When Dune hits the big screen, he appears to have accomplished a feat that few filmmakers have been able to pull off, but director Denis Villeneuve has a lot of potential to do if Blade Runner 2049 had failed. I believe it could have been an even more devastating blow to his career. Villeneuve, who made a name for himself with features such as Sicario and Arrival, is bringing Frank Herbert’s seminal science fiction novel to the screen as a two-part film adaptation, to be released in 2021 and 2024, respectively. I did. Villeneuve will conclude his tenure at Arrakis with the film adaptation of Dune: Messiah, but he also plans to explore the life of Cleopatra in a historical drama.
During a recent BFI London Film Festival panel discussion (via The Hollywood Reporter), Villeneuve explained that one film he made before Dune was more frightening than bringing Herbert’s world to life. That was “Blade Runner 2049.” Villeneuve felt ready to tackle a science fiction drama and decided it was worth the risk. You can push yourself further and at least end your filmmaking career on a high note. Note:
Before, I turned down some sci-fi movies and blockbusters because I didn’t have the desire… But after Sicario, I realized that I have the stamina to do a project like (Blade Runner 2049). I felt that. I said, “Okay, if I were to risk it all and star in a big sci-fi movie, that would be great. Making a sequel to my favorite movie would be a beautiful way to end my career.” he said. I thought it was very romantic.
Additionally, Villeneuve acknowledged that he may have inadvertently witnessed a sequel meeting and learned of the project’s development earlier than he should have, although he admitted that he ultimately made the decision rather than director Ridley Scott himself. He recalls the reason for this as follows:
When I was making Prisoners, one day[executives]stopped a meeting and said, “Sorry, Ridley Scott is in the next room. We’re not supposed to tell you.” “We’re doing a sequel to Blade Runner.” I said, “Wow.” So, when I was doing Sicario, I got a call… Ridley is the most prolific, busiest director. And when I direct one movie, Ridley does three things. I think Harrison Ford was tired of waiting.
Other directors faced similar fears.
To many movie buffs familiar with the development of Blade Runner 2049, it may come as no surprise why the film was an incredible challenge for Villeneuve. The director shared his concerns about taking on the project in 2020, but two other director candidates with incredible reputations had already taken over the project.
When development of the project began, Christopher Nolan was named as the original filmmaker who was set to direct the sequel, but director Oppenheimer said in 2020 that he had no intention of taking on directing the feature film. What’s more, even original film director Ridley Scott was set to direct Blade Runner 2049 in 2011, when he was signed on, but will leave the project to work on Alien: Covenant. This led Villeneuve to take on a task that even experienced filmmakers would struggle with.
Our thoughts on the success of Villeneuve’s filmography
The director succeeded where others failed.
Until the release of Villeneuve’s Dune, few believed that the novel could be properly adapted into a movie. Since 1971, from Alejandro Jodorowsky’s ambitious 1970s endeavors, to David Lynch’s now-cult classic 1984 film, several miniseries, and aborted smaller efforts. Various filmmakers have made their own attempts to bring this story to life. Additionally, the director also faces the uncertainty of whether Dune Part 2 will be produced, with the added complication of changing release strategies in light of the coronavirus pandemic. I had to.
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Dune: Part 2 closes another arc in the overarching series, while the live-action version of Dune continues with further adaptations of Frank Herbert’s work.
Nevertheless, while Blade Runner 2049 fell short financially, both it and Dune were clearly successful in the long run. “Blade Runner” is scheduled to be expanded into a new series, and “Dune” will break the taboos of previous film adaptations and surpass the rise of Paul Atrides. Thus, Villeneuve established himself as a powerful voice in modern Hollywood, proving that he could take on even the most difficult assignments.
Source: THR
Set 30 years after the original film, Blade Runner 2049 is a sci-fi neo-noir film from Dune director Denis Villeneuve. The film follows LAPD Replicant Officer K, who discovers a devastating secret that threatens to plunge society into complete chaos. To stop a possible war between Replicants and humans, they must find the missing former Blade Runner Rick Deckard and uncover the truth.
release date October 6, 2017
studio Alcon Entertainment, Columbia Pictures, Scott Free Productions, Bud Yorkin Productions, Torridon Films, 16:14 Entertainment
distributor warner bros movies
writer Michael Green, Hampton Fancher
runtime 163 minutes
franchise blade runner
budget $150 million
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