It was just earlier today that we passed along word that Chang Chen has joined the cast of Denis Villeneuve's big-budget reboot of Frank Herbert's DUNE as Dr. Yueh and now we already have word that the film has begun shooting as of today at locations in Budapest and Jordan. Nice! Truth be told I was never confident this movie would ever actually make it to the screen. Too risky I thought. But all the same, I'm excited to hear the film is moving ahead right on track for its Thanksgiving 2020 release date. Hoo-ray!
Since this new version doesn't have an official synopsis yet, here's the plot rundown on David Lynch's version:
In the year 10191, a spice called melange is the most valuable substance known in the universe, and its only source is the desert planet Arrakis. A royal decree awards Arrakis to Duke Leto Atreides and ousts his bitter enemies, the Harkonnens. However, when the Harkonnens violently seize back their fiefdom, it is up to Paul (Kyle MacLachlan), Leto's son, to lead the Fremen, the natives of Arrakis, in a battle for control of the planet and its spice. Based on Frank Herbert's epic novel.
The killer cast for the film includes – wait for it because this shite is crazy – Timothee Chalamet as Paul Atreides, Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, Oscar Isaac as Duke Leto Atreides, Javier Bardem as Stilgar, Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck, Jason Momoa as Duncan Idaho, Dave Bautista as Rabban, Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Harkonnen, David Dastmalchian as Piter De Vries, and Charlotte Rampling as Reverend Mother Mohiam.
Villeneuve directs this new take on DUNE from a screenplay he co-wrote along with Eric Roth and Jon Spaihts. Villeneuve is also producing with Mary Parent, and Cale Boyter, with Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt, Thomas Tull, and Kim Herbert executive producing. Kevin J. Anderson serves as a creative consultant. DUNE will be hitting your local multiplex in both 3D and IMAX the weekend before Thanksgiving November 20th, 2020.
Buy David Lynch's DUNE on Blu-ray HERE.