After months of anticipation, Dune closed out its impressive opening weekend with the announcement that Warner Bros. and Legendary are officially moving forward with a sequel. The follow-up, which will adapt the second half of Frank Herbert’s original novel, isn’t bowing until 2023. But director Denis Villeneuve just revealed that his return trip to Arrakis is still several months away.
While speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Villeneuve divulged that production on Dune: Part Two won’t start until the fall of 2022 at the earliest, which means he has roughly a year to complete the film and bring it to theaters. This seems like a pretty short timeframe to deliver another epic space opera adventure. But just like Paul Atreides, Villeneuve has his own terrible purpose.
“It’s fantastic news, but it’s also kind of a burden,” said Villeneuve. “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 try to face that challenge because it’s important for me that the audience sees Part Two as 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.”
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Unlike Dune, which also hit HBO Max day-and-date with theaters, Part Two will be given an exclusive theatrical window of 45 days. And according to Villeneuve, this was key in securing his return for the sequel.
“For me, it was a non-negotiable condition,” added Villeneuve. “I love streaming. I use streaming all the time. But I still think that contemporary movies need to have their chance. All movies need to have proper time in theaters. The theatrical experience is at the very heart of the cinematic language for me.”
Dune: Part Two will hit theaters on October 20, 2023.
Do you think the cast and crew will be able to finish the sequel in time to make its current release date? Let us know in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: Dune (Penguin Galaxy)
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