Dune (2021 film)

Dune is a 2021 science fiction film directed by Denis Villeneuve and adapted from Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel.

Dune is a 2021 science fiction film directed by Denis Villeneuve, adapting the first half of Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel. It follows Paul Atreides as his family is drawn into a conflict over the desert planet Arrakis and its valuable spice.

What it is

Dune (2021) is the first part of a two-film adaptation of Frank Herbert’s novel, directed by Denis Villeneuve. The film stars Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, alongside Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Zendaya, Jason Momoa, and Javier Bardem. It was released theatrically on October 22, 2021.

Why it matters

The film is a major Canadian connection: director Denis Villeneuve is a Quebec filmmaker and one of Canada’s most internationally recognized directors. It also revived interest in Herbert’s novel and set up a sequel, Dune: Part Two, which continues the story.

Key details

Set in the distant future on the desert planet Arrakis, the plot centers on House Atreides’ struggle for control of the spice Melange. Villeneuve co-wrote the screenplay with Jon Spaihts and Eric Roth. The film was released simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max in the United States.