FilmmakerDenis Villeneuvehad already proven himself as one of the greatest modern directors (especially in the sci-fi genre) by the time he released 2021’sDune. The director previously sat at the helm of titles likeBlade Runner 2049andArrival, but his adaptation ofFrank Herbert’s beloved novel was truly the stuff of dreams, pulling in both fans and newcomers alike to the world of Paul Atreides and Arrakis. Landing a total of six Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects, the production became one of the most talked-about titles of the year and a staple of the modern sci-fi genre. Right now, intrigued parties canstreamDunefor free courtesy of Tubi.
StarringTimothée Chalametas Paul Atreides, the first movie in Villeneuve’s growing film series introduces audiences to the Atreides family. Led by Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac), the House is preparing to make a big move across the galaxy, heading to the desert planet of Arrakis. It’s there that the highly sought-after good — spice — is found and harvested, and Duke Leto has been selected by the Emperor (Christopher Walken) to head the spice trade. But, as the entire House Atreides will come to discover, Arrakis is an unforgiving planet not suited for the weak.
Filling out the ensemble cast for the first film of theDunefranchise featured a top-tier roster of performers that includedRebecca Ferguson(Silo),Jason Momoa(Aquaman),Dave Bautista(The Killer’s Game),Javier Bardem(No Country for Old Men),Josh Brolin(Outer Range),Zendaya(Spider-Man: No Way Home) andStellan Skarsgård(Good Will Hunting).
The Legacy of ‘Dune’
Earning more than $407 million at the global box office against its production budget of $165 million, not only wasDunea critical success thanks to its many award wins, but it was also a financial achievement for Warner Bros. Pictures. The studio and Villeneuve almost immediately got to work on what would eventually becomeDune: Part Two, which rode the sandworm into cinemas in the spring of 2024. The latter half of Herbert’s breakthrough novel somehow managed to outperform the movie that came before it, with the sequel raking in a whopping $714.4 million, easily eclipsing its $190 million budget. Obviously, audiences are still thirsty for moreDune, which is why Villeneuve agreed to return to the helm for yet another installment, titled,Dune: Messiah.
See where Velleuve’s cinematic world ofDuneall began by heading over to Tubi to stream the 2021 title completely free of charge.
