Production is now firmly underway onArrivalandBlade Runner 2049filmmakerDenis Villeneuve’s ambitious adaptation of the iconic sci-fi novelDune. The film hails from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Entertainment and is based on theFrank Herbertnovel of the same name, withTimothée Chalametfilling the lead role of Paul Atreides, a young man born into destiny who must travel the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. Villeneuve co-wrote the screenplay for this one himself alongsideEric Roth(The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) andJon Spaihts(Passengers).
The official synopsis for the newDunemovie is as follows:
A mythic and emotionally charged hero’s journey, “Dune” tells the story of Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet’s exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence—a commodity capable of unlocking humanity’s greatest potential—only those who can conquer their fear will survive.
Villeneuve has assembled one of the most star-studded casts in recent memory forDune, with Chalamet joined byRebecca Ferguson,Oscar Isaac,Josh Brolin,Stellan Skarsgård,Dave Bautista,Zendaya,David Dastmalchian,Stephen Henderson,Charlotte Rampling,Jason Momoa, andJavier BardemwithChang Chen(The Grandmaster) in talks to join the cast.
Villeneuve has previously said that this is the first half of a two-part adaptation ofDune, but thus far Warner Bros. hasn’t mentioned a greenlight for a second film. The press release also reveals thatHans Zimmerwill be composing the score, reuniting with Villeneuve after he co-composed the terrific score forBlade Runner 2049withBenjamin Wallfisch.
Behind the scenes, Villeneuve continues his steak of working with brilliant cinematographers by enlistingGreig Fraser(Rogue One,Vice) to lens this one, whileJacqueline West(The Revenant) is designing the costumes alongsideBob Morganand Villeneuve is once again working with production designerPatrice Vermette(Sicario) and editorJoe Walker(Arrival). Also of note: authorKevin J. Anderson, who co-wrote theDuneprequel books, is credited as a creative consultant.
Filming is taking place in Budapest, Hungary, and Jordan ahead of a June 20, 2025 release date for this incredibly ambitious and highly anticipated film. Villeneuve is on one hell of a roll in my book betweenSicario,Arrival, andBlade Runner 2049, and I can’t wait to see what he does with this particular material.
