Sneak Peek into Dune 2's Exquisite Sand Dune Selection Process Unveiled by the Director

Summary

Director Denis Villeneuve and his team faced a challenging search for the right sand for Dune: Part Two, spending weeks casting sand dunes in the desert.

The original film received acclaim for its visually impressive production design, particularly its sand color and texture, which had to remain consistent across various shooting locations. In Dune: Part Two, the team is faced with the challenge of discovering new desert settings in Abu Dhabi that match the essence of the first film.

Dune: Part Two director Denis Villeneuve discusses the challenging hunt for the ideal type of sand for the sequel. Following the delay of its release to 2024, Villeneuve delves into the ongoing story of Paul Atreides (played by Timothée Chalamet) as he allies with the Fremen people to seek vengeance against House Harkonnen on the desolate planet of Arrakis. The first installment of this adaptation, released in 2021, received critical acclaim for its stunning portrayal of the treacherous desert environment, earning Academy Awards for its exceptional production design by Patrice Vermette and breathtaking cinematography by Greig Fraser.

In a recent interview with Empire following the postponement of Dune 2's release date, the director reveals the unexpectedly arduous quest for the perfect sand for the sequel. Before filming commenced, Villeneuve, Vermette, and Fraser dedicated a significant amount of time exploring the desert in search of sand dunes with the optimal shape. Ultimately, their sand-seeking endeavor mirrored the well-known sentiments expressed by Anakin Skywalker, as Villeneuve states, "It's coarse and rough and irritating and it gets everywhere." Read Villeneuve's account below:

How Dune 2's Settings Differ From The First Film

We needed a particular shaped dune for my mise-en-scène, while Greig Fraser required the same shape to be illuminated in a specific light. Consequently, Patrice dedicated countless weeks to casting sand dunes in the desert! It was a crazy sight... and even to this day, I discover traces of sand in my shoes every morning. We have definitely been traumatised by sand.

The stunning depiction of Arrakis in the first part of Villeneuve's Dune received widespread acclaim. Its exterior sequences were beautifully captured on location, with the mesmerizing desert landscapes of Wadi Rum in Jordan and the Liwa Oasis in Abu Dhabi being chosen as the backdrop for the Arrakis scenes. To ensure visual consistency across the various shooting locations, Vermette diligently carried bottles of sand, meticulously matching its color and texture. This meticulous attention to detail contributed to the awe-inspiring production design of Dune and ultimately led to Vermette's well-deserved Academy Award win.

Villeneuve, Vermette, and Fraser had to start from scratch due to the sequel's avoidance of repeating any locations. Thus, the team had to search various deserts worldwide to find fresh settings that could serve as Arrakis, while still remaining true to the initial film. Ultimately, the sequel's scenes on Arrakis, including Paul riding a sandworm and assembling an army, were shot in various locations throughout Abu Dhabi. As a grand war film, Dune: Part Two also had to introduce new environments as it diverges significantly from its more reflective predecessor.