Denis Villeneuve's Dune Film Could Focus On Paul Atreides' Parents

There is little doubt that Denis Villeneuve will create something truly spectacular with his Dune film. However, it looks like the movie will focus on Duke Leto Atreides and Lady Jessica instead of the book's protagonist Paul Atreides.

Dune has largely been about Paul's story. The first book starts out with the protagonist as a teenager. However, it eventually shifts to Paul's slow turn into becoming the Kwisatz Haderach, the male Bene Gesserit who could access the Old Memory of both genders.

However, Villeneuve's adaptation of the Frank Herbert classic might not show Paul taking over as Emperor of the Known Universe just yet. Brian Herbert has teased on what the upcoming film will cover.

I have just received Draft #4 of the DUNE screenplay from Legendary Pictures. This is for the first movie, covering approximately half of the novel DUNE. I'm very excited and pleased about this, and I'm beginning to burn the midnight oil. pic.twitter.com/nIfgb2zJ2J

— Brian Herbert (@DuneAuthor)

July 23, 2018

Herbert has somehow confirmed that there will be more than just one movie to look forward to. In addition to that, the author may have suggested that the first film will focus on the first half of the book.

Dune opens with Leto having to deal with the Emperor who believes the Duke is trying to challenge his throne. His concubine Lady Jessica is also in trouble for teaching her son the Bene Gesserit way and possibly creating the Kwisatz Haderach.

It is still unclear how much of the book will be covered in Villeneuve's Dune adaptation. Call Me By Your Name star Timothée Chalamet has recently been reported to be in negotiations to play Paul in the film. Alternatively, there are speculations that Chalamet will be cast as a young Leto in the movie.

Related: Denis Villeneuve's Dune Movie Might Begin Production Early Next Year