Arrakis

The only thing more impressive than watching Paul Atreides ride a sandworm in Dune: Part Two is watching director Denis Villeneuve explain how he made it happen. Villeneuve knew the scene was arguably the most memorable and crucial scene in the second half of his adaptation, and he put a mind-numbing amount of time and care into making it just right.Prepping the Sandworm Scenes in Dune: Part TwoFrom the dialogue, to the camera angles, to trucks pulling sand with giant fans and more, making Paul ride the sandworm was a…

Image: Universal PicturesDavid Lynch’s 1984 Dune was the eccentric auteur’s take on Frank Herbert’s “unfilmable” classic science fiction book series. It was divisive but became a cult film nonetheless, and stars Kyle Machlachlan, Patrick Stewart, Max von Sydow, and Linda Hunt.Prepping the Sandworm Scenes in Dune: Part TwoAs Denis Villeneuve’s masterful films adapting Herbert’s work have reinvigorated interest in the series, there’s now a new appreciation of what Lynch was able to accomplish. He walked without rhythm so…

As was foretold in Fatboy Slim’s “Weapon of Choice” music video, in which Christopher Walken danced to a line from Dune (“Walk without rhythm, It won’t attract the worm”), the actor would be destined to join Frank Herbert’s sci-fi universe in Denis Villeneuve’s acclaimed adaptation. In fact, Dune: Part Two brought Walken out of a four-year acting break.Denis Villeneuve on Ending Dune: Part Two That WayIn an interview with Vanity Fair, Walken discussed why he took on the role of the formidable Emperor who sets in motion…

A new look at Dune: Awakening has been revealed, with developer Funcom showing off what fans of Frank Herbert’s science fiction franchise can expect when the survival game launches. Players will be tasked with scavenging for resources to craft their own equipment, with other players attempting to wage war against them to steal their equipment. A Dune Direct yesterday revealed that politics will also play a factor in the game, with both house Atreides and Harkonnen available for players to join. By joining these…

Image: Warner Bros.There’s a lot of sandworms in Dune: Part Two. We even get to learn a lot about how to start riding them, thanks to an extended sequence where Paul is trained in mounting the massive creatures. But getting off of one? Only one man currently knows that beyond Arrakis, and he’s keeping it very secret.Prepping the Sandworm Scenes in Dune: Part TwoVilleneuve apparently gets a lot of questions about dismounting sandworms, which he described as a “crazy Uber system” during a recent interview with Indiewire.…

Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in Dune: Part Two.Image: Warner Bros.Denis Villeneuve’s Dune movies are visually striking—cinematographer Grieg Fraser and production designer Patrice Vermette already have Oscars from Dune: Part One. But Dune: Part Two is even bolder, and includes a black-and-white sequence that leaves a lingering impact.Denis Villeneuve on Ending Dune: Part Two That WaySpeaking with Variety, Fraser explained how the interlude—the climax of which showcases the gladiatorial prowess of Feyd-Rautha…

Dune: Part Two, the long-awaited sequel to the 2021 Oscar-winning hit Dune, has finally been released and is having a smash opening weekend at the box office. For those who are experiencing Dune for the first time in theaters, the film ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, and longtime fans of the story will be left eagerly awaiting the adventure’s end. Whichever camp you fall into, you’ll surely be left wanting more — and thankfully, everyone is getting more today with a new look at the upcoming survival MMO Dune:…

If Dune: Part Two has left you, uh, thirsting for more of Frank Herbert’s world, Dune: Awakening might just be the thing. First revealed in 2022, Awakening is a survival MMO from Funcom set on the harsh desert planet of Arrakis — and a brief new gameplay trailer gives a sense of just how harsh it can be.That includes the giant worms, which apparently can’t be killed, but which you’ll definitely want to avoid. There’s also some ornithopter combat and what looks like fairly extensive base-building options. Of course, if…

Photo: io9/Germain LussierIt wasn’t quite a sandworm, but when a 27-pound, three-foot by three-foot Dune box arrives at your door, it’s about as close as an Earthling can get.In honor of Dune: Part Two hitting theaters, Insight Editions is releasing The Art and Soul of Dune: Part Two, a beautiful behind-the-scenes book written by Tanya Lapointe and Stefanie Broos. It dives deep into the making of the film, featuring exclusive interviews and stunning photos from throughout the production. And, if you just want that, you…

Image: Twitter/Warner BrosAs Dune: Part Two draws closer and closer, one thing has been on everyone’s mind as the cast and crew open up about their experiences filming the next chapter of Frank Herbert’s spicy sci-fi saga: what about that popcorn bucket though?Prepping the Sandworm Scenes in Dune: Part TwoIt’s a question that has been put to the cast over and over since the internet got its hold on the, uh, wormussy late last month—a horrifying sandworm-shaped opening slapped on top of a collectible popcorn bucket that…