Now thatDuneofficiallyhas a sequel set to hit theaters in 2023, fans ofDenisVilleneuve’s adaptation ofFrankHerbert’s best-selling sci-fi novel would probably prefer thatDune: Part Twostart filming right away. Unfortunately, it seems that this is not the case, as Villeneuve says the second part of his epic won’t start shooting at least until Fall 2022, giving him less than a year to wrap shootings and do all the post-production magic blockbusters need.
Speaking toThe Hollywood Reporter, Villeneuve shared his excitement aboutDune: Part Twobeing officially greenlit by Legendary and Warner Bros., underlining how the 45-days exclusive theatrical window the sequel will get “was a non-negotiable condition.” However, although the filmmaker is happy to finish his epic story in two parts, Villeneuve also said that he feels the weight of finishing up a film this size in less than two years. Does that meanDune: Part 2could start shooting in Spring?
“No, that’s too soon,” Villeneuve says, “We still have a lot of work to do. It’d probably be more toward Fall, and even that would be fast.”
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Commenting on the project’s scope, Villeneuve also celebrates that part of the work needed forDune: Part 2is already done because both movies were conceived as a single story. In Villeneuve’s words:
“The good news is that a lot of the work has been done already regarding design, casting, locations and writing. So we’re not starting from scratch. It’s not a long period of time, but I will attempt to face that challenge because it’s important for me that the audience seesPart Twoas soon as possible. It’s not a sequel where it’s another episode or another story with the same characters. It actually has direct continuity to the first movie. It’s the second part of the big, huge movie that I’m trying to do. So, the sooner the better.”
Dune’s impressive cast includesTimothée Chalametas Paul Atreides,Oscar Isaacas Duke Leto Atreides,Zendayaas Chani,Rebecca Fergusonas Lady Jessica,Josh Brolinas Gurney Halleck,Stellan Skarsgårdas Baron Vladimir Harkonnen,DaveBautistaas Glossu ‘Beast’ Rabban,Charlotte Ramplingas Gaius Helen Mohiam,Jason Momoaas Duncan Idaho, andJavier Bardemas Stilgar.
Duneis available right now in theaters and on HBO Max. Check outDune’s official synopsis below.
A mythic and emotionally charged hero’s journey, “Dune” tells the story of Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet’s exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence–a commodity capable of unlocking humanity’s greatest potential–only those who can conquer their fear will survive.
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