So we have Arrival’s captain Denis Villeneuve at the helm of the all-new adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune, what Legendary Pictures needed next was a grade A screenwriter to join the ranks and that is where Forrest Gump writer, Eric Roth, comes into the fold to pen the new version.
This isn’t the first time Frank Herbert’s Dune has been attempted on the big screen; in fact, there have been many attempts and failures to get them off the ground. As far back as in 1971 Ridley Scott attempted and failed to bring the story to life, it wasn’t until 1984 when Mulholland Drive Director, David Lynch attached himself to the film it finally got off the ground with the likes of Kyle MacLachlan, who Lynch later went on to work with on Twin Peaks, and Patrick Stewart taking on roles. Jodorowsky’s Dune is a whole epic tale on its own.
For those new to the world of Dune, the story is set in the distant future, the original novel follows the young Paul Atreides whose noble family accepts control of the desert planet Arrakis. As the only planet capable of producing the highly valuable resource ‘spice’ used for space travel, control of Arrakis is highly contested amongst the noble families.
When Paul and his family are betrayed, the story explores themes of politics, religion, and man’s relationship to nature as Paul leads a rebellion to restore his family’s control of Arrakis.
Legendary Pictures acquired the rights to make films and TV Series of the Sci-Fi classic late last year after making a deal with Herbert’s estate. Villeneuve, who is no stranger to dipping his toe into cult classics is currently still working on Blade Runner 2049, will be teaming up with Mary Parent and Cale Boyter who will produce, Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt, Thomas Tull and Kim Herbert will executive produce, and Kevin J Anderson will serve as a creative consultant.
