In the mid-1960s, Frank Herbert’s science-fiction masterpiece, Dune, emerged as a foundational text for the genre, deemed nearly impossible to adapt for the screen. The narrative unfolds in the distant future, weaving an interstellar saga involving noble houses, planetary fiefs, and the Atreides family’s acceptance of stewardship over the desert planet Arrakis. This arid land is the sole source of melange, a spice with the power to prolong life, enhance mental faculties, and facilitate space travel. However, to safeguard Arrakis, its resources, and the Fremen inhabitants, young Paul Atreides embarks on a perilous journey to prove himself as the prophesied chosen one.
Dune (2021), the cinematic rendition of the first half of Herbert’s epic, showcased Timothée Chalamet’s captivating portrayal of Paul. Under the visionary direction of Denis Villeneuve, the film overcame the challenges that befell David Lynch’s ’80s adaptation, demonstrating the feasibility of translating the novel to the screen. Villeneuve’s exceptional world-building immersed viewers in Arrakis, evoking the sensation of sand gusting as spaceships landed and the tremors of the desert floor when colossal sandworms emerged.
Dune: Part Two serves as the concluding chapter, promising to elevate the adventure, excitement, spectacle, and emotion to new heights. Paul will confront his formidable adversary, Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, portrayed by Austin Butler, kindle a romance with the warrior woman from his visions, Chani (Zendaya), and encounter numerous sandworms.
The upcoming issue of Total Film magazine, available from February 1, features Dune 2 on its cover. Inside, readers can explore an extensive feature delving into the film’s creation, with insights from director Villeneuve and the stellar cast, including Chalamet, Zendaya, Butler, Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, and Stellan Skarsgård. Offering an exclusive preview, the magazine presents new images from the highly anticipated Dune: Part Two.