The Unexpected Collaboration That Shaped Dune 2

Dune: Part 2 has established an intriguing link to another Warner Brothers project, as the director personally reached out to a showrunner from an immensely successful series for assistance in the script.

The 2021 release of Dune proved to be a box-office triumph, raking in $402 million. Not only did the film achieve financial success, but it also garnered widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences alike. The movie received 10 Academy Award nominations and secured 6 wins. The highly anticipated sequel will continue to follow the journey of Paul, portrayed by Timothee Chalamet, as he endeavors to restore peace to Arrakis and seek vengeance for his father's demise. Denis Villeneuve and Jon Spaihts will reunite to co-write the sequel, despite the first film's triumph. However, the director remains dedicated to enlisting additional talent to further enhance the script.

Craig Mazin, the co-showrunner of HBO's The Last of Us, revealed in an interview with Josh Horowitz on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast that Denis Villeneuve, who is also directing Dune: Part 2, approached him for assistance with the script. Despite primarily focusing on television projects, Mazin expressed his willingness to collaborate with certain directors whom he admires and considers brilliant. He further emphasized his enthusiasm to work with Villeneuve by stating that he would dedicate three to four weeks, or even a month, to contribute to the project.

Mazin's contribution to the script will now be recognized with a writer's credit, a recognition he would not have received before 2022. The Writer's Guild of America made an announcement in January 2022, stating that writers' names would be included in the end credits and industry databases for their work on theatrical features, even if they did not receive an official writing credit. Mazin expressed his appreciation for this change, stating that previously, writers were not even allowed to acknowledge their involvement. He referred to the additional literary material credit as a positive development.

It is encouraging to witness talented writers like Mazin finally receiving acknowledgement for their contributions to film scripts. In addition to Villeneuve, other prominent directors, such as Steven Spielberg, have also expressed their admiration for The Last of Us, with Spielberg sending a note expressing his reaction to one of the episodes. The writing for both Dune and The Last of Us series has been exceptional, thus generating high expectations for Dune: Part 2, which will have the collaborative efforts of both creative teams.

Dune: Part 2 releases in theaters November 3rd, 2023

Source: Happy Sad Confused podcast