After tackling the daunting task of Frank Herbert’s Dune, Denis Villeneuve is getting ready to take on directing duties on a Rendezvous with Rama movie, a sci-fi story from Arthur C. Clarke, per “The Hollywood Reporter.”
Villeneuve will be directing the film for Alcon Entertainment, which worked with the director previously on the Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal critically acclaimed drama Prisoners, as well as Blade Runner 2049. The film also counts Morgan Freeman as a producer, who has previously held the rights to the 1973 novel. The story, which comes from the writer behind 2001: A Space Odyssey, follows a group of human space explorers that are tasked with intercepting an alien starship that is hurtling through the solar system. It is believed that the missions will lead to mankind’s first contact with alien intelligence. Alcon co-CEOs Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosov had this to say about Denis Villeneuve directing the film:
“This is one of the most intelligent works of fiction in the genre; it poses as many questions as it does answers, and is a work for our time. It’s perfectly fitted to our friend and collaborator Denis’ brilliant sensibilities and specifically to his love and passion for science fiction. We are also pleased to work with Morgan and Lori, who have a long-standing passion for this IP.”
Villeneuve’s adaptation of Dune proved to be a global hit during the pandemic with a worldwide gross approaching the $400 million mark. Part 2 of Dune has already been greenlit by Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment and that will be Villeneuve’s next project so I imagine he will jump on Rendezvous with Rama after. The director is also attached to helm episodes of and executive produce HBO Max spin-off prequel series Dune: The Sisterhood.
What are YOUR thoughts on Denis Villeneuve taking on a Rendezvous with Rama movie?