Everything You Need to Know About Denis Villeneuve’s New Adaptation of 'Dune'
Explore the highly anticipated new film adaptation of Frank Herbert’s 'Dune,' featuring the star-studded cast, release date, and insights into the epic sci-fi saga.
Release date, trailer, storyline, star-studded cast, and expert production team details.
When Is the Movie Releasing?
Plans to adapt Frank Herbert’s iconic novel 'Dune' into a film first emerged in 2016 when Legendary Pictures acquired the rights to the book.
In 2017, Brian Herbert, Frank Herbert’s son and co-author of several sequels, confirmed on Twitter that Denis Villeneuve—one of today’s most acclaimed directors known for 'Arrival' and 'Blade Runner 2049'—would helm the project.
https://twitter.com/DuneAuthor/status/826641857400565760
Villeneuve has shared that he fell in love with 'Dune' at age 12 and has dreamed of directing a film based on the novel since the start of his career, calling this adaptation his "life’s work."
Details about the upcoming film surfaced in mid-2018, and filming began shortly thereafter, as revealed by cinematographer Greig Fraser on March 19.
The original release was slated for late 2020 but was postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and cinema closures. Now, 'Dune' is set to premiere on September 30, 2021, with an IMAX release planned. According to Brian Herbert, the film will cover only the first half of the novel.
https://twitter.com/DuneAuthor/status/1021269122691182601
Is There a Trailer for the New 'Dune'?
The first official trailer was released on September 9, 2020.
What Is the Book About?
Frank Herbert’s novel 'Dune,' first published in 1965, centers on young Paul Atreides. The ruler of an intergalactic empire appoints Paul’s father, Duke Leto Atreides, to govern the desert planet Arrakis (also known as Dune).
Arrakis is the sole source of "spice," the universe’s most valuable substance essential for space travel. However, harvesting spice is perilous due to the presence of gigantic sandworms.
It soon becomes clear that the relocation of House Atreides is a trap set by their longtime enemy, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, who kills Duke Leto and seizes control. Paul survives in the desert and joins the Fremen, the free inhabitants of the sands. They regard him as a messiah, and under his leadership, they rise against the Harkonnens.
The novel is rich in detail, exploring the structure of the intergalactic empire and the harsh environment of Arrakis. The story weaves together religious philosophy, political intrigue, and science fiction, making it a complex adaptation.
According to Brian Herbert, the first film will likely end with Paul attaining the powers of the Kwisatz Haderach (a superhuman), leaving his subsequent conflict with the Harkonnens for future installments.
The official synopsis reads: "The mythical and emotional 'Dune' tells the story of Paul Atreides, a gifted young man destined for a fate beyond his understanding. He must journey to the most dangerous planet in the universe to secure the future of his family and people. Malevolent forces ignite a conflict over the galaxy’s most valuable resource, unlocking humanity’s potential. Only those who can conquer their fear will survive."
If the initial films succeed, the creators plan to continue the saga indefinitely. Frank Herbert wrote five sequels, and his son Brian, along with co-author Kevin J. Anderson, has penned over a dozen more works.
Who Stars in the Upcoming Adaptation?
One of the main reasons for the excitement surrounding the new 'Dune' is its star-studded cast. Casting announcements began appearing from mid-2018.
Paul Atreides
Timothée Chalamet, one of today’s leading young actors known for 'Call Me by Your Name,' plays Paul Atreides, heir to House Atreides, leader of the Fremen, and the future Kwisatz Haderach.
Duke Leto Atreides
Oscar Isaac ('Star Wars') portrays Duke Leto Atreides, Paul’s father and ruler of House Atreides.
Lady Jessica
Rebecca Ferguson ('Mission: Impossible') plays Lady Jessica, Paul’s mother and a member of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood, trained in voice control and martial arts.
Baron Vladimir Harkonnen
Stellan Skarsgård ('Thor') plays the obese and malevolent Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, leader of House Harkonnen and former governor of Arrakis.
Glossu Rabban
Dave Bautista ('Blade Runner 2049') portrays Glossu Rabban, the brutal and sadistic nephew of Baron Harkonnen, nicknamed "The Beast."
Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam
Charlotte Rampling ('45 Years') plays the leader of the Bene Gesserit and mentor to Lady Jessica.
Chani
Zendaya ('Spider-Man: Homecoming') portrays Chani, a Fremen woman and imperial planetologist who becomes Paul’s love interest.
Stilgar
Javier Bardem ('mother!') plays Stilgar, leader of the Fremen and ally to Paul and his mother.
Gurney Halleck
Josh Brolin ('Sicario') portrays Gurney Halleck, Paul’s mentor and the loyal but rough military leader of House Atreides.
Duncan Idaho
Jason Momoa ('Aquaman') plays Duncan Idaho, weapons master of House Atreides, a skilled warrior and charismatic figure.
Who Is Behind the Film?
The film’s crew includes renowned professionals. The screenplay is penned by Oscar-winning writer Eric Roth ('Forrest Gump,' 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'). Cinematography is by Greig Fraser, known for 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' and 'Power'.
Legendary composer Hans Zimmer, known for 'Gladiator' and 'Inception,' is scoring the project. Brian Herbert also serves as one of the producers.
Previous Adaptations of 'Dune'
'Dune' has been adapted multiple times before, but none have fully captured the legendary status of the original novel.
Unmade 'Dune' by Alejandro Jodorowsky
In the mid-1970s, Alejandro Jodorowsky planned an ambitious adaptation with significant plot changes, including a castrated Duke Leto and Paul being artificially created from his blood. The ending featured Paul reincarnating as all the planet’s inhabitants simultaneously.
Jodorowsky hired artist Jean "Moebius" Giraud for storyboards and Pink Floyd for the soundtrack. However, the script spanned 12 to 20 hours, and no studio was willing to produce it. The 2013 documentary 'Jodorowsky’s Dune' chronicles this project.
David Lynch’s Mystical 'Dune'
In the early 1980s, David Lynch was invited to direct an adaptation, despite never having read the book. He reportedly misunderstood the project’s title during a phone call, believing it was for a film named 'June.' He accepted mainly to secure funding for his next film.
Lynch’s approach led to significant plot alterations and exaggerated characters, such as Baron Harkonnen’s boils and Mentats’ red lip marks. The ending included bizarre changes that disrupted narrative logic.
The film was a box office failure, and Lynch was dissatisfied with the final cut, which was edited without his involvement. He even sought to remove his name from the credits. A positive outcome was his collaboration with Kyle MacLachlan, whom he met during filming.
Frank Herbert’s 'Dune' Miniseries
In 2000, Syfy produced a miniseries that remained faithful to the original novel, adding minor subplots like expanding Princess Irulan’s role. Fans appreciated this version for its adherence to the source material.
The miniseries’ main drawback was a limited budget—half that of Lynch’s film when adjusted for inflation—resulting in less convincing special effects for spaceships and sandworms. The cast included many lesser-known European actors.
Nevertheless, the miniseries’ popularity enabled the production of two sequels based on Herbert’s subsequent novels.
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