Ever since it was announced in February of 2017 that Denis Villeneuve, the mastermind behind "Blade Runner 2049", "Arrival" and "Sicario", would be directing an adaption of Frank Herbert's much beloved space epic "Dune", science fiction fans have been chewing their nails in anticipation over any bit of news and speculation that has been released about the project. And with the film about to launch into principal photography, there's plenty of information for us to sink our teeth into. So here's a round about of everything we know about Denis' Villeneuve's adaptation of "Dune".
What is "Dune" about?
"Dune" is a science fiction novel written by Frank Herbert that was published in 1965. A joint winner of the 1966 Hugo Award and winner of the first ever Nebula Award for Best Novel. Dune is widely considered to be one of the greatest science fiction novels ever written and is frequently cited as the best-selling science fiction novel in history, as well as being the first bestselling hardcover science fiction novel ever. (Potential spoilers in the next paragraph if you have't read the book.)
"Dune" is set in the far future, where the galaxy is run by a feudal empire where colonised planets are run by noble houses who owe their allegiance to the empire. The story follows a young boy called Paul Atreides who's the heir to a noble family who have gained control over Arrakis, a desert planet that is vital to the empire as it's the only source of spice melange, the most important and valuable substance in the universe that enhances mental abilities. Because of it's value to the empire, Arrakis is a coveted planted to hold and therefor a dangerous undertaking.
After the murder of his father, the Atreides family lose control over Arrakis and Paul flees into the desert where he becomes part of a community of Freman, here he learns to become a man and is taught a fighting style called "the weirding way", Paul sees this as an opportunity to start an uprising and avenge his father's death.
Who's in the Cast?
Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides
Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica
Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Harkonnen
Dave Bautista as Glossu "Beast" Rabban
Oscar Isaac as Duke Leto Atreides
Zendaya as Chenai
Charlotte Rampling as Reverend Mother Mohiam
Behind the Camera
Director Denis Villeneuve supposedly turned down the chance to direct Bond 25 in favour of charging ahead with his version of Dune. He revealed in an interview back in March of 2018 that "Dune will probably take two years to make" and that "The goal is to make two films, maybe more”.
It was a huge disappointment to a lot of people when it was announced that Denis Villeneuve's frequent collaborator Roger Deakins wasn't going to be serving as cinematographer for "Dune". Deakins has lent his incredible talents on many of Villeneuve's projects including "Blade Runner 2049", "Sicario" and "Prisoners", and many were eager to see his part in bringing the world of "Dune" to life.
The role of cinematographer will be filled by Greig Fraser, the DP behind "Rogue One", "Zero Dark Thirty", "Lion", "Foxcatcher" and "Vice". Fraser is a very talented cinematographer in his own right, but his style sways more towards realism rather than Deakin's more stylised approach, so it will be interesting to see what Fraser brings to this project.
Release Date
There's still a long wait for this already eagerly anticipated film. Villeneuve has predicted that the film will take 2 years to make. It is rumoured that principle photography begins in February so we can't expect to see anything until at least some point in 2020 or 2021. It's a long wait I know but I'm more than sure it will be worth it, Villeneuve has proven time and time again why he's one of the best directors and I'm sure that "Dune" will be no exception to his already outstanding filmography.
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