Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel “Dune” is revered as one of the world’s best-selling science fiction novels. Now, fans might get another chance at visiting the planet Arrakis.
Legendary Entertainment has acquired the film and television rights to the beloved novel from the author’s estate. The agreement reached between the two parties includes the development and production of possible film and TV projects for a global audience.
“Dune” is set in the distant future and follows the story of Paul Atreides, an orphaned royal heir who, after his family is betrayed, tries to regain control of the desert planet Arrakis, a place where the most valuable resource known as “spice” is found. The first novel launched a successful and epic book series, with its tales exploring themes of politics, religion, and man’s relationship to nature as Paul leads a rebellion to restore his family’s control of Arrakis.
Any projects development in the future will be produced by Thomas Tull, Mary Parent and Cale Boyter. Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt and Kim Herbert will serve as executive producers.
READ MORE: Watch: Massive 3-Hour Fan Cut Of David Lynch’s Sci-Fi Epic ‘Dune’
In 1984 David Lynch directed an adaptation of the novel with the same name. The film received negative reviews and bombed at the box office, though the movie later went on to develop a cult following. Another famous attempt was made with director Alejandro Jodorowsky, his efforts to bring the story to the big screen were chronicled in the 2013 documentary “Jodorowsky’s Dune.” A miniseries for Syfy was also created in 2000 by John Harrison.
Early this year, “Arrival” helmer Denis Villeneuve expressed interest in directing a remake of the 1984 film, telling Variety, “A longstanding dream of mine is to adapt ‘Dune,’ but it’s a long process to get the rights, and I don’t think I will succeed.” Maybe now he’ll get his chance.
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