‘Dune’ movie by Denis Villeneuve will focus only on half of first novel

Image: Dune official website

The adaptation of “Dune” by “Bladerunner 2049” director Denis Villeneuve will focus only on the first half of the franchise’s first novel.

Frank Herbert’s “Dune” saga has remained one of the top science-fiction books of all time since it was first published in 1965. Goodreads described “Dune” as being frequently cited as the world’s best-selling sci-fi novel.

Thanks to the book’s influence and popularity, fans were understandably concerned about how a new adaptation of the beloved sci-fi classic would pan out. The main “Dune” saga currently spans eight books. The last two were penned by Frank Herbert’s son Brian and co-writer Kevin J. Anderson, based on the elder Herbert’s 30-page outline sequel for “Chapterhouse Dune,” which he labeled “Dune 7.”

A July 23 tweet from Brian may help to ease fans’ worries. It confirmed that Villeneuve’s adaptation, under Legendary Pictures, will only focus on the first half of the original “Dune” novel.

Image: Twitter/@DuneAuthor

Given the intricacies with which Frank Herbert weaved the “Dune” story, focusing on just half of the first book for movie No. 1 may help create a less intimidating and more fleshed-out movie series for fans and regular moviegoers to enjoy.

Villeneuve confirmed plans to adapt “Dune” for film during an interview with Quebec publication La Presse, published May 9.

Meanwhile, Legendary Entertainment acquired the film and TV rights to “Dune” in November 2016. It was then reported in December that Villeneuve was in negotiations to direct an adaptation.  /ra

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