Earlier this week, Warner Bros. dropped the first picture from director Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Dune. The film will be the first big screen adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune since David Lynch’s 1984 film of the same name. Now, Vanity Fair has released an extensive behind-the-scenes look at the new vision of Dune. Villeneuve also explained why he choose to split the novel in two films.
““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.”
Additionally, the Vanity Fair piece featured several photos from the set.
#DUNE FIRST LOOK: Welcome to Arrakis.
See Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, and more in this exclusive preview of Denis Villeneuve’s upcoming adaptation.https://t.co/L9MRRjr6fs pic.twitter.com/c6ZgGjgHG8
— Dune-BehindTheScenes (@DuneInfo) April 14, 2020
Lady Jesccia and Duke Leto
Rebecca Ferguson & Oscar Isaac#Dune pic.twitter.com/vbELp1nGTL— Dune-BehindTheScenes (@DuneInfo) April 14, 2020
Chani / @Zendaya in #Dune pic.twitter.com/qSmt2BWjJD
— Dune-BehindTheScenes (@DuneInfo) April 14, 2020
RELATED: First Look At Timothee Chalamet In Dune
Villeneuve also explained why he believes Dune remains a timely story 55 years after Herbert’s novel was released.
“No matter what you believe, Earth is changing, and we will have to adapt,” related Villeneuve. “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.”
Vanity Fair also confirmed that actress Sharon Duncan-Brewster will portray a gender flipped version of Dr. Liet Kynes. Duncan-Brester also revealed why Villeneuve changed her character for the film.
“What Denis had stated to me was there was a lack of female characters in his cast, and he had always been very feminist, pro-women, and wanted to write the role for a woman,” related Duncan-Brewster. “This human being manages to basically keep the peace amongst many people. Women are very good at that, so why can’t Kynes be a woman? Why shouldn’t Kynes be a woman?”
Confirmed – Sharon Duncan-Brewster as Liet Kynes pic.twitter.com/JrNw0buYva
— Dune-BehindTheScenes (@DuneInfo) April 14, 2020
RELATED: Oscar Isaac Praises Denis Villeneuve’s Vision For Dune
Vanity Fair also released pictures of Javier Bardem, Jason Mamoa, and Josh Brolin in costume as well.
Denis Villeneuve directing Javier Bardem / Stilgar#Dune pic.twitter.com/NfjTDmy6mk
— Dune-BehindTheScenes (@DuneInfo) April 14, 2020
Jason Mamoa as Duncan Idaho#Dune pic.twitter.com/yixR2ILKNC
— Dune-BehindTheScenes (@DuneInfo) April 14, 2020
“My lungs taste the air of Time
Blown past falling sands …”Notice the Atreides Hawk on the ship behind him, dagger on his belt (with Hawk on sheath), and perhaps insignia on this collar and “com-link” on his left hand.#Dune pic.twitter.com/6vAyk64t2O
— Dune-BehindTheScenes (@DuneInfo) April 14, 2020
Confirmed: Stephen Mckinley Henderson as Thufir Hawat pic.twitter.com/ncZXkgF2b3
— Dune-BehindTheScenes (@DuneInfo) April 14, 2020
Dune is currently scheduled to hit theaters on Friday, December 18. However, it’s unclear if the coronavirus pandemic will potentially delay the film.
What do you think about the new photos from the set of Dune? Also, which characters are you excited to see? Let us know in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: Dune (Penguin Galaxy)
