After all the talk and casting rumors, it’s official – production on “Dune” has officially begun!
Normally, hearing that another film was being made based on the Frank Herbert classic sci-fi novel would be cause for alarm. David Lynch gave the challenge a valiant effort, which is very Lynch-ian take on “Dune” back in 1984. Before that, filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky tried his damndest and got close to adapting the novel, and instead became the basis for a great documentary titled “Jodorowsky’s Dune.” However, this time, it just feels like all the stars are aligning and the best chance “Dune” fans will ever have at a faithful, and incredible, film based on the novel series is coming thanks to filmmaker Denis Villeneuve and his truly incredible cast.
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Warner Bros. has officially announced that filming has begun on the epic. Villeneuve co-wrote the script for “Dune” (which he envisions as part 1 of 2) with Eric Roth and Jon Spaihts. The film follows the adventures of the young Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), as he attempts to navigate the political machinations of his family running the lone planet that is in control of the incredible resource called “spice.” On top of that, the young man finds himself at the center of a prophecy.
WB has also confirmed the cast for the film, which alongside Chalamet, includes: Rebecca Ferguson (“Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation”), Oscar Isaac (“Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi”), Oscar nominee Josh Brolin (“Milk,” “Deadpool 2,” “Avengers: Infinity War”), Stellan Skarsgård (the “Mamma Mia!” films, “Avengers: Age of Ultron”), Dave Bautista (the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, upcoming “Avengers: Endgame”), Zendaya (“Spider-Man: Homecoming”), David Dastmalchian (the “Ant-Man” movies), Stephen Henderson (“Fences,” “Lady Bird”), with Oscar nominee Charlotte Rampling (“45 Years,” “Assassin’s Creed”), with Jason Momoa (“Aquaman”), and Oscar winner Javier Bardem (“No Country for Old Men,” “Skyfall”). And the studio confirms that Chang Chen (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”) is in talks to star, as well.
Seriously, look at that cast! And if that couldn’t be any better, how about Hans Zimmer creating the score?
For decades, it was assumed that Frank Herbert’s novel was impossible to film, as it’s so dense with lore and complicated storylines. However, no offense to Lynch, Jodorowsky, or the folks that made the old Syfy mini-series from the early-2000s, Villeneuve has the best shot at giving “Dune” fans exactly the type of film they’ve been dreaming of.
“Dune” has a scheduled release date of November 20, 2020.
Here’s the synopsis for the film:
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.
