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Morel is Throwing Out Berg's Dune Script, Interested in 3D?

by Alex Billington
January 29, 2010
Source: IGN

Ever since Taken director Pierre Morel was hired a few weeks back to direct Paramount's new adaptation of Frank Herbert's Dune, he's been talking openly with a lot of different people about what to expect, even though they don't even have a finished script. Morel most recently spoke with IGN and revealed that they're "starting from scratch" and throwing out the original script written by Josh Zetumer for Peter Berg. "Peter had an approach which was not mine at all, and we're starting over again. I don't think we're going to keep any elements of the Peter Berg script. It was good, actually. It was interesting. It was just not our vision."

Last year, we reported that Zetumer's script was "a massive epic" coming in 200 pages. Morel wouldn't reveal who they've hired to write the new script, but he does say he'll be working on developing Dune for the next few months (after his new film From Paris with Love is release). "Dune is such a huge, huge project," Morel says. "It's big, it's challenging, it's long-term -- we're only starting. We have to rewrite the script, we have to develop a whole universe. It's going to be a long thing, so who knows. But I'm passionate about Dune so I'd love to do it next." Morel adds: "Everybody now who reads Dune reads it with David Lynch's images in mind. So we have to get away from that."

So what will Morel's vision of Dune be like if it's different from David Lynch's and Peter Berg's versions? "We're doing a re-reading, a brand new approach on the book, a very true approach to the book, the original material. So we will have to deal with trying to erase the image that David Lynch did so we can propose our image." One part of the book that they're working on is the "inner monologues" where readers hear the thoughts of various characters. "Everything that is in Paul [Atreides'] head, we'll have to show it on screen and find the right approach to make it visually interesting. But I think the technology we have now allows us much more than we could do before, so we'll see." I'm very curious to see what they'll do.

Lastly, addressing the 3D question (which will always be asked about every movie from now on), Morel says: "It's so early in the project that we haven't had that conversation yet. I'd love it to be 3D, of course. It's the kind of movie that has the scope to be 3D. Will they do it in 3D? I'd push for that, but I don't know. As a viewer, [I've watched] Avatar with my kids twice in the theater already and had a blast. It's an amazing experience." Indeed in is, and I'd only support a 3D Dune if they shoot it from the ground up in 3D, just like they did with Avatar. Now that would be something to behold! Still excited to see Morel's Dune?

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16 Comments

Excited? Not right off hand, but this can turn into something pretty badass. (look at Star Trek) Not surprised about the 3D. (how could anybody) Pretty soon they'll be making Romantic Comedies in 3D.

Frightened Inmate #2 on Jan 29, 2010

He's the wrong director to do this, that's it. I would've picked Alfonso Cuaron, he adapted THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN and CHILDREN OF MEN really well, and I think DUNE would've been amazing.

Steffan on Jan 29, 2010

Well, if there's one good thing about 3D is that it clearly seperates children movies from adult movies.

Hattori Hanzo on Jan 29, 2010

This quote from Pierre Morel 'As a viewer, [I've watched] Avatar with my kids twice in the theater already and had a blast' gives me a horrible feeling this could go very wrong. David Lynch's version got a lot right and I still don't understand why it's criticised so much. The tone, atmosphere and look Lynch delivered are how I thought Dune would be when I read the book. His vision is now part of what I think Dune is. Pierre Morel's previous work doesn't fill me with a lot of confidence, Banlieue 13 was more a series of stunts than a film and Taken was enjoyable enough but at the end it's just more instantly forgettable cookie cutter film making. Dune needs a director with a unique vision, one of the few director's I've seen in recent years who could match Lynch would be Darren Aronofsky.

harv on Jan 29, 2010

hmm Dune in 3-D? *rolls eyes*

Xerxex on Jan 29, 2010

STOP WITH THE 3D FETISH!!!!!

Cody on Jan 29, 2010

3D from the ground up....for this project....I'll support it!

Lazarus from Sparta!!! DEATHKLOK RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! on Jan 29, 2010

Was not sure about Morel at first but I think he is going to surprise a lot of people. This will be Great mark my words, remember where you read it first.

The Loser on Jan 29, 2010

what about if its shot in IMAX?

THERBLIG on Jan 30, 2010

I love the fact that he is talking about proposing a new image of Herbert's universe, one devoid of David Lynch's imagery of the story. Always loved the Lynch version and i always will, but if someone could create an equal to his own versioning of the epic that remains stoically faithful to the texts and correctly or at least caringly interprets Herbert's untouchable writing style into something as epic as Dune really deserves to be in order to win the hearts and minds of moviegoers and still stay in touch with diehard fans of the books, i'll be cheering Morel all the way. The fact that he's confessed to being a huge fan of the books has got to be a great step in the right direction. Berg just was not the right choice for this title; even if Morel has to or chooses to beef his script up to get asses on seats in the theater, i'd still hope that he would at all times be referring back to the book/s for guidance.

Si on Jan 30, 2010

I'm curious for the book!

Robbie on Jan 30, 2010

If Paramount is at all serious about this movie they will fire this amateur French director and hire Ridley Scott, James Cameron, Chris Nolan or Duncan Jones (the dude who directed Moon, he's new and probably cheap and a total genius) to direct this movie. Two problems I have with this Morel guy - with respect he is French and they have a certain way and style when it comes to sci-fi - The Fifth Element is a good example. Second he's directed nothing but a few stupid action flicks nobody will wanna see more than once on an airplane. He's absolutely the wrong choice to restart (or really begin) this franchise. Dune has tremendous potential, the novel is considered by many to be the best sci-fi novel ever written. It will start a whole new franchise people will obsess over for years. It's insane they're giving it to a guy like this. I'm a huge Dune fan and I'm very disappointed. I can't imagine none of the big directors would be willing to do it. Even if they have stuff planned right now that's okay, wait a few years and do it then. I would gladly wait 2-3 years for Dune than have something come out next year that totally ruins the future of the franchise for another 20 years...

Vic on Jan 31, 2010

Dune is a scarey film for a director to take on. If you succeed you'll be hailed as a genius, if you fail, it could ruin your career. He's been quoted as having read Dune ten times, I think that's a good start.

Freakzilla on Feb 1, 2010

As I posted on an earlier article, I belive it has to be done 'Avatar'-style. And it should be done in 3 movies, not one, like Lord of the Rings. I can only pray...

Peter T'Sas on Feb 12, 2010

i love the books but wasn't a big fan of the original movie, in my opnion lynch left out to much of the (for me) essential parts of the story, but then again even the 2 miniseries where too short to capture the books well enough imo. i do believe then dune would be very well suited for generating some awesome 3d scenes, especially if they ever get to filming books 4 through 6 😉

TommyK on Mar 8, 2010

any and all "Dune" is alright with me. I have them all. It's definatley one of my top best Scifi stories ever told (All of the Dunes, Foundation Trilogy, and lathe of Heaven). Lynch was some and I also enjoyed the updated TV series Dune & Children of Dune. Its an incredible undertaking. Hope he's up to it. If he does it well enough maybe they'll make more of the books into movies...AWSOME!

chani on May 11, 2010

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