Filming of the highly anticipated reboot to the science-fiction classic Dune begins at long last. The Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049, Arrival) helmed project is set to be shot in Jordan, Budapest, and Hungary.
Jordan will likely be the location for Arrakis with Budapest and Hungary filling in for planet Kaitain (seat of power for Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV), Caladan (home of House Atreides), or perhaps even Geidi Prime (home of House Harkonnen).
The star power for this cast is staggering with Timothee Chalamet (Paul Atreides), Stellan Skarsgard (Baron Vladimir Harkonnen), Javier Bardem (Stilgar), Rebecca Ferguson (Lady Jessica), Dave Bautista (Glosu “The Beast” Rabban), Oscar Isaac (Duke Leto Atreides), Josh Brolin (Gurney Halleck), Zendaya (Chani), Charlotte Rampling (Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohaim), Jason Momoa (Duncan Idaho), David Dastmalchian (Piter De Vries), and Chen Chang in discussions to play Dr. Wellington Yueh.
Brian Herbert, son of Dune creator Frank Herbert tweeted today that filming is underway and that it was a big step for fans everywhere.
Cameras are rolling on the new DUNE movie, so we have a Greenlight. That is a really big step forward for Dune fans all over the world. I know Frank Herbert would be pleased, and I am proud of my father for creating such a great work of literature.https://t.co/oWGjazDdBo— Brian Herbert (@DuneAuthor) March 18, 2019
Dune tells the story of young Paul Atreides, the heir to a dukedom who’s family has been given stewardship of the desert planet Arrakis. There the spice melange is harvest and is the single most important commodity in the entire Imperium. Paul and the rest of House Atreides are challenged by dark sinister forces that seek their destruction, including his father’s enemy the Baron Vladimir Harkonnen.
Herbert previously mentioned that the film will cover the first part of the original novel.
There are still some notable characters that haven’t been cast yet (I’m looking at you especially Feyd-Rautha) and it’ll be exciting to find out who will be joining this stellar group.
Dune is set to be released worldwide on November 20, 2020.
