'Dune': 5 things to know about 2021's much-anticipated epic sci-fi saga
When Frank Herbert released his novel 'Dune' in 1965, he probably had no idea of a franchise his stories would inspire -- 'Star Wars', a sci-fi epic spanning nine films and well over a dozen series. Herbert's novel was first adapted in 1984 starring Kyle MacLachlan and Patrick Stewart. In 2020, a second adaptation is set to release and boasts some big names in Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Josh Brolin.
Set in the far future, 'Dune' follows Paul Atreides, as he and his family, the noble House Atreides, find themselves in the middle of a war for the dangerous desert planet Arrakis, between the native Fremen people and the enemy invaders, the House Harkonnen. The film made its debut at the 78th Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2021. and was released in theatres internationally on September 15, 2021.
While you wait for the release of 'Dune', here are a few titles that you can check out: 'The Mandalorian', 'Star Wars: Rise of the Skywalker', and 'Star Trek: Picard'.
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When will 'Dune' release?
'Dune' releases October 22 in the US with a simultaneous release on HBO Max.
What is 'Dune' all about?
Based on Frank Herbert's iconic novel of the same name, 'Dune' is set in the distant future. Duke Leto Atreides is assigned to govern the dangerous desert planet Arrakis, the only source of the most valuable substance in the universe: a drug known as "the spice" that extends human life and enhances mental capabilities. Leto knows this is a setup by his enemies, the Harkonnens.
But, he takes Lady Jessica, his concubine and a follower of the Bene Gesserit, and their young son and heir, Paul, as well as his most trusted advisors to Arrakis, which is also known as Dune. Leto takes control of the space mining operation while facing the dangers presented by giant sandworms. However, Leto is betrayed by his personal physician leading Paul and Jessica to the Fremen -- the natives of Arrakis who live in the deep desert -- and have to start seeing them as allies to survive.
The official synopsis reads: "A mythic and emotionally charged hero's journey, "Dune" tells the story of Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people."
Who stars in the sci-fi flick?
Timothée Chalamet is an actor best known for his roles in 'Call Me By Your Name', 'Little Women', 'Lady Bird', and 'The King'. He plays the role of Paul Atreides, who is the son of Duke Leto Atreides and Lady Jessica. Paul is the heir of House Atreides, an aristocratic family that rules the planet Caladan.
Rebecca Ferguson plays Paul's mother, Lady Jessica, and the Bene Gesserit concubine to the Duke Leto Atreides, his father, and Oscar Isaac plays Leto, the Duke of House Atreides, and father to Paul Atreides. Josh Brolin plays the role of Gurney Halleck, weapons master of House Atreides and Paul's mentor.
Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, sworn enemy to Leto and former steward of Arrakis, Dave Bautista as Glossu Rabban, the brutish nephew of Baron Harkonnen, Zendaya as Chani, Fremen daughter of Imperial Planetologist Liet-Kynes and Paul's love interest, Jason Momoa as Duncan Idaho, swordmaster of House Atreides, and Javier Bardem as Stilgar, leader of the Fremen tribe at Sietch Tabr, round up the rest of the cast.
Director
Denis Villeneuve is a French Canadian film director and is best known for his films 'Arrival', 'Blade Runner 2049', and 'Sicario'. Villeneuve will also work on the screenplay with Eric Roth and Jon Spaihts.
Trailer
There are three trailers that were released since 2020. You can have a look at them below.