Part 2’ Trailer Promises A Movie Even Better Than The Book

Dune is one of those classic novels that I have a bit of a strange relationship with. I fully acknowledge what an important work of science-fiction literature it is, and I think Frank Herbert really does have some fascinating, unique ideas throughout. It’s some stellar world and universe-building. I love the focus on ecology and religion and the dynastic politics.

I just don’t like it all that much as a story about people. The characters are all a little flat. The action is often truncated. There are some good, exciting bits, but a lot of the best parts are skipped over or rushed. The end swoops in out of nowhere. The pacing is all over the place. It’s a lot of good ideas jumbled together in a really oddly shaped package. It’s exactly the kind of book that needs a great movie adaptation to be great itself.

Yes, I’m aware that some will crucify me for saying this. Others, however, I suspect will largely agree. Thankfully, Denis Villeneuve’s two-part Dune is shaping up to be that movie(s). Part 1 was very, very good. Part 2 looks even better in the brand new trailer that Warner Bros. just dropped today. Behold:

“May thy knife chip and shatter.” If that doesn’t give you goosebumps . . .

Dune: Part 2 is slated for a November 3rd release date. It stars:

Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet (“Wonka,” “Call Me by Your Name”), Zendaya (“Spider-Man: No Way Home,” “Malcolm & Marie,” “Euphoria”), Rebecca Ferguson (“Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning”), Oscar nominee Josh Brolin (“Avengers: End Game,” “Milk”), Oscar nominee Austin Butler (“Elvis,” “Once Upon A Time…In Hollywood”), Oscar nominee Florence Pugh (“Black Widow,” “Little Women”), Dave Bautista (the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, “Thor: Love and Thunder”), Oscar winner Christopher Walken (“The Deer Hunter,” “Hairspray”), Stephen McKinley Henderson (“Fences,” “Lady Bird”), Léa Seydoux (the “James Bond” franchise and “Crimes of the Future”), with Stellan Skarsgård (the “Mamma Mia!” films, “Avengers: Age of Ultron”), with Oscar nominee Charlotte Rampling (“45 Years,” “Assassin’s Creed”), and Oscar winner Javier Bardem (“No Country for Old Men,” “Being the Ricardos”).

The blurb:

“Dune: Part Two” will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

Villeneuve directed from a screenplay he co-wrote with Jon Spaihts based on Herbert’s novel. The film is produced by Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Villeneuve, Tanya Lapointe and Patrick McCormick. The executive producers are Josh Grode, Herbert W. Gains, Jon Spaihts, Thomas Tull, Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt, Kim Herbert, with Kevin J. Anderson serving as creative consultant.

Villeneuve is again collaborating with his “Dune” creatives: Oscar-winning director of photography Greig Fraser; Oscar-winning production designer Patrice Vermette; Oscar-winning editor Joe Walker; Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor Paul Lambert; Oscar-nominated costume designer Jacqueline West. Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer is again on hand to create the score.

“Dune: Part Two” was filmed on location in Budapest, Abu Dhabi, Jordan and Italy. The film is slated for a November 3, 2023 worldwide release from Warner Bros. Pictures.

More thoughts to come . . . stay tuned.