Dune is a new sci-fi movie remake that is praying for blockbuster success.
It's based on a 1965 novel written by Frank Herbert about Prince Paul Atreides (played by Timothée Chalamet), whose family is appointed stewardship of the desert planet of Arrakis, which is populated by giant worms that produce the coveted resource of melange or "the spice" that has life-extending capabilities.
Because of this, a clash between dissenting empires results in betrayal and major power struggles. Sounds weird and promising enough on its own merit, right?
Or so you would think.
The original Dune directed by David Lynch was released in 1984 and starred the then-popular singer/songwriter and former frontman for The Police, Sting. Also in the cast was a relatively unknown Kyle MacLachlan and several British stars who had yet to make names for themselves in the United States, like Patrick Stewart.
Unfortunately, Sting alone wasn't enough to carry the film and it was considered a box office disappointment on a $40 million budget.
Even with this famous outfit.
In all deference to the musician, Dune's box office performance still must've stung.
The remake is hell-bent on avoiding another failure by throwing every Hollywood name at it to make sure this Dune doesn't fizzle.
The film adaptation is directed by Denis Villeneuve–who also helmed Blade Runner 2049 (2017) and Arrival (2016)–and so far boasts an all-star lineup.
Are Timothée Chalamet (Call Me By Your Name) and Zendaya (The Greatest Showman/Spiderman: Homecoming) sufficient enough casting power to entice moviegoers?
Apparently not.
The studio is not taking any chances. Why not throw in the Game of Thrones/Aquaman contingent, Jason Momoa? That should do it, right?
Wrong again.
On Tuesday, David Dastmalchian from Ant-man and the Wasp was recently confirmed to star in the film.
EXCLUSIVE: Legendary’s 'Dune’ film adds ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’ actor David Dastmalchian https://t.co/z9vhyHrAre https://t.co/qJf5nW6Cqv— Deadline Hollywood (@Deadline Hollywood) 1550618378.0
With weekly announcements of additional celebrities, the movie has become an internet joke with its kitchen-sink casting.
Now that everyone and their mother will star in Dune, who's next?
You, yes you reading this, have also been cast in the movie #Dune— Elizabeth L. Garcia (@Elizabeth L. Garcia) 1550678458.0
EXCLUSIVE: Legendary's 'Dune' adds you, the viewer, to the star studded cast.— It'sIsaiah! (@It'sIsaiah!) 1550642407.0
OMG, you too??
I also got cast in DUNE. https://t.co/zaYochjT9d— Steven Santos (@Steven Santos) 1550088438.0
due to personal reasons, I will be cast in Denis Villeneuve's Dune.— Dogtoothpaste (@Dogtoothpaste) 1550652684.0
@stevensantos Look forward to seeing you on set. https://t.co/VeB9BgpP3Q— SouthernEvents (@SouthernEvents) 1550714586.0
You get a role. You get a role. Everybody gets a role!
I’m delighted to announce that I’ll also be joining the cast of Dune. Playing the sandworm has always been a lifeti… https://t.co/pohUVMOoB1— Natalie Morales (@Natalie Morales) 1550589332.0
Now that I can finally share, thrilled to announce that I have been cast for the role of "car mechanic #2" in #Dune… https://t.co/qOteATHuDH— michael (@michael) 1550275593.0
excited to announce I've been cast in Dune as a new character, the wonderful space pig— 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘺𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 (@𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘺𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥) 1550247698.0
i am happy to announce that i've been cast in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune adaptation - i will be playing Duncan Idaho's left knee— AnnieEerie (@AnnieEerie) 1550179056.0
Anything is possible.
@hobbybutchinson Proud to announce that my grandmother's deceased cat has joined the cast of Dune.— T-Zach (@T-Zach) 1550634140.0
Tag yourself. I’m a guild navigator. https://t.co/dChG8aeQeY— Attentive Dragon (@Attentive Dragon) 1550257627.0
For this political drama, it's not ridiculous at all.
Bernie Sanders joining the cast of DUNE— Michael Coates (@Michael Coates) 1550633086.0
@coatesbmichael As the Shadout Mapes. https://t.co/lMWuNqoVSC— Mike Mahoney (@Mike Mahoney) 1550691504.0
Missed the memo? Just show up because your chances are good.
I am going to assume I have been cast in the DUNE movie, even though I have not read it in an official announcement… https://t.co/NG2G2GQ92i— Kyle Warner (@Kyle Warner) 1550647356.0
Isn't it what we all wanted?
At this point I'm starting to worry that I'm also going to be joining the cast of Dune.— Angelo 🎮⚖️ Alcid (@Angelo 🎮⚖️ Alcid) 1550600127.0
People acting all cuckoo up in here.
At this point if you're not in the Dune cast, why are you even acting— Have Ya Seen't It? (@Have Ya Seen't It?) 1550680792.0
Dune just got all meta.
I’d like to announce that I’m making a joke about me being cast in Dune— Nimbus Cloud Heckler (@Nimbus Cloud Heckler) 1550199583.0
The confirmed lineup of actors so far includes David Dastmalchian, Timothée Chalamet, Dave Bautista, Charlotte Rampling, Rebecca Ferguson, Stellan Skarsgard and Javier Bardem and those "in talks" include Zendaya, Jason Momoa, Josh Brolin and Oscar Issac, according to Comic Book.
With a release date set for November 20, 2020, there's still plenty of time to announce more actors, civilians, animals, your veterinarian and your favorite underwater basket-weaving teacher from two years ago. Because everything is within the realm of possibility in Dune 2.0.
See you on set!
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