Director Denis Villeneuve, fresh off the success of 'Dune: Part Two,' is in talks with Legendary for a potential new project. The acclaimed filmmaker is considering an adaptation of Annie Jacobsen's Pulitzer Prize finalist book 'Nuclear War: A Scenario.' Legendary has also confirmed that Villeneuve is collaborating with them on a third installment of the 'Dune' series.
The film rights to Jacobsen's nonfiction work have been acquired by Legendary, with Villeneuve possibly taking on roles as producer, adapter, and/or director for the project. His producing partner, Tanya Lapointe, is also expected to be involved. Jacobsen's book, released on March 26, delves into the hypothetical aftermath of a nuclear war, drawing insights from interviews with military and civilian experts intimately familiar with the weapons and response strategies.
Meanwhile, 'Dune: Part Two' continues to dominate the box office, having already grossed an impressive $630 million worldwide. The sequel, headlined by stars like Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, stands as the highest-grossing film of 2024. The storyline follows Chalamet's character, Paul Atreides, as he fulfills his destiny as the chosen one and seeks vengeance against those who brought ruin to his family.
Villeneuve's initial 'Dune' film, released in 2021, also performed well, amassing $402 million globally. Annie Jacobsen, the author of 'Nuclear War: A Scenario,' is known for her other works such as 'Area 51,' 'Operation Paperclip,' and 'The Pentagon's Brain.' She has also contributed to television productions like 'Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan.'
Both Villeneuve and Jacobsen are represented by CAA, a prominent talent agency in the entertainment industry. As discussions progress between Villeneuve and Legendary, fans eagerly anticipate the potential collaboration between the visionary director and the compelling source material of Jacobsen's book.
