Warner Bros. Reportedly Planning to Produce More DUNE Movies With or Without Director Denis Villeneuve
While we know director Denis Villeneuve is currently developing Dune: Messiah a new report has surfaced claiming that Warner Bros. is planning to move forward with at least one more movie, with or without director Villeneuve.
The studio is looking to be gearing up for a long-term expansion of the Dune universe, even if director Villeneuve opts not to stay on board. Villeneuve, who masterfully brought Frank Herbert’s epic sci-fi tale to life with the first two Dune movies, has been vocal about his intention to conclude his involvement after adapting Dune: Messiah. But the studio may have a different plans.
According to scooper Daniel Richtman, and later corroborated by World of Reel, Warner Bros. is actively considering producing at least one more Dune film beyond Messiah, as well as a second Dune-themed TV series.
While HBO's Dune: Prophecy didn’t quite achieve the critical acclaim of Villeneuve’s films, its solid viewership suggests there’s still a strong appetite for more stories set in this universe.
Villeneuve has expressed reservations about adapting the later novels in Herbert's saga, including Children of Dune and God Emperor of Dune, describing their narratives as becoming increasingly "esoteric."
This explains why the director is hesitant to commit to the franchise’s long-term future. A source from World of Reel revealed that Villeneuve "was rather irked by these potential plans to expand the franchise, with or without him."
Given the massive success of the first two films, it’s no surprise Warner Bros. wants to keep the momentum going. However, fans may find it difficult to imagine Dune continuing without Villeneuve’s visionary touch.
The filmmaker previously talked about Messiah, saying: "Let's say that I thought that after Part Two that I will take a break, that I will go back in the woods and stay in the woods for a while to recover.
“But the woods weren't really suiting me, and I would go back behind the camera faster than I think. But that's all I can say."
The filmmaker went on to share some plot details saying that the subject of war would be at the center of the adaptation adding that in Dune: Part Two, “in order to save his friends, [Paul Atredies] has to start a war.”
Frank Herbert’s Dune: Messiah takes place 12 years after the events of the first book and follows Paul Atreides, now Emperor of the Known Universe. Paul's rule is marked by political intrigue, religious fervor, and the consequences of his prescient visions.
As he navigates the complexities of his position, Paul faces challenges from various factions, including the powerful Bene Gesserit Sisterhood, who seek to control his bloodline.
Amidst this turmoil, Paul's relationship with his wife, Chani, and his young children adds a personal dimension to his struggles.
What are your thoughts on the possibility of Dune moving forward with a new creative team?