There has been a lot of speculation whether the new adaptation of ‘Dune’ will be done in multiple films and now we’ve got further proof that director Denis Villeneuve is going that route. Frank Herbert’s work is a masterpiece but more than that, there are tons of details jam-packed into every page. So much that trying to have this epic tale that clocks in at over 400 pages into a single movie just isn’t feasible. You only have to look back at David Lynch’s 1984 film and the Syfy ‘Dune’ miniseries to know that.
With Villeneuve having told the world that his goal was two films from the getgo, this is confirmation that the first novel is being split to accommodate that vision.
Frank Herbert’s son Brian has helped craft a more extensive world that his father built based off of notes and ideas that he had. With that in mind, he is working as an executive producer on the film and has shared this important feat on Twitter:
I have just received Draft #4 of the DUNE screenplay from Legendary Pictures. This is for the first movie, covering approximately half of the novel DUNE. I’m very excited and pleased about this, and I’m beginning to burn the midnight oil. pic.twitter.com/nIfgb2zJ2J
— Brian Herbert (@DuneAuthor) July 23, 2018
He later went on to say:
Reading DUNE screenplay + taking notes. Kevin reading it, too, + when we’re ready we’ll put our heads together to make our comments to Legendary. Some fans are asking detailed questions, + I’ll look at them when I can. I’m happy to see all the excitement in the Dune Galaxy.
— Brian Herbert (@DuneAuthor) July 24, 2018
For those wondering who this lucky Kevin is, Brian co-wrote his installments into the ‘Dune’ universe with renowned science fiction author Kevin J. Anderson. Anderson is also attached to the film and listed as a co-producer and creative consultant.
While the craze for many YA adaptations is to split novels these days much to the annoyance of fans, this is one instance where multiple installments are very much the way to go.
Are you excited that Villeneuve is going to be able to have ‘Dune’ split into at least two films? Do you think that we’re finally going to see cinematic justice done to this iconic novel? Share your thoughts below!