Moviefone Editorial

Tag: Dune

  • WarnerMedia Orders ‘Dune’ Series With Director Denis Villeneuve

    WarnerMedia Orders ‘Dune’ Series With Director Denis Villeneuve

    Dune
    Universal Pictures

    A “Dune” movie reboot just wasn’t enough for WarnerMedia — the entertainment company has ordered a series set in the novels’ universe for its forthcoming streaming service.

    WarnerMedia gave a straight-to-series order to “Dune: The Sisterhood,” Deadline reports. Like the 1984 film and the upcoming 2020 reboot, it is based on the books by acclaimed sci-fi writer Frank Herbert. Denis Villeneuve, the director of the upcoming “Dune,” is set to helm the pilot.

    The series is said to be told through the eyes of the Bene Gesserit, an order of women with special abilities. They have plans that will bring them to Arrakis, the desert planet from the movies. Members of the Bene Gesserit play into both films and now will be central figures in the TV series.

    Villeneuve, one of the show’s executive producers, described the Bene Gesserit as “fascinating” to him. “Focusing a series around that powerful order of women seemed not only relevant and inspiring but a dynamic setting for the television series,” he said in a statement, per Variety.

    Villeneuve will produce alongside Jon Spaihts, one of his co-writers on the 2020 reboot. Spaihts is also one of the “Dune” series writers. Their fellow producers are Byron Merritt and Brian and Kim Herbert. Co-producing is Kevin J. Anderson.

    WarnerMedia is preparing to launch its streaming service in 2020. It has begun to announce new series that will debut on the streamer, including a “Tokyo Vice” series starring Ansel Elgort. “Dune: The Sisterhood” is the latest, and like the others, it has heavy hitters involved.

    [via: Deadline]

  • 11 Things You Never Knew About ‘Phantasm’ on its 40th Anniversary

    11 Things You Never Knew About ‘Phantasm’ on its 40th Anniversary

    AVCO Embassy Pictures

    “Phantasm” is turning 40 years old. Despite its old age and low budget origins, this cult horror film has managed to spawn an enduring franchise and a lasting fan base. Celebrate this horror movie milestone by learning more about the making and legacy of “Phantasm.”

    1. “Phantasm” was filmed on a minuscule $300,000 budget, with director Don Coscarelli saving money by renting equipment on Fridays, shooting on the weekend and returning it the following Monday so as to only pay for one day’s rental.

    2. Actor Angus Scrimm is 6 foot 4, and he wore undersized costumes and modified boots to make him appear even taller during filming.

    AVCO Embassy Pictures

    3. Coscarelli also saved money by casting both his and actor Reggie Bannister‘s parents as extras during the funeral scene.

    4. If the exterior of the mausoleum looks familiar, that’s because the same mansion was later featured in 1985’s “A View to a Kill” and 1993’s “So I Married an Axe Murderer.”

    Universal Pictures

    5. “Phantasm” contains multiple homages to the sci-fi novel “Dune,” including the scene where Mike is forced to put his hand inside the fortune teller’s pain-inducing black box.

    6. According to Coscarelli, the original cut of “Phantasm” clocked in at over three hours. Some of the unused footage made its way into 1998’s “Phantasm IV: Oblivion,” while the rest may have been lost or destroyed.

    AVCO Embassy Pictures

    7. “Phantasm” was originally given an X rating by the MPAA, largely because of the iconic silver sphere scene. The rating was changed after LA Times critic Charles Champlin intervened on the film’s behalf.

    8. Director JJ Abrams is a huge fan of “Phantasm” and even helped arrange the film’s 2016 restoration. Abrams chose the Captain Phasma name in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” as an homage to the film.

    Lucasfilm

    9. A popular rumor suggests that “Phantasm” was the inspiration for  Motörhead’s iconic 1980 song “Ace of Spades.” Reportedly, songwriter Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister was inspired by the look of main character Mike Pearson and wrote out the lyrics during a screening.

    10. There are currently four sequels in the “Phantasm” series, with the most recent of them being 2016’s “Phantasm: Ravager.”

    11. Filmmaker Roger Avary pitched his own idea for a “Phantasm” sequel, which would have been titled “Phantasm 1999 A.D.” and featured Bruce Campbell in a major role. Unfortunately, the project was abandoned due to a lack of funding.

     

  • Full ‘Dune’ Remake Cast Confirmed as Production Begins

    Full ‘Dune’ Remake Cast Confirmed as Production Begins

    Amazon Studios

    After months of exciting reports about the ever-expanding all-star cast of the upcoming “Dune” remake, Warner Bros. has officially confirmed the lineup, and announced that filming on the sci-fi epic has begun.

    The film, based on the classic novel by Frank Herbert, is being helmed by Denis Villeneuve, who also co-wrote the script with Eric Roth and Jon Spaihts. The filmmaker previously revealed that he plans on splitting the project into two separate movies.

