DirectorDenis Villeneuvecontinues to fill out the cast ofDunewith A-list actors, as Oscar winnerJavier Bardemis in talks to play Stilgar in Legendary’s big-budget reboot, Collider has confirmed.
Based on the acclaimed novels byFrank Herbert,Dunewill starTimothée Chalametas Paul Atreides, the heir apparent of the Atreides family. When they’re sent to rule over the desert planet Arrakis and its valuable spice commodity, their rule is contested by competing noble families, leading to betrayal and ultimately rebellion.
Bardem is nearing a deal to play Stilgar, the leader of Arrakis' nomadic tribes known as Fremen. As first reported by Collider earlier this week,Zendayais also in talks to join the filmas Chani, a Freman woman who shares a deep connection with Paul.
Oscar IsaacandRebecca Fergusonwill co-star as Paul’s parents, whileStellan Skarsgårdwill play the film’s antagonist, Baron Harkonnen, andDave Bautistawill play his murderous nephew. Meanwhile, screen legendCharlotte Ramplingwill play the Reverend Mother Mohiam, who can divine intentions, suss out lies and manipulate people’s emotional states on behalf of the emperor.
Villeneuve co-wrote the script himself along with Oscar-winnerEric Roth(Forrest Gump) andJon Spaihts(Prometheus). Villeneuve also executive produces the Legendary project withMary ParentandCale Boyter, as well asBrian Herbert,Byron Merritt,Thomas Tull, andKim Herbert.Kevin J. Andersonwill serve as a creative consultant on the project, which starts filming this spring in Budapest and Jordan.
Bardem, who won an Oscar for his performance inNo Country for Old Men, recently starred inDarren Aronofsky’smother!and Disney’sPirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,as well as thePablo EscobardramaLoving Pablo. He next stars opposite wifePenelope CruzinAsghar Farhadi’sEverybody Knows, and oppositeElle FanninginSally Potter’s father-daughter dramaMolly. The actor has never shied away from big-budget fare, andDunegives him the opportunity to work with one of Hollywood’s most talented directors. He’s represented by WME.
For more of our previous and continuing coverage ofDune, be sure to get caught up with our recent write-ups linked below:
