Denis Villeneuve’s epic adaptation of Frank Herbert's classic saga has become more accessible to fans as both 'Dune: Part One' and 'Dune: Part Two' are now available for streaming on Netflix. This marks the first time the films have appeared on the platform, with their debut on January 1, 2024.
Previously, the films could only be streamed via HBO and MAX, making this Netflix release significant for fans of the franchise eager to view the sequel.
'Dune: Part One' and 'Dune: Part Two' are adaptations of the iconic 1965 novel 'Dune', centering on Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet. The saga follows Paul as he relocates to the desert planet Arrakis with his family to oversee significant spice production, which is the most coveted resource across the galaxy due to its unique properties.
Interestingly, viewers have only until the end of January 2025 to catch 'Dune: Part One' on Netflix, as it will be leaving after this date. Nonetheless, it remains available for HBO and MAX subscribers beyond this time.
Since its introduction to Netflix, 'Dune: Part Two'—which hit theaters on March 1, 2024—has emerged as one of the platform’s most popular offerings. With its praise from critics and audiences alike, 'Dune: Part Two' is poised for success during the upcoming Oscars 2025, likely securing nominations across numerous categories including Best Picture and Best Cinematography.
The sequel has continued to receive accolades, with expectations it may outperform its predecessor. While 'Dune: Part One' racked up 10 Oscar nominations and took home six awards, critics are finding 'Dune: Part Two' to be even more impressive.
“The year’s first surefire blockbuster is a sequel,” states Peter Travers of ABC News, echoing the widespread sentiment about the film’s groundbreaking achievements. Critically praised for its expansive world-building, 'Dune: Part Two' also delivers on its visual spectacle, anchored by Villeneuve's storytelling prowess.
Contrastingly, the 1984 version directed by David Lynch attempted to encapsulate the entire book's richness within one film, often falling short of the narrative's complexity. Villeneuve’s two-part film has been heralded as the definitive adaptation, garnering comparisons to classics with its majestic visuals and powerful performances.
Despite these accomplishments, Villeneuve expressed disappointment over 'Dune: Part Two' not receiving recognition for Best Original Score at the 97th Academy Awards, with Hans Zimmer’s work disqualified due to its similarity to the first film’s composition.
Villeneuve ardently defended Zimmer's score, declaring to Slash Film, “I am absolutely against the decision of the Academy to exclude Hans, frankly, because I feel like his score is one of the best scores of the year. I don't use the word genius often, but Hans is one.” This sentiment highlights the strong creative partnership between the director and composer.
The Academy ruled against the film due to its similarity to 'Dune', which had won Best Original Score at the 94th Academy Awards. Villeneuve remarked, “Both films were one movie cut in half,” emphasizing the continuity of musical themes across the two movies.
Meanwhile, Villeneuve is already working on the next installment of the series, 'Dune: Messiah', which is based on Herbert’s 1969 novel of the same name. This project is particularly noteworthy as it promises to follow Paul Atreides, 12 years after his ascension to the throne, exploring the consequences of the religious cult formed around him.
Rumors are swirling around Warner Bros. considering additional projects apart from 'Dune: Messiah', including the possibility of another fourth film and TV spin-offs, igniting excitement among fans for the franchise's future. This follows the recent release of the spin-off series 'Dune: Prophecy' on MAX.
The cast endured rigorous filming conditions, as Zendaya, who plays the fierce Fremen warrior Chani, shared her experiences dealing with intense heat during production. Shooting in the harsh Jordan desert, she regrettably experienced heatstroke due to minimizing water consumption to avoid prolonged bathroom breaks. Sharing her experience with W Magazine, she recounted, “One day, I didn't drink enough and I had heatstroke. I thought I was being smart, but you can't do this. So, lesson learned.”
With ample upcoming content and the strength of Villeneuve’s direction, coupled with stunning performances and world-building, the 'Dune’ franchise is set for exciting developments as it continues to capture the imaginations of audiences everywhere.