    Leading the starry lineup of actors is Hollywood It Boy Timothée Chalamet, who will play the role of Paul Atreides. The rest of the impressive cast includes Jason Momoa, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Zendaya, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Stellan Skarsgard, Dave Bautista, Charlotte Rampling, David Dastmalchian, Chang Chen, and Stephen Henderson.

    Here’s the film’s official synopsis:

    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, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet’s exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence—a commodity capable of unlocking humanity’s greatest potential—only those who can conquer their fear will survive.

    “Dune” is due in theaters on November 20, 2020.

    [via: The Playlist]

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  • ‘Aquaman’ Star Jason Momoa Poised to Join ‘Dune’ Reboot

    ‘Aquaman’ Star Jason Momoa Poised to Join ‘Dune’ Reboot

    Jason Momoa in Aquaman
    Warner Bros. Pictures

    Just in case there weren’t enough big names in Legendary’s “Dune” reboot, the project is looking to add Jason Momoa.

    The “Aquaman” star is in talks to join the cast, Variety reports. He’d add to the film’s already ample star-power. Its cast includes Timothee Chalamet, Javier Bardem, Rebecca Ferguson, Stellan Skarsgard, Dave Bautista, Zendaya, Josh Brolin, and Oscar Isaac.

    The film is a reboot of David Lynch’s 1984 sci-fi flick of the same name, which is based on Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel “Dune.” The story takes place in the future on a desert planet called Arrakis, where the family of a man named Paul Atreides (Chalamet) is in power. When Atreides is betrayed, he must battle with rival noble families to regain control. Momoa’s character is Duncan Idaho, a swordmaster and close ally of Chalamet’s father (Isaac).

    Momoa has seen his career pick up over the last several years. His resume includes TV roles in HBO’s “Game of Thrones” and Netflix’s “Frontier,” along with parts in the films “Braven,” “Justice League,” and “Once Upon a Time in Venice.”

    Denis Villeneuve (“Blade Runner 2049”) is directing the film from a script he co-wrote with Eric Roth and Jon Spaihts. He is producing alongside Mary Parent and Cale Boyter, while the executive producers are Kim Herbert, Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt, and Thomas Tull. Kevin J. Anderson serves as a creative consultant.

    [via: Variety]

  • Josh Brolin Joins Denis Villenueve’s ‘Dune,’ Like the Rest of Hollywood

    Josh Brolin Joins Denis Villenueve’s ‘Dune,’ Like the Rest of Hollywood

    Sicario 2 Josh Brolin
    Columbia Pictures

    At this point, who isn’t in Denis Villenueve’s “Dune”? Josh Brolin is the latest A-list actor to join the sprawling cast of the adaptation of Frank Herbert’s bestselling sci-fi epic.

    Brolin will appear opposite Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson,  Dave Bautista, Stellan Skarsgård, Charlotte Rampling, Javier Bardem. Oscar Isaac and Zendaya are also in talks to star.

    “Dune” tells the story of Paul Atreides (Chalamet), the scion of a noble family sent to to rule over the desert planet Arrakis. The inhospitable and sparsely populated desert wasteland is only good for producing “spice”, a drug that enhances mental abilities. As spice is extremely valuable, control of Arrakis is highly coveted — which plunges Paul into a complex web of political intrigue, danger, and betrayal.

    Brolin is set to play Gurney Halleck, a minstrel and Paul’s weapons teacher. He is instrumental in the awakening of Paul’s cosmic powers, which will start a revolution.

    Isaac and Ferguson would play Chalamet’s parents. Skarsgård is the villainous Baron Harkonnen, with Bautista his murderous nephew. Bardem will play Stilgar, the leader of a Fremen community who helps and advises Paul. And Charlotte Rampling is Reverend Mother Mohiam, who can exercise mystic powers to bend the will of others.

  • Javier Bardem Joins Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune’ Remake

    Javier Bardem Joins Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune’ Remake

    Everybody Knows Javier Bardem
    Focus Features

    Javier Bardem is the latest acclaimed actor to jump aboard Denis Villeneuve’s remake of “Dune.”

    Bardem is in talks to join lead Timothée Chalamet, Oscar Isaac, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista and Charlotte Rampling in the new adaptation of Frank Herbert’s bestselling epic.

    “Dune” tells the story of Paul Atreides (Chalamet), the scion of a noble family sent to to rule over the desert planet Arrakis. The inhospitable and sparsely populated desert wasteland is only good for producing “spice”, a drug that enhances mental abilities. As spice is extremely valuable, control of Arrakis is highly coveted — which plunges Paul into a complex web of political intrigue, danger, and betrayal.

    Bardem will play Stilgar, the leader of a Fremen community who helps and advises Paul.

    Isaac and Ferguson play Chalamet’s parents. Skarsgård is the villainous Baron Harkonnen, with Bautista his murderous nephew. And Charlotte Rampling will play Reverend Mother Mohiam, who can exercise mystic powers to bend the will of others.

    Bardem most recently starred opposite his wife Penelope Cruz in “Everybody Knows” and “Loving Pablo.”

