Dune: Part Two director Denis Villeneuve has revealed the existence of a 'Worm Unit' that perfected the movie's highly-anticipated sandworm riding scenes. In the movie, sandworms are giant worms native to Arrakis that Fremen are able to ride on. Promotional material for the film indicates Paul Atreides will be riding on said worms, proving himself as the prophetic Lisan al-Gaib.
Villeneuve explained that the upcoming Dune: Part Two had a 'Worm Unit' to develop sandworm riding for the film. Led by the director's wife, producer Tanya Lapointe, the major undertaking was done to ensure the pivotal scenes looked as realistic as possible.
In the book, it’s just written, ‘and then Paul rides the worm,' with no real clues of how a Fremen will actually jump onto a sandworm, this great beast with high speed and tremendous power. So from the worm behavior that we had created in Part One, I had to figure out how a human being could approach that: What is the Fremen technique? What do the maker hooks like? How do you use them? It required a tremendous amount of research and development.
Villeneuve expressed that without the Worm Unit, the movie would still be in production due to the complexity of the shots. The director aimed for a level of realism never seen before to ensure the audience believed in Paul's journey.
The sandworms in Dune, known as Shai-Hulud by the Fremen, hold symbolic significance beyond their physical abilities. They are revered by the Fremen as a key element of spice production on Arrakis and are seen as close to divine in nature. Paul riding a sandworm in the film solidifies his place among the planet's people.
The realistic portrayal of sandworm riding in the film promises a technically impressive and emotionally impactful moment. Villeneuve's dedication to making the scene authentic hints at its potential to be a standout moment in the movie.
With Dune: Part Two having a longer runtime than Part One, there may be an extended scene explaining sandworm riding and its importance. The attention to detail in this pivotal moment suggests a high level of craftsmanship throughout the entire film.
Dune: Part Two is set to hit theaters on March 1, offering fans the chance to witness the culmination of the intricate sandworm riding sequences and the broader narrative of Paul Atreides' journey on Arrakis.
