Legendary has acquired the television and Film rights to the famous science-fiction novel by Frank Herbert from his estate. While no project has been officially greenlit as of this writing, the agreement would lead to projects for both mediums, produced by Thomas Tull, Mary Parent and Cale Boyter, with Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt and Kim Herbert serving as executive producers. The agreement was overseen by Mike Ross and Jen Grazier, on behalf of Legendary, and Marcy Morris and Barry Tyerman on behalf of the Herbert family.
What is 'Dune'?
'Dune', written in 1965, was a science fiction novel set in the future amidst a feudal interstellar society in which noble houses ruled over planets, under the control of the Padishah Emperor.
The story focused on nobleman Paul Atreides, whose family takes control of the planet Arrakis, a desert world that is home to the rare spice melange. The book, winning the first ever Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1966, spawned an enormous franchise, with five more novels, a film, two television adaptations, and a slew of video games, board games, music and even a sequel series, co-authored by Frank's son, Brian.
The last 'Dune' film
While the TV adaptations enjoyed considerable acclaim, it is the film version that is most often remembered, though more for its infamous production than the film itself. Starting in 1971, Hebert was approached to turn his book into a film. In 1973, Alexander Jodorowsky was assigned to the project, and brought on a wealth of old and future talent to the project, including Pink Floyd for music, H.R.
Giger for design work and Dan O'Bannon for visual effects, as well as looking to cast Salvador Dali, Orson Welles, Mick Jagger, Udo Kier, Gloria Swanson and David Carradine. All this came to nothing, however, when no funding could be secured. Instead, in 1981, Italian producer Dino De Laurentiis brought on David Lynch, hot off the success of 'The Elephant Man', onboard, who would also write the screenplay. In 1984, the film was released to a negative critical and commercial reception, and was disavowed by Lynch.