  • ‘Dune’ Movie Eyes Zendaya as Timothée Chalamet’s Love Interest

    Zendaya
    Sony/Marvel

    Zendaya has flirted with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man and fallen for Zac Efron in “The Greatest Showman.” Now, she may romance Timothée Chalamet.

    According to Collider,  Zendaya is in talks to play love interest Chani in Denis Villeneuve‘s remake of “Dune.”

    Based on the Frank Herbert’s sci-fi classic, “Dune” tells the story of Paul Atreides (Chalamet), the scion of a noble family sent to to rule over the desert planet Arrakis. The inhospitable and sparsely populated desert wasteland is only good for producing “spice”, a drug that enhances mental abilities. As spice is extremely valuable, control of Arrakis is highly coveted — which plunges Paul into a complex web of political intrigue, danger, and betrayal.

    Oscar Isaac and Rebecca Ferguson will play as Chalamet’s parents. Stellan Skarsgård is the villainous Baron Harkonnen, with Dave Bautista playing his murderous nephew. And Charlotte Rampling has been cast as Reverend Mother Mohiam, who can exercise mystic powers to bend the will of others.

    Zendaya can next be seen in “Spider-Man: Far From Home” and in HBO’s upcoming teen drama “Euphoria.”

  • Oscar Isaac In Talks to Play Timothée Chalamet’s Father in ‘Dune’

    Oscar Isaac In Talks to Play Timothée Chalamet’s Father in ‘Dune’

    Disney/Lucasfilm

    The casting for Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” just keeps getting better and better: Oscar Isaac is in talks to play father to Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides.

    Isaac would be playing Duke Leto Atreides: “Mission: Impossible” star Rebecca Ferguson has already been cast as Paul’s mother, Lady Jessica Atreides.

    The rest of the cast is shaping up nicely, with Stellan Skarsgård as political rival Baron Harkonnen, Charlotte Rampling as Reverend Mother Mohiam and Dave Bautista as Glossu ‘Beast’ Rabban.

    No word yet if any cast members of the 1984 David Lynch film, such as Kyle MacLachlan and Patrick Stewart, might be doing cameos.

    [Via Variety]

  • Charlotte Rampling Joins Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune’ Remake

    Charlotte Rampling Joins Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune’ Remake

    Sundance Selects

    Oscar-nominated actress Charlotte Rampling is joining Denis Villeneuve‘s “Dune” remake.

    She’ll play the Reverend Mother Mohiam in the sci-fi film, the intimidating “truthsayer” who subjects potential chosen one Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) to a grueling mental and physical test in a key scene.

    If her makeup is anything like Silvana Mangano‘s (who played the part in David Lynch’s 1984 film), she’ll look something like this :

    Universal

    Rampling, who was born in France, was nominated for an Oscar for the 2015 film “45 Years.” Her other films include “The Little Stranger,” “Red Sparrow,”  François Ozon’s “Swimming Pool,” “The Verdict” and “The Night Porter.”

    She was nominated for a Golden Globe for her work on the British miniseries “London Spy” and also appeared in the second season of “Broadchurch.”

    She joins Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Dave Bautista and Stellan Skarsgard in the film, which will start shooting soon. The deserts of Jordan will stand in for the sand planet of Arrakis.

    It’s a big cast (practically everyone who ever worked with David Lynch made it into the 1984 film), so we await more casting news.

    We’re holding out hope that Tilda Swinton is cast as Chalamet’s regal mother, Lady Jessica.

    [Via Hollywood Reporter]

  • Dave Bautista Joins ‘Dune’ Reboot

    Dave Bautista Joins ‘Dune’ Reboot

    Marvel Studios

    While the future of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise remains in flux, star Dave Bautista has joined another high-profile film: The upcoming “Dune” reboot.

    Variety has the scoop that Bautista will co-star in the hotly-anticipated feature, which will be directed by Denis Villeneuve. The pair previously collaborated on another sci-fi flick, “Blade Runner 2049,” the long-delayed sequel to Ridley Scott’s 1982 film.

    As Villeneuve proved with that property, he has a knack for tackling well-known stories and making them his own. He has previously stated that he plans to make two “Dune” films, and has been having a lot of fun with the creative process.

    Though the director has been tight-lipped about any details so far, previous reports have indicated that Timothee Chalamet is set to star, and Rebecca Ferguson is also reportedly in talks for a role. “Dune” is based on the 1965 novel of the same name by Frank Herbert. It was previously turned into a feature film in 1984, directed by David Lynch and starring Kyle MacLachlan and Sting.

    Here’s a rundown of the plot, per Variety:

    Set in the distant future, “Dune” follows Paul Atreides, whose family assumes control of the desert planet Arrakis. As the only producer of a highly valuable resource, jurisdiction over Arrakis is contested among competing noble families. After Paul and his family are betrayed, the story explores themes of politics, religion, and man’s relationship with nature, as Paul leads a rebellion to restore his family’s reign.

    Stay tuned for more intel as it becomes available.

    [via: Variety]