Giancarlo Giannini (Emperor Shaddam IV)

Throughout the course of his celebrated and illustrious career, Giancarlo Giannini, starring as the Emperor Shaddam VI, has starred in some 100 films. The Italian native has headlined such films as A Walk in the Clouds, Swept Away, New York Stories and the original version of Life Is Beautiful. Among Giannini’s other credits are Heaven Before I Die, King of Naples, The Innocent and Anzio.

The Frank Herbert's Dune crew and cast agreed that Giannini has a regal air about him that makes him a natural to play the emperor of the universe. Dune screenplay writer-director John Harrison recalled the actor’s first day of filming: "Giancarlo Giannini came from Italy to play the Emperor and the day he walked on the set in his wardrobe," Harrison said, he declared, "'I am the emperor.' That was all that was needed."