Science Fiction World

Paramount Pictures has abandoned its attempt to create a new movie version of Frank Herbert's science fiction classic Dune. We told you recently that the project had been searching to find another director (a third director no less) after Pierre Morel had opted for an executive producer role, but now it appears it's all over - for Paramount at least. Reportedly the new Dune adaptation would have cost Paramount more than $100 million to get off the ground, and nervousness ruled the day. Deadline reports that the rights to Herbert's novel are about to revert back to their owner after four years.

The rights owner, Richard P. Rubinstein, said "Paramount's option has expired and we couldn't reach an agreement. I'm going to look at my options, and whether I wind up taking the script we developed in turnaround, or start over, I'm not sure yet."

Money was the reason Paramount didn't want to pick up the option, Rubinstein added.

"Sure, it's frustrating, how long this has taken, but most of what I've done that worked out well over the years, like the miniseries The Stand, took a long time."

Rubinstein revealed that Dune movie presently has "no commitments or attachments" but he was still optimistic it would one day be made. Dune has already been filmed twice, once with David Lynch at the helm in 1984 as a big screen, big budget adaptation, and once by Syfy as a miniseries in 2000.

Do not fear though, all hope is not lost.

"Since I know what I want," Rubinstein said, "eventually, I'll find someone who'll agree with me. What I like is that talent has interesting things to say on how they would approach it."

He added that if the project finds a home at another studio, he may revisit Palmer's script and get back in touch with the last director involved with the picture, Pierre Morel.

I would love to see the blue-eyed Fremen and giant sandworms moving across the surface of Arrakis (Dune) once more, but I guess I’ll have to wait. Let’s hope the next studio finds the right talent and resources to make it to the finish line. For those of you who are fans of the book and would love to see the new adaptation make it’s way to the big screen, perhaps it’s time to recite the Litany against fear:

"I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing......Only I will remain."