Dune 2 director reveals surprising timeline shift from books

Denis Villeneuve has revealed he’s deviating from the timeline laid out in Frank Herbert’s novels. Saying it made “sense” to him to finish Paul’s story arc “with Dune Messiah, the second book.”

Dune was a blockbuster success when it was released in 2021. Based on Frank Herbert’s well-loved fantasy series, the first film told the story of Paul Atreides. Following the young man from his highs as the noble heir to his house, to his lows, stranded on the planet Arrakis.

Director Denis Villeneuve was widely praised for his adaptation. Fans were especially happy with how faithful he managed to remain to the source material, despite its hefty length.

“When I wrote the adaptation, I made sure to try to make sure that I was closer to Frank Herbert’s initial intentions.” He explained. However, with Dune: Part Two, Villeneuve has chosen to deviate from the books slightly.

Unlike Herbert’s novels, Dune: Part Two will pick up right after the ending of the first film. Eliminating the two-year time jump that occurs in the books.

“It would make sense to me to finish Paul Atreides’ arc with ‘Dune Messiah,’ the second book, and make a trilogy.” Villeneuve explained in a recent interview with Reuters.

The director also explained that making a trilogy was his “first thought” when adapting the books. While Part Two is deviating from Herbert’s timeline, the director also said there was a “strong chance” the story would return to Arakkis in the final film.

Even with the timeline deviations, Villeneuve’s original take on the second installment in the series is set to be a visual treat.

Speaking about what else viewers should expect come March, he reiterated the team had done all they could to make the film “a complete cinematic experience.” Encouraging people to try see it in theaters.

“Part two, like part one, is a love letter to the big screen experience,” he said.

Dune: Part Two arrives in cinemas on March 1.