Denis Villeneuve’sDunefilms are mind-blowing accomplishments of cinematic adaptation. They should be viewed as the gold standard for future blockbusters. They’re bold, compelling, action-packed, emotionally ruinous, and almost inconceivably massive. Few films have immersed their audiences so effectively in their unique universe. The second film concludes the story of the 1965 novel, but it doesn’t end Paul Atreides' journey. Denis Villeneuve wants to finish the tale with his take onDune Messiah.
Denis Villeneuve may be the best example of a new kind of talent in Hollywood. He exploded onto the worldwide scene with two excellent thrillers before sliding into science fiction, where he nailed a stellar book adaptation and a once-in-a-lifetime legacy sequel. With those titanic accomplishments under his belt, he set out on the quest for his longtime dream. Denis Villeneuve kicked in Legendary Entertainment’s door and finally got his hands on Frank Herbert’sDune.
1969
Pages
256
Be warned,Dune MessiahfollowsDune, which means its plot inherently spoilsDune: Part Two. Those who’ve read the book already know the details, butspoilers ahead forDune: Part Two. The 1965 novelDuneends much likeChristopher Nolan’sOppenheimer. Paul Muad’Dib Atreides leads the Fremen army to victory on Arrakis. He becomes the Emperor, ascending to the destiny he foresaw and accepting the consequences. Paul becomes the Kwisatz Haderach, and his path to an acceptable outcome requires bloodshed. Imagine Chalamet staring into the camera as a montage of nightmarish war crimes plays out against a powerful score, forcing him to shut his eyes in terror as he realizes all he’s done, and that captures the concept.
Dune Messiahstarts twelve years after Atreides takes the empire. Muad’Dib’s Jihad sees Paul’s devotees kill over 61 billion people across the galaxy. His blue eyes see possible futures, assuring him that the current holy war is a mild outcome compared to some potential paths. His cataclysmicrise raises new enemies, who conspire to unseat the new Emperor. Paul must navigate the attacks of his political enemies, foreseeing possible doom at every turn. Simultaneously, he must balance the complicated relationship with Chani, his beloved concubine, and Irulan, his Machiavellian wife. WhereDuneis a classic heroic myth in which the chosen one finds his destiny,Messiahis the grim inversion of its haunting conclusion.
IsDune: Messiahunfilmable?
Frank Herbert’sDunewas long thought to be unfilmable.The first attempt fell flatdespite the incredible concept art. The second became a bizarre cult classic with huge problems. Villeneuve proved that the classic novel could be adapted, finding its heart and immersing fans in its world beyond their wildest imagination.Messiahintroduces new challenges. Most thoughtDune’s unusual scenes, glossary of terms, and complex web of concepts would render it too bloated for anything short of aLord of the Rings-style trilogy. While it took two massive blockbusters and over five hours, Villeneuve deliversDunewell enoughthat any newcomer would understand.Messiahdials up most of those problems.
Dune Messiahis only 256 pages, slightly more than a fourth ofDune. Adapting it into a film should be feasible without pushingEndgame’s runtime, but it still requires a ton of setup. The book introduces even stranger details of the technology and culture of Herbert’s future. NeitherDunemovieexplores the Guild Navigators, prescient fishmen who use their superpowers to guide faster-than-light travel.Messiahdeals with genetic clones and mimetic memory, bringing characters back from the dead through ghostly voices or perfect copies. Its protagonist is a clairvoyant god-king sent reeling from the blood of billions on his hands. That moral weight might be the hardest part. Imagine audiences turning up tosee Timothée Chalamet continuehis heroic rise, only to be met with a speech pulled directly from the source material in which he measures his body count using Adolf Hitler as a unit of measurement. It would be a jaw-dropping moment.
Should Denis Villeneuve directDune: Messiah?
Dune: Part Two’s ending is excellent. It and its predecessor tell a fantastic story that ends with such cataclysmic force that fans will think about it for years. Villeneuve even borrowed elements fromMessiahto pad the exit, ensuring a solid conclusion regardless of whether his third outing is greenlit.Villeneuve should still directDune Messiah. The perfect version of this narrative ends with this conclusion. His adaptation is the best to ever reach the screen and a majestic demonstration of what blockbuster cinema should be. Muad’Dib’s Jihad would change the face of the franchise, cementing an already brilliant adaptation into a new level of history.
There’s no comparison in modern blockbuster cinema to the potential excellence ofDune Messiah. One of the generation’s most beloved stars could play one of his most consequential roles, from his position as an underdog hero to his role as the villain of the universe’s story. Beyond the boldness of that accomplishment, the worldneeds the auteurwho madeDunework to finish his story. This is not a cinematic universe or a yearly series. It’s a trilogy. Thankfully, the support displayed on social media suggests a potential victory for this franchise. We can’t see the future like Paul Atreides, but the prophecy may still be fulfilled.
