Along with recent casting news comes word that Denis Villeneuve’s Dune has begun production. Filming is taking place in Budapest, Hungary and in Jordan.
Oscar nominee Villeneuve (Arrival, Blade Runner 2049) plans to make at least two films from Frank Herbert’s source material, with the first film spanning about half the novel. (Although Warner Bros has not mentioned green-lighting a second film; that may depend on the success of the first). Villeneuve co-wrote the screenplay with Eric Roth and Jon Spaihts based on the novel. Brian Herbert is one of the executive producers. Kevin J. Anderson, who co-wrote some of the Dune prequel novels with Brian Herbert, is a creative consultant.
The official synopsis is:
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.
Oscar winner and multiple Oscar nominee Hans Zimmer, who co-scored Villeneuve’s Blade Runner 2049, will be rejoining the director by composing the score for Dune
Also rejoining Villeneuve are production designer Patrice Vermette (Sicario) and editor Joe Walker (Arrival). Greig Fraser (Rogue One, Vice) is Director of Photography and Bob Morgan and Jacqueline West are co-costume designers.
Dune is scheduled for release in November 2020.
