Directed by Denis Villeneuve and adapted from Frank Herbert's cult novel, Dune is a science fiction epic starring Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, and Oscar Isaac. Released in French cinemas on September 15, 2021, then re-released in February 2024, the film will be broadcast on France 2 on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 9:10 p.m.
On the desert planet Arrakis, the only source of a rare and coveted substance called spice, the balance of the entire empire hangs in the balance. Heir to House Atreides, Paul Atreides accompanies his family when they are entrusted with the management of this strategic world. However, Arrakis is at the center of political and economic rivalries between the great houses, which directly threaten the survival of the Atreides.
Faced with an extreme environment, hostile maneuvers, and haunting visions, Paul must learn to understand the scope of his abilities. His encounter with the Fremen, a desert people connected to Arrakis, leads him into the heart of a struggle for control of spice, an essential resource for interstellar travel. Between strategy, prophecy, and confrontation, Paul's destiny becomes intertwined with that of the planet and its inhabitants.
Dune adapts the first part of the novel published in 1965 by Frank Herbert, which was already adapted in 1984 by David Lynch and turned into a mini-series in 2000 and 2003. The current project, led by Legendary, follows several failed attempts involving Alejandro Jodorowsky, Ridley Scott, and Peter Berg.
Denis Villeneuve explains that he discovered the book as a teenager and was struck by its themes ofecology, colonialism, and identity. After Arrival and Blade Runner 2049, he approached Dune with increased experience in science fiction. Filming took place in Hungary, Norway, Jordan, and Abu Dhabi, combining constructed sets and natural environments.
Greig Fraser's cinematography combines sequences shot in IMAX and 2.35 format, with limited use of green screens. Production designer Patrice Vermette created a world inspired by brutalism, enriched with documented elements and technical illustrations. The ornithopters were designed as physical machines, with wings inspired by insects.
The cast includes Timothée Chalamet, who was chosen without auditioning to play Paul, as well as Zendaya, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Jason Momoa, and Stellan Skarsgård, who was transformed after several hours of prosthetics. The costumes by Jacqueline West and Bob Morgan prioritize functionality, especially for the still suits.
Hans Zimmer's music, based on sounds inspired by wind and sand, contributes greatly to the film's identity. Upon its release, Dune won numerous awards: six Oscars (cinematography, music, visual effects, editing, sound, production design), BAFTAs in the same technical categories, and a Golden Globe for music. Sources: Warner Bros., Legendary, Oscars, BAFTA, Golden Globes, Venice Film Festival, France 2.
With its visual scale, pace, and themes, Dune will appeal to fans of ambitious science fiction, complex universes, and epic futuristic sagas. It will also interest audiences curious about stories dealing with resources, ecology, power, and individual destinies in a monumental setting.
Dune
Film | 2021
On France 2 on November 30, 2025, at 9:10 p.m.
Drama, Science fiction | Running time: 2 hours 36 minutes
By Denis Villeneuve | Starring Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac
Nationality: United States, Canada
This broadcast on France 2 is an opportunity to discover or revisit a film that combines political, cultural, and environmental issues in a spectacular setting.
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