Denis Villeneuve, ‘Arrival’ Director, To Direct New ‘Dune’ Adaptation

Denis Villeneuve, who directed 2016’s sci-fi hit Arrival and the upcoming Blade Runner 2049 sequel, is slated to direct a new adaptation of classic sci-fi novel Dune.

DENIS VILLENEUVE TO DIRECT DUNE FILM SERIES ADAPTATION

The news was confirmed on Twitter by Brian Herbert, son of Dune author Frank Herbert. Villeneuve was rumored to be working on the project last month, though it was unclear if it would be a film or television series. From Herbert’s tweet, however, it becomes more likely it will be a film series, based on the participation of Legendary Pictures.

It’s official — Legendary Pictures has signed the very talented Denis Villeneuve to direct the exciting new DUNE series film project.

— Brian Herbert (@DuneAuthor) February 1, 2017

The first film adaptation of the book came in 1984 and was directed by cult auteur David Lynch, and starred Kyle McLachlan, Patrick Stewart, and Sting. Though a commercial failure, the film has entered the realm of cult status.

A second unsuccessful attempt at the story came in 2000 in the form of a Sci-Fi Channel miniseries. Plus various other projects that never quite got underway, including an attempt by director Peter Berg.

Villeneuve is currently working on Blade Runner 2049 starring Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford. He is also nominated for a Best Director Academy Award for Arrival.