Denis Villeneuve’s dreams of ‘Dune’ reach the big screen

By LINDSEY BAHR
AP Film Writer

Long before Denis Villeneuve decided to become a director, he was dreaming about making a movie of “Dune.” Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel about intergalactic power struggles, space worms and an all powerful spice had captivated the filmmaker since he was a teenager. Now, after almost four decades, he’s getting his chance with a $165 million production budget and a starry cast that includes Timothee Chalamet, Oscar Isaac, Rebecca Ferguson and Zendaya. The film was done with the understanding that if were successful enough, there would be a second. “Dune” opens in theaters and on HBO Max on Friday.