Frank Herbert’s novel, “Dune,” is regarded as one of the best (if not the best) sci-fi novels of all time. Part of the reason so many people love the novel is the world-building that Herbert is able to accomplish, not only creating a group of characters that feel real but also an entire universal economy, religion, and various cultures. And this is the reason why it’s been so difficult to adapt the novel into one film. (Though David Lynch gave it a pretty interesting try back in the ‘80s.)
And in a new interview with Vanity Fair, not only did the outlet debut plenty of new images from the film, showing the various members of the all-star cast in their full alien regalia, but it also features an interview with filmmaker Denis Villeneuve where he explained why “Dune” is an important story and why he needs two films to properly tell the tale.
“I would not agree to make this adaptation of the book with one single movie,” said Villeneuve. “The world is too complex. It’s a world that takes its power in details.”
Because of this, Warner Bros. agreed to allow the filmmaker two films to tell the story. But even then, the films are expected to be quite dense with various themes and messages.
“It’s a book that tackles politics, religion, ecology, spirituality—and with a lot of characters,” Villeneuve added. “I think that’s why it’s so difficult. Honestly, it’s by far the most difficult thing I’ve done in my life.”
As for why the film is important now more than ever, the filmmaker believes that “Dune” is a very modern novel, despite being written decades ago about a civilization in space.
“No matter what you believe, Earth is changing, and we will have to adapt,” he explained. “That’s why I think that ‘Dune,’ this book, was written in the 20th century. It was a distant portrait of the reality of the oil and the capitalism and the exploitation—the overexploitation—of Earth. Today, things are just worse. It’s a coming-of-age story, but also a call for action for the youth.”
“Dune” is expected to arrive in theaters on December 18. You can see all the new photos below.
