Denis Villeneuve, the visionary director behind the 2021 blockbuster Dune: Part One, recently shared some intriguing insights into the highly anticipated Dune: Part Two, as well as his future plans for the franchise. With the overwhelming success of the first film, fans have been eagerly awaiting news about Villeneuve's return to Frank Herbert's captivating universe. In a recent interview with Collider, the director revealed that he wants to ensure that if they embark on Dune: Messiah, they have the best screenplay possible.
Having spent more than six years immersed in the Dune universe, Villeneuve expressed his utmost gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with such talented individuals on this esteemed series. However, he also acknowledged the need for a short break before diving into the next installment. Although it was previously announced that Villeneuve intends to complete a trilogy with Dune: Messiah, he emphasized the importance of taking the necessary time to perfect the screenplay. He stated, 'And for that, I want to take the time to do it. And I think it would be healthy that I don't go back necessarily in the desert right away, that I make a little detour, maybe. But honestly, I don't know what my future is right now, which I love because I worked the past six years nonstop. It's a blessing, but I need that. It would be nice to make sure that if we do Dune: Messiah, I want to make the best movie ever, so I want to just take my time.'
Although there may have been some confusion about the progress of the screenplay for Dune: Messiah, Villeneuve reassured fans that the team is actively working on it. This should provide some relief and excitement for those anxiously awaiting the continuation of the Dune saga.
Villeneuve also discussed the challenges faced during the production of Dune: Part Two, noting that each day presented new hurdles, whether they were related to the set or the acting. One scene, in particular, stood out as significant for him to get right - Paul's iconic ride on the sandworm. He described it as a cinematic idea and one of his favorites, admitting that if there was no movie, he would have done that scene anyway.
Bringing this crucial scene to life posed its own set of challenges for the director. The description in the book simply states, 'Paul rides the worm,' without providing any further details. Villeneuve had to invent and create the technique that the Fremen used to get onto a worm, aiming to make it as authentic and perilous as possible. He recalled the process of drawing and storyboarding to explain the Fremen strategy and technique to his crew, as well as how they would technically achieve it.
Dune: Part Two is scheduled to hit theaters on March 1, 2024. With Villeneuve's unwavering commitment to the franchise and his determination to deliver a visually breathtaking and emotionally engaging sequel, fans can eagerly anticipate the continuation of Paul Atreides' adventure and the expansion of the Dune universe under Villeneuve's skilled directorial hand.
