Dune may be getting a reboot on the big screen, but before fans go to enjoy the brand new take on this classic science fiction franchise, there's still a lot more to learn about the origins of this film series and some of the behind the scenes details surrounding the original version.

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The newest trailer for the 2020 iteration of the classic franchise recently released and showcased the direction that the film will be taken in. However, to learn more about the reboot it's important to look at the original movie and continue to learn more about an incredibly crucial part of cinematic history.

Film Battle Since 1971

Dune Book Cover

The original novel written by Frank Herbert and was published in 1965. At the time it would have been deemed impossible to be able to adapt such a tale to the big screen. However, a number of technological advancements changed that.

In 1971 interest started picking up on potentially bringing the novel to the big screen. It would eventually take the Star Wars saga to show what was really possible, meaning that the genesis of a cinematic version was actually 13 years in the making.

Ridley Scott Adaptation

Original Blade Runner

Originally Ridley Scott was incredibly passionate about developing this film. Scott was fascinated by the science fiction genre and felt that this could be a huge breakthrough in cinema history from both a storytelling and technical standpoint.

However, due to tragedy within his family, he pulled out of the project and instead focused on Blade Runner which would end up releasing two years before. Interestingly Denis Villeneuve directed Blade Runner 2049 and will be tackling the latest adaptation of Dune. 

Opportunity In A Galaxy Far Far Away

Return of the Jedi

David Lynch would be the man to take over from Scott and started working on his version of the script. However, during this time period another projected started to peak his interest. It was difficult to deny the impact that Star Wars had on popular culture.

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Return of the Jedi was set to release in 1983 and George Lucas spoke to Lynch about possibly directing. Lynch eventually passed suggesting that it was a Lucas project, while he was trying to develop something he could ironically put his own name to.

MacLachlan's Debut

Original Dune

Dune did end up being quite an important part of the Hollywood story and one reason for that was that is featured a young Kyle MacLachlan in his cinematic debut. This was a huge break for the star and one that shaped the future of the big and small screen.

MacLachlan's work impressed David Lynch so much that he eventually went on to create Twin Peaks with the actor, a show that redefined how audiences viewed TV. Kyle MacLachlan would also dip back into science fiction years later with appearances in shows like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D

Alan Smithee And Judas Booth

Original Dune Fight

David Lynch's adaptation of the book certainly met a range of critical opinions. Lynch was perhaps the harshest critic of the production though, suggesting that the final version was largely affected by studio interference and a lack of creative control.

Much like directors before and after him Lynch had his name changed on the credits of the film to Alan Smithee, a name used to create distance between a creator and their work. On later editions of the film his writer's credit was also changed to Judas Booth.

The Box Office

Original Dune

One thing that Dune is incredibly famous for is becoming one of the biggest flops of the 80s. Despite its $45 million budget, the backdrop of a successful novel, its huge marketing push and amazing visuals the movie performed terribly.

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Its box office came in at around $37 million, far below most predictions for the project. Audiences responded poorly to the film at the time although it has since become a cult classic that has inspired the 2020 reboot.

The Extended TV Edition

Original Dune

With such a long script, so much material to work with and so many extra hours of footage that Lynch had shot that was never used in the original theatrical cut, Universal Pictures decided to put out a new version of the film.

Cast onto TV screens across the country with later international releases in some areas, the two part extended cut was created. This was released on DVD as well and was said to be the ultimate version of the movie. Lynch also disowned this edition of the film.

Dual Awards

Original Dune

Awards season was a particularly harsh moment for Dune. Despite the many breakthroughs it had and the long term impact on cinema, at the time it was regarded as far from groundbreaking and at best an absolute mess.

It was nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Sound category, while also becoming nominated for a Sinker's Bad Movie Award, demonstrating the incredibly mixed reception that Dune had received.

Toy Sales

Original Dune

Toy sales are a great indicator of how a movie is performing. It's no secret that a huge part of the success of Star Wars was judged on how well the toys were selling, with that particular moment in film history creating a phenomenon.

There was no such surprising story for Dune though. Toy sales plummeted so much so that the distributors stopped making figures for the film, without even releasing toys for some of the main characters in the franchise.

Trailer Lineup

Sand monster Dune 2020

2020 marks the latest effort to bring Dune to the big screen and there's plenty of reasons to be excited about it. The recent trailer promises an epic science fiction experience, with a much larger scope than the original film.

However, despite the updated visuals, new technology and revised script there are many shots from the trailer that line up directly with the original movie. In fact, it's possible to parallel the new trailer with shots from the original film, showcasing just how dedicated the new crew are to recreating the cult classic.

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