Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Yesterday we passed along word that David Dastmalchian has joined the cast of Denis Villeneuve's big-budget reboot of Frank Herbert's DUNE as Piter De Vries, a character described as being "a twisted Mentat, a human trained to perform mental functions rivaling computers." Brad Dourif played Piter De Vries in David Lynch's 1984 version. Now, no disrespect to Dastmalchian, but he is hardly the most exciting member of the killer cast which includes the likes of Josh Brolin, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista, and Mr. Javier "don't make fun of my Chigurh hair" Bardem (see above). And speaking of Bardem, how does he feel taking on a role in this film which has been described as "Star Wars for adults."

Javier Bardem on DUNE:

The most important thing is that I love Denis, since Prisoners. What a luxury! He asked me if I would ever be interested in being part of Dune. Are you kidding? How much do I have to pay? It's one of those blessings that you have in this amazing, blessed life that I happen to have: having a job that I love, and make a living with, and also work with people that I truly admire and respect, and I'm getting inspired by it. It's a lot.

What did he think of Lynch's version?

I read the first three books, and, of course, I saw David Lynch's film. I'm going to be turning 50 on March 1st, so I saw David Lynch's film, which I loved. I remember the day I saw it in 1984, I think, and it was weird! And I loved it! It was big and weird, and those sandworms!

I'm glad Bardem is this excited to be a part of the new version. I'm worried the movie won't make much money when it hits, but at least we can all rest assured that it will be an amazing flick. Plus, Bardem gets tons of fanboy points from this guy for sharing the love for David Lynch's film. Hell, yeah!

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.

Filming is expected to start in the second quarter of 2019 at locations in Budapest and Jordan with Villeneuve directing 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.