Last month, just before the holiday season, it was reported that directorDenis Villeneuve, who is coming off the critically-acclaimedArrivaland is in post-production onBlade Runner 2049, is in talks to direct theDuneremake for Legendary Pictures. Today we have confirmation fromBrian Herbert, author and the son of lateDuneauthorFrank Herbert, that the filmmaker has officially signed on to direct this remake. Here’s whatBrian Herberthad to say on social media.
“It’s official. Legendary Pictures has signed the very talented Denis Villeneuve to direct the exciting newDune series film project.”
We reported in November that Legendary Pictures has picked up thefilm and TV rightsforDune, and withBrian Herbertdescribing this as the “Dune series film project”, it seems thatDenis Villeneuveis developing both the movie and TV series as well.Brian Herbertwouldn’t elaborate further in hisTwitterstatement, but the director signing on was something the filmmaker has always looked forward to. During an interview with Variety back in September,Denis Villeneuvementioned makingDuneas a “longstanding dream,” months before Legendary picked up the rights.
“I had been wanting to do sci-fi for a very long time.2001: A Space Odysseyis a movie that really impressed me as a teenager. And also “Blade Runner.” And “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” is also one of my favorites. I’m always looking forsci-fi material, and it’s difficult to find original and strong material that’s not just about weaponry. A longstanding dream of mine is to adaptDune, but it’s a long process to get the rights, and I don’t think I will succeed. Also I would love to write something myself. I have two [sci-fi] projects right now that are in various stages. It’s too early to talk about them.”
BeforeDenis Villeneuvecame aboard, theDunereboot had been languishing in various stages of development for just under a decade. Back in December 2007,Peter Berg(Patriots Day) revealed that he had come aboard to directDune, withJoshua Zetumer(RoboCop) coming aboard to write the screenplay. Both the director and writer would eventually part ways with the project, withPierre Morel, hot off his surprise 2009 hitTaken, coming aboard to direct in 2010, withChase Palmer(IT) writing the script. Shortly after they both dropped the project, Paramount dropped the project in March 2011, and there was no traction onDuneuntil Legendary came through and obtained the rights just a few months ago.
Legendary’s deal forDunecalls for the development and production of possible film and television projects for a global audience. The projects would be produced byThomas Tull,Mary ParentandCale Boyter, withBrian Herbert,Byron MerrittandKim Herbertserving as executive producers. Set in the distant future, Dune tells the story of Paul Atreides whose family accepts control of the desert planet Arrakis. As the only producer of a highly valuable resource, control of Arrakis is highly contested among the noble families. After Paul and his family are betrayed, the story explores themes of politics, religion, and man’s relationship to nature as Paul leads a rebellion to restore his family’s control of Arrakis.Dunehas long been considered the crown jewel of science fiction} properties. Its legacy and influence is witnessed in everything fromStar WarstoThe Matrixand often referred to as the science fiction version ofLord of the Ringswith its sprawling world and multi-dimensional politics. Take a look atBrian Herbert’s tweet below, as we wait for more on theDunereboot.
