Denis Villeneuve Limits ‘Dune’ Film Series To Three, Despite Six Available Books

Dune: Part Two is one of the big cinematic events we will see this year. Denis Villeneuve will once again be the film’s director. In addition, we have other good news: the filmmaker has revealed that he is currently developing the screenplay for Dune Messiah movie. It will be an adaptation that will bring to life the story of Frank Herbert’s second novel.

Denis Villeneuve, acknowledging his limits, confirmed this week to Time that he will not be extending the Dune film series. He also revealed that he will not make more than three installments. It should be remembered that there are six books in Frank Herbert’s celebrated science fiction series.

Director Denis Villeneuve Talks About Dune Messiah Movie

“Dune Messiah should be the last Dune movie for me,”. As Denis Villeneuve stands on the verge of releasing Dune: Part Two, he emphasizes that his adaptation of the Herbert novels is a product of a lifelong devotion to fandom.

“I was trying to be, as a filmmaker, as invisible as possible,” Villeneuve said about Dune: Part One, released 2021. “I tried my best to keep the poetry of the book, the atmosphere, the colors, the smell, everything that I felt when I read the book, I tried.”

Dune: Part Two resumes the narrative from its predecessor, as Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) finally reunites with Chani (Zendaya) and allies with the Fremen to combat the malevolent Harkonnens. Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgard, and Dave Bautista are returning for the sequel. The film, which was scheduled for release in 2023, was delayed to March due to the actors’ strike.

During this period, Villeneuve focused on crafting the script for Dune Messiah, intending to adapt the second installment of Herbert’s six-part Dune novels. Although Warner Bros. has not officially greenlit the project, Villeneuve has been actively involved in the film’s development.

“If I succeed in making a trilogy, that would be the dream,”. Dune Messiah movie seeks to tell the story of Paul Atreides as a hero, which is not what wanted to do. My adaptation is closer to his idea that it’s actually a warning.”

He also wants to say goodbye to the franchise. In addition, the director seeks to distance himself from a Hollywood landscape influenced by economic considerations.

Featured Image Via Warner Bros. Pictures

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