Denis Villeneuve Explains Why His Dune Will Be Two Movies

Denis Villeneuve

by James White |
Published on

We've recently seen the first images from Denis Villeneuve's long-awaited adaptation of Frank Herbert's sci-fi novel series Dune. And while he's said before that he plans to make two movies from the first book, he's gone on the record to Vanity Fair to explain quite why.

"I would not agree to make this adaptation of the book with one single movie," says Villeneuve. "The world is too complex. It’s a world that takes its power in details." It's a complicated, wide-ranging story and one that dogged David Lynch when he tried in 1984 and has defeated others since. And Villeneuve isn't stopping with the two films – he's also overseeing a TV series that will run on Warner Bros.' new streaming service.

"It’s a book that tackles politics, religion, ecology, spirituality—and with a lot of characters," Villeneuve explains. “I think that’s why it’s so difficult. Honestly, it’s by far the most difficult thing I’ve done in my life."

For more from Villeneuve and some of his cast, head to Vanity Fair's site. This one, we really can't wait to see. Even if we must... Dune – or the first part, at least, is scheduled to land on 18 December.

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