Dune (part one) released

Dune Released: September 3, 2021 Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures Genre: sci-fi Box Office (numbers in millions): Domestic: 108.90 Worldwide: 410.67 Adjusted for Inflation: Domestic: -- Worldwide: --

Directing: Denis Villenueve Screenwriting: Denis Villenueve, Jon Spaihts, Eric Roth Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Oscar Isaac, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, Josh Brolin, Jason Momoa, Javier Bardem, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista Review: Frank Herbert’s 1965 epic sci-fi novel Dune was first adapted to the screen in “a fatally flawed 1984 version” GN from director David Lynch. It was adapted into a television mini-series in 2000. After Legendary Pictures acquired the rights to Dune in 2016, Denis Villenueve (Arrival, Blade Runner 2049) signed on to direct. The story focuses on the House Atreides, led by the Duke (Isaac), and their move to the desert planet of Arrakis which is the sole source of the universe’s valuable spice. The House Harkonnen, led by the Baron (Skarsgård), had previously been in control and plots to take down the House Atreides. After the Duke is assassinated, his son, Paul (Chalamet) and his mother (Ferguson) flee to the desert where they are taken in by the desert natives known as the Fremen. Villenueve offers an “astonishing visual sensibility” GN to a “novel that has become part of the fabric of popular science fiction.” GN There are “explosive action sequences and a booming Hans Zimmer score, but there are also low-key moments.” GN In a savvy casting move, multiple successful franchises are tapped for signature actors, including Issacs (Star Wars), Marvel movies (Brolin, Bautista), and DC Comics (Mamoa). Given the huge scope of the story, Denis Villenueve “sensibly tackles only manageable section of the story,” GN leaving the rise of Paul as a Messiah figure to a sequel released in 2024. See the review of Part Two here. Sources: GN The Guardian movie review by Mark Kermode WK Wikipedia

Awards/Honors/Lists: Eras: Oscars: Wins: 6. Best Original Score, Best Sound, Best Film Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Visual Effects. Nominations: 10, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling Lists: First posted 3/2/2025.