You know what? I really am starting to think that Denis Villeneuve is going to actually direct “Dune.” What initially seemed like a bit of wishful thinking (One of the greatest filmmakers on the planet is going to adapt one of the greatest works in sci-fi history? No way!) is actually starting to come together with a cast that rivals any prestige film. Even if you’re not a fan of Frank Herbert’s classic novel, this is an exciting prospect. And if you are a fan, in all likelihood, you are losing your goddamn mind right about now, especially with the latest casting.
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According to Variety, Villeneuve is going back to one of his actors from “Blade Runner 2049,” Dave Bautista, for a role in his adaptation of “Dune.” Now, even though Bautista is probably best known for his role as Drax in the Marvel Studios ‘Avengers’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ films, as well as a string of straight to VOD action flicks, the actor did appear in one of the strongest scenes in ‘2049.’ It’s clear that Villeneuve thinks highly of Bautista and is willing to give him another role in yet another major film. Let’s just hope that the actor’s role in “Dune” is more than one scene, so we can get a full taste of what the director can do with him.
Bautista joins Timothée Chalamet and Rebecca Ferguson in the film. For those unfamiliar with “Dune,” the sci-fi epic follows the story of the young Paul Atreides and his family on the planet Arrakis. The family assumes control of the famed planet that is the only supplier of the highly coveted “spice.” This leads to a tale of politics, religion, and environmentalism, as Paul and his family have to contend with rival nobility and figure out their place in the universe. “Dune” is regarded as one of the best (if not the best) sci-fi franchises ever created.
And for film fans, you’re probably familiar with at least one of the live-action adaptations of the classic. In 1984, David Lynch took the story and made it his own in his version of “Dune,” which starred Kyle MacLachlan and Sting. And in the early-2000s, SyFy adapted the novels into a couple miniseries that was well-regarded by fans, but lacked the big-budget feel.
Clearly, Denis Villeneuve has a huge task in front of him with “Dune.” However, with the early cast that he’s brought together, it would appear that the director is lining everything up to make perhaps the best version of “Dune” seen yet.