In the annals of science-fiction, few stories are revered as highly as Frank Herbert’s Dune, a saga of spice and worms and philosophy that previously came to the big screen in 1984 under director David Lynch. But fans of the novel were by-and-large disappointed in David Lynch’s loose interpretation of Dune‘s complex storyline, and many of them have been nervous about Hollywood once again trying to mold Herbert’s vision into something marketable.
That said, many of those fans are probably hopeful that the latest attempt to remake Dune is now being directed by Denis Villeneuve, the Oscar-nominated director of the heady sci-fi drama Arrival as well as the eagerly anticipated sequel Blade Runner 2049. Denis Villeneuve is a respected filmmaker whose films do not shy away from big ideas and complicated themes, and who has thus far managed to present his ambitious works through tales that speak to larger audiences.
Also: ‘Arrival’ Screenwriter Eric Heisserer Does The B-Movies Podcast!
The news was confirmed by Brian Herbert, the son of original Dune author Frank Herbert, who himself has written numerous sequels and prequels to the classic novel:
It’s official — Legendary Pictures has signed the very talented Denis Villeneuve to direct the exciting new DUNE series film project.
— Brian Herbert (@DuneAuthor) February 1, 2017
Although David Lynch’s version of Dune is perhaps the most famous adaptation of Frank Herbert’s story, a TV mini-series was also produced for the SyFy Channel in 2000 under director John Harrison (Tales from the Darkside: The Movie), which led to a sequel, Children of Dune, in 2003, directed by Greg Yaitanes (Banshee). The attempt made by renowned cult filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky to direct his own adaptation of Dune was chronicled in a feature-length documentary, aptly titled Jodorowsky’s Dune, which was released in 2013.
Denis Villeneuve has described directing Dune was “a longstanding dream,” so hopefully he will turn out to be the best filmmaker for the job. There are a lot of Dune fans who are counting on it.
Photo: Universal Pictures
William Bibbiani (everyone calls him ‘Bibbs’) is Crave’s film content editor and critic. You can hear him every week on The B-Movies Podcast and Canceled Too Soon, and watch him on the weekly YouTube series Most Craved, Rapid Reviews and What the Flick. Follow his rantings on Twitter at @WilliamBibbiani.
