After working together onBlade Runner 2049, wrestler-turned-actorDave Bautistais teaming back up withDenis Villeneuve, having signed on for a key role in the director’s newDunemovie, Collider has confirmed.
Based on the acclaimed sci-fi novel byFrank Herbert,Dunewill starTimothée Chamaletas young hero Paul Atreides, whose family assumes control of the desert planet Arrakis only to be betrayed, forcing him to lead a rebellion to overthrow the new emperor. The complex story is said to explore themes of politics, religion, and man’s relationship with nature.
Rebecca Fergusonwill play Chalamet’s mother, Lady Jessica, while Bautista will be playing “Beast” Rabban, the sadistic nephew of a baron who oversees Arrakis.
Villeneuve co-wrote theDunescript withEric RothandJon Spaihts, and he’s also producing the film alongsideMary ParentandCale Boyter.Brian HerbertandKim Herbertwill executive produce along withByron MerrittandThomas Tull.Kevin J. Andersonwill serve as a creative consultant on the project, which will begin production in the coming months.
Bautista found himself with an opening in his schedule after Marvel putGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3on hold followingJames Gunn’s Twitter controversy. He’s poised for another busy year, as not only does he star oppositeKumail Nanjianiin 20th Century Fox’s action-comedyStuber, but he’ll also return as Drax inAvengers: Endgame, which promises to be one of the highest-grossing films of 2019. Bautista is represented by CAA, and his casting was first reported byVariety.
While Herbert’s novel has a strong fanbase, Villeneuve’s last attempt at big-budget sci-fi,Blade Runner 2049, did not fare well at the box office. If the newDuneflops, you have to wonder which studio will back another expensive sci-fi movie based on older IP, no matter how stunning it looks. Of course, if that means more movies likeArrivalandSicario, then maybe it won’t be the worst thing. Stay tuned…
