Dune already had the odds against it before the pandemic when theaters were open and that was the only way to see a movie of that scope. But the stakes are even higher now as the film will have a dual release on theaters and HBO Max as well as the fact the upcoming movie is only an adaptation of the first half of the famous Frank Herbert novel. So, if it doesn't sell, the second half (and the conclusion of the story) will not see the inside of a theater (or your living room). However, the film's director Denis Villeneuve seems optimistic, fully expecting to have the script for the sequel ready for filming late next year. Having written the first part with Jon Spaihts and Eric Roth, Villeneuve seems primsed to In an interview with French-Canadian outlet La Presse, he gave his hopes as if they were definite plans:
“I think realistically that we could start filming in the fall of 2022. It would be pretty quick, but it would be good."
In this same interview, he also clarified his recent comments about Chani’s role in the second film in which he stated the character (who will be played by Zendaya in the upcoming first part) would be the primary lead of the sequel. However, now he insists Paul (Played by Timothée Chalamet) is still the main protagonist for Part 2, quoting the following:
“I mumbled about something about the character of Chani that suggested that the second film would be focused on her. She remains one of the main characters and the role is important, but Dune nevertheless remains the story of Paul Atreides first and foremost. Having said that, Zendaya is an incredible actress who inspires me deeply. She really is a movie beast. Its role has also grown in the first part. I put this misunderstanding on my own. This is a case of 'lost in translation.'"
Whatever the case of the writing, the first part needs to sell first. So if you're curious to see the novel fully adapted, I suggest watching it in whatever form you can when it is released on October 22nd.
Dune co-stars , Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Zendaya, David Dastmalchian, Chang Chen, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Charlotte Rampling, Jason Momoa, and Javier Bardem.
What if part 1 bombs?