David Lynch not interested in new Dune adaptation

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Back in 1984, director David Lynch took on Frank Herbert's classic novel, DUNE. The film was considered a box office disappointment, grossing $30.9 million on a $40 million budget, and it wasn't received well by critics who took aim at its lack of faith to the source material, the pacing, direction and editing. David Lynch, upon the film's release, disowned the project, saying pressure from the producers stifled his artistic vision. Despite the troubles faced by DUNE, the film eventually gained cult status and Herbert's work is being attacked again, this time by visionary director Denis Villeneuve. The new DUNE is set for release in December but don't expect David Lynch to line up and buy a ticket.

During a recent interview with "The Hollywood Reporter", Lynch expressed zero interest in seeing the new DUNE but he certainly has his reasons for not wanting to revisit any version of it:

"Because it was a heartache for me. It was a failure and I didn’t have final cut. I’ve told this story a billion times. It’s not the film I wanted to make. I like certain parts of it very much — but it was a total failure for me."

I don't blame Lynch for not wanting to check it out. That's not to say he doesn't respect Villeneuve as a filmmaker but, Lynch's experience on DUNE didn't seem to be a pleasant one, especially once they entered post-production. At least three versions have been released worldwid of the film and in some cuts, Lynch's name is replaced in the credits with the name Alan Smithee, a pseudonym used by directors who wish not to be associated with a film for which they would normally be credited. Lynch's feelings about the film haven't changed as time has passed. Back in 2013, the director shared similar sentiments about the project that echo his recent comments to "The Hollywood Reporter."

"I started selling out on Dune. Looking back, it's no one's fault but my own. I probably shouldn't have done that picture, but I saw tons and tons of possibilities for things I loved, and this was the structure to do them in. There was so much room to create a world. But I got strong indications from Raffaella and Dino De Laurentiis of what kind of film they expected, and I knew I didn't have final cut."

Denis Villeneuve’s upcoming adaptation of the source material could very well be one of the most anticipated films of the year. On top of having one of the most visionary directors today, the film has a sprawling cast that includes Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Jason Momoa, Josh Brolin's, Javier Bardem, Dave Bautista & Oscar Isaac. Villeneuve has big plans for DUNE, including telling the story across more than one film. Essentially, he's getting to do what Lynch couldn't do with his version.

Do YOU think Lynch should be as hard as he is on his version of DUNE? Are YOU looking forward to the new adaptation? DUNE hits screens on December 18, 2020.