Everything may be kind of terrible right now, but here’s a genuinely good piece of news that also serves as a reminder that movieswillreturn at some point: our first look atDenis Villeneuve’sDune! Indeed, theSicarioandBlade Runner 2049filmmaker signed on to tackle an adaptation ofFrank Herbert’s science-fiction epic, and principal photography was completed last year. Now, with a December 2020 release date unmoved, it’s time to begin the marketing campaign.
Oscar-nominated actorTimothee Chalametplays the film’s lead, Paul Atreides, and this image finds Paul on his home planet of Caladan. The story ofDunefinds the Atreides family leaving Caladan to take over the world of Arrakis, but they’re threatened by their rivals House Harkonnen. An inciting event forces Paul to take on a leadership role far sooner than he anticipated, which is what Chalamet tellsVanity Fair(which debuted the image) drew him to the project in the first place:
“The immediately appealing thing about Paul was the fact that in a story of such detail and scale and world-building, the protagonist is on an anti-hero’s-journey of sorts… He thinks he’s going to be sort of a young general studying his father and his leadership of a fighting force before he comes of age, hopefully a decade later, or something like that.”
Villeneuve had no trouble filling out his ensemble with incredible actors.Rebecca FergusonandOscar Isaacplay Chalamet’s parents,Josh Brolinplays a veteran soldier,Stellan Skarsgardplays the film’s primary antagonist,Zendayafills the role of Chani. Even the supporting cast is insane—Jason Momoa,Dave Bautista,Charlotte Rampling,David Dastmalchian, andStephen McKinley Hendersonall have roles in the film.
Villeneuve has stated that this is the first ofa planned two-film adaptation, but a sequel won’t be greenlit until Warner Bros. sees how well this first movie does. And while the coronavirus shutdown has caused most studios to delay major films, as of right nowDuneis sticking with its July 26, 2025 release date. In a statement to Vanity Fair, Villeneuve expressed his gratitude to the many people who madeDunepossible, adding that he’s proud to showcase their work and looks forward “to a time when we can all get together again asDunewas made to be seen on the big screen.” Me too, Denis. Me too.
Check out the breathtaking first image fromDunebelow, courtesy of Vanity Fair.
