's Dune was extraordinary, even though we are never to see his actual vision due to the producers butchering that movie and Lynch's efforts. Keep up the good work. I am enjoying it,

[@supremeworld87]

even if we'd got the full version it still would have sucked. fan edits are around now that actually incorporate all the cut scenes and recut the film so that it makes a degree of sense but even then its clear Lynch didnt get the source material. the mo vie ends with it fucking RAINING on Arrakis

[@joeywall4657]

Jeff Goldblum would be an AWESOME choice. He's got that right balance between suave and weird -- always smart.

[@mckid2683]

Love your videos. Yes pls Kyle MacLachlan as Count Fending would be awesome!

[@jimmywrangles]

Awesome upload. Fenring is a favourite of mine, a minor character and yet somehow Herbert made him shine. My pick to play the part is as always....Mick Jagger.

[@Trygvar13]

A minor character but still very important in the story. He could have killed Paul but chose not too.

[@patinho5589]

Maybe David Bowie?!

[@oiiouuu1247]

@@patinho5589 lol

[@charlessindo9645]

I think he will be introduced at the gladiator arena as you say. Jeff G. would be EPIC. He would pull it off perfectly.

[@Splaxx]

The fan service of Kyle would be phenomenal but Goldbloom would knock it out of the park.

[@philgiglio7922]

Jeff works for me. Read the book in 66/67 when it first came out in a huuuuge paperback. Couldn't put it down.

[@bullbae02]

hey are you using actor photos just by random or are you referring to the future dune movies casting? great video as always!

[@NerdCookies]

I'm using my fan picks for photos for the future casting 😄

[@murdoquedukeip298]

What a bait - i thought after seeing the tumbnail that we might see dune acording to jeff goldbloom ;-)

[@penelopegreene]

"I don't get the whole Spice thing. I mean, if you feed human crap to a sandworm, can they see the past?" --Jeff Goldblum, probably...

[@christianemden7637]

I was more hoping for gold Blum playing fenring

[@ecchihead]

You dont know how i lost my shit cause of this thumbnail

[@oysterbarj]

Most likely Goldblum is playing Fenring

[@MB5rider81]

So you slap this face on a lunch box and now you're trying to sell it ..you want to sell it.. well..

[@user-ov5zm5rz3v]

For me only one man suit for the role,Steven Vincent Buscemi. He is the full package for Hasimir Fenring, even phyisically.

[@Viviancanderson]

One of my favorite characters...

[@JessWLStuart]

Jeff Goldblum would be an awesome choice for this role. It would be so outside his previous roles, but I'm sure he could pull it off!

[@robertparker51]

I've always pictured Hugo Weaving in that part.

[@ES50678]

Goldblum already played Fenring in Thor: Ragnarok

[@bonpsy2584]

John Turturro would be a solid choice, too, as Fenring. Somehow awkward and threatening.

[@JerseyMiller]

Yes and he's way more menacing than Jeff Goldbloom

[@fomori2]

Tim Roth would also be a great choice. He has already pulled off the cold killer with foppish illusion role in Rob Roy.

[@sunnypumkin]

Awesome!!! Jeff G. Any day of the week and in any role!! But yes he can pull off a killer with the manners of a rabbit!

[@christophersandidge8257]

This is completely nuts, and ironic, but when I was reading the prequel books by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, but I envisioned him as Kyle Maclachlan. Not by physical description, but by personality. Kind of weird. But it is what it is.

[@kennylong653]

Have a Very Nerdy Christmas Elaine :-)

[@BunkHarvestIII]

Ahh indeed, hm-m.

[@RVS789]

Hi Nerd Cookies! I think Jeff Goldblum would be awesome as Count Fenring! What about Laura Dern as Lady Fenring? : )

[@DanielH3342]

Jeff Goldblum would own that part for sure

[@MexieMex]

I'm dreading Villeneuve's version coming out. I really want to see a great version of my favorite book series, this version will just push it further back.

[@ChapterGrim]

Kyle is actually a solid pick! I was initially thinking Peter Sarsgaard, largely because it seemed funny to add him into the mix with Stellan Skarsgård and I think his son Bill would make an excellent Feyd-Rautha! It seems daft now against your choice, on top of which why not go all out of Skarsgård in that case and have Gustav as Fenring. Kyle makes way more sense in that role, and I prefer the fluffy synergy it brings, cleansing the animus with his doing you might say...

[@grievousangelic]

One good candidate for the Count: Paul Giamatti. He has a wealth of diverse roles in his resume' and could do rabbit exterior/assassin interior very very well.

[@mathewhale3581]

Interesting choice! Perceptive and original

[@tommo101able]

Hasimir Fenring has a big job to do for the Emperor in the prequel book House Corrino

[@scottlyons8130]

I agree with your choice of Kyle. He would be perfect.

[@lepeejon2955]

From the description of Count Hasimir Fenring sound like a Joe Pesci role. Just the accent alone makes me chuckle.

[@theresag.1000]

I would also like to see both Count Fenering and Lady Margot cast. Seeing Goldblum get the role wouldn't break my heart, but I'd prefer John Lithgow. MacLaughlan is a long shot , I think, given his closeness to Lynch and Lynch's comments about the film. As for Lady Margot, I picture her as being classically beautiful, which leads me to my dream pick of Isabella Rossellini.

[@nickrowley5579]

The Fenrings are my favourite characters, your two choices are pretty great. Who would you cast as Margot?

[@caronstout354]

Without a doubt...Tilda Swinton. She can add her own "unique turn" to the role.

[@MackeyDeez]

As much as I would like to see Kyle Mclaughlin to play count Fenring but, I think the Jeff Goldbloom has that creepiness that makes Fenring a believable character

[@mariakelly90210]

Jeff Goldblum is NOT creepy!

[@trukeesey8715]

Jessica and Paul "were" Harkonnens. Paul "was" Vladimir's grandson.

[@ArawnsFire]

L O V E the idea of the original cast returning as alternate characters . However, Kyle MacLachlan does not match the description of the character. Might I recommend former Mentat Piter De Vries actor Brad Douriff as this complex and nuanced individual, and Nicole Kidman as Margot Fenring Always a pleasure for these glimpses into your insights and opinions .

[@sgtspazz4321]

I like Mads Mikkelsen for the part. Hew has serious complex baddy chops. Although I think that some lesser known actor would be also work for a second string character. I like McLaughlin and he does have some past experience as a complex semi-baddy in Shield. Goldbloom is quite tall and his gregarious personality can make for over the top acting, not so subtle.

[@davidkott6959]

Dude! That's a great suggestion. Mikkelsen has the depth to sell this character.

[@jacobobryan9839]

I think Bill Nigh (Davy Jones POTC, Viktor in Underworld, Phillip in Shaun of the Dead) could be great as either Fenring or the Emperor though he does look pretty old. He could nail the deadly killer with the manners of a rabbit and could both show the jealoussy but empathy of the Emperor when scheming against the Atriedes.

[@joannmant8345]

While I like Kyle for the role, Jeff B would be outstanding!!!

[@tmseh]

Jeff Goldblum is my spirit animal.

[@kenglasson2920]

Fabulous scene in the book when he speaks to the Baron and drops his voice, before Lady Margot seduces Feyd...so many nuances of the books are lost.