Denis Villeneuve was inspired by Lord of the Rings to adapt Dune

Just as Peter Jackson was able to transcribe Tolkien's universe, the director of Arrival wanted to bring Frank Herbert's vision back to life on the big screen.

In fantasy literature, there is JRR Tolkien. In science fiction, there is Frank Herbert. Both were once relegated to the realm of young people's reading. “geeks” or connoisseurs. However, it is clear that the various film adaptations of their novels have helped to democratize them. What better way to introduce a new audience to a literary work than through cinema?

When Peter Jackson adapts the trilogy of Lord of the Rings, In addition to its resounding success and seventeen Oscars, sales of the British writer's novels are on the rise again. Those who had never really paid attention to fantasy until then find themselves with their noses buried in these books. Considered one of the best adaptations, it is its popularity and creative richness that have inspired Denis Villeneuve For Dune.

Podcast Guest Little Gold Menheld by Vanity Fairthe Canadian director explained the importance of Lord of the Rings and the respect for the original work given by Peter Jackson in the development of his adaptations of the cycle Dune :

“I did my best to stay as faithful as possible to the spirit of the book and the aesthetics that I had in mind when I read it (…) I remember when I saw the adaptations of the Lord of the Rings by Peter Jackson, feeling all the respect for the original book, so much love for the material.”

Of course, neither adaptation follows the text to the letter, and differences emerge between the two media. In the case of Dune: Part TwoChani, played by Zendaya, plays a different role in order to best explain the original message transmitted by the author.

In the mind of Denis Villeneuve, and that of many fans, Peter Jackson has managed to pay homage to Tolkien's work, a crazy bet and a passionate creative ambition, whose inspiration is understandable for the filmmaker of Blade. Runner 2049. Note however, that the latter mentions The Lord of the Rings and not the trilogy of Hobbit for which, Jackson himself admits not having felt the magic as much and having it “sloppy.”

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“Of course, it's my adaptation, my vision, but the audience will feel that energy, that spirit close to what Frank Herbert did. For that to bring more people to the books, that would be great. At the end of the day, that's the goal.”

Let it be The Lord of the Rings Or Duneall of them were long considered unadaptable works. Yet they have turned out to be successes on the big screen. Thanks to the films, a new generation, often among the youngest, finds itself reading Tolkien and Frank Herbert. Even better, thanks to Denis Villeneuve, the first adaptation made by David Lynch in the 80s has been rehabilitated.

Through its music, its aesthetics, its unique and identifiable universe, Dune “enters the era of franchises” they said at home Firstand marks the history of cinema. Like the adaptations of Peter Jackson before it, it becomes a monster as financial – since the second part collected more than 711 million dollars – as acclaimed – awarded at the Oscars. Will its six statuettes lead it on the path of Return of the King ? To take up the challenge, Denis Villeneuve still has to, Dune 3said Dune: Messiahbefore he passes the torch to a new director.

“It's not a trilogy!” Denis Villeneuve sees Dune 3 as a separate film