“Blade Runner 2049” director Denis Villeneuve is in early talks to direct Legendary’s “Dune” reboot, TheWrap has confirmed.
Exactly one month ago, Legendary Entertainment announced that it had acquired the film and television rights to Frank Herbert’s award-winning science fiction novel “Dune,” with plans to turn the classic property into a possible franchise.
Thomas Tull, Mary Parent and Cale Boyter will produce the new “Dune” adaptation. Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt and Kim Herbert are serving as executive producers.
Set in the distant future, “Dune” tells the story of Paul Atreides, whose family assumes control of the planet Arrakis. As the only producer of a highly valuable resource, control of Arrakis is highly contested among competing noble families. After Paul and his family are betrayed, the story explores themes of politics, religion and man’s relationship to nature as Atreides leads a rebellion to restore his family’s control of the desert planet.
The project won’t mark the first time “Dune” has been adapted for the big screen. David Lynch directed the original 1984 film, which was met with polarizing reviews but has since gained cult status. The 2000 “Dune” mini-series also remains one of the highest rated programs on Syfy.
Villeneuve also recently directed “Arrival,”which is currently in theaters and stars Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker and Michael Stuhlbarg. The film depicts aliens’ first contact on Earth, and explores how language barriers inhibit communication. Adams is currently in the Oscar hunt for her work in the film.
Earlier this week the first trailer for Villeneuve’s next film, “Blade Runner 2049,” was released online.