With principal photography well underway, Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Two will transition its filming location to Abu Dhabi beginning in November.
Set to cover the second half of the novel, Dune: Part Two will heavily focus on Paul's relationship with the Fremen group and his journey to becoming the fabled Kwisatz Haderach, which eventually leads to his rebellion against the Emperor. Pre-shooting for the sequel took place on July 4 at the Brion tomb in Altivole, Italy, while Dune 2 principal photography began on July 18 in Budapest, Hungary.
During the 2022 Culture Summit Abu Dhabi (via The National News), Abu Dhabi Film Hans Fraikin commissioner was in discussion with Sam Kozhaya, executive vice president of operations and corporate development at Legendary Entertainment, the producer of Dune, in a panel called "Dune: The Creation of a Blockbuster Film Franchise." The two discussed the rich landscape presented in the first Dune film and how Abu Dhabi will reprise its role as the iconic setting of the desert planet Arrakis for the sequel, which looks to return next month. “Abu Dhabi was an essential partner for us in the success of Dune,” Kozhaya said. “To really create the world of Arrakis, first for Denis, he wanted the authenticity but grounded in reality.”
Kozhaya plans to increase the size of the local crew, creating about 700 to 800 jobs this time around. Legendary Films will also be hiring five interns from the UAE and plans to hold seminars in Abu Dhabi for aspiring filmmakers and technicians in the UAE. "We thought it would be a great opportunity to give back knowledge,” Kozhaya added. While it's no surprise the Dune crew is returning to Abu Dhabi, it's still refreshing to see a Villeneuve shoot the majority of Dune 2 on location rather than in a studio in front of a green screen.
Florence Pugh and Austin Butler have joined the cast as Princess Irulan and Harkonnen heir Feyd-Rautha, respectively. Christopher Walken will play emperor Shaddam IV, while Léa Seydoux and Souheila Yacoub will fill the respective roles of Lady Margot and Shishakli. Returning cast members include Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, Zendaya as Chani, Javier Bardem as Stilgar, Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck, Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Harkonnen, and Dave Bautista as Glossu Rabban.
Dune: Part Two will arrive in theatres on November 3, 2023.
Source: The National